If you are looking to buy an older home, watch for a buried oil tank. These were typically installed when the home was built and were used as a fuel source for a furnace or boiler. Modern HVAC systems have moved away from this type of fuel source and either run on electricity or natural gas. Having one on your property can lead to a costly repair, though!
Dangers of having a buried oil tank
Many of these old buried oil tanks are no longer in use. The homeowner may have had the tank pumped previously and left it empty, or there may still be oil inside. The tanks were typically made of steel, which rusts and decays over time. Since these tanks are often buried, the foundation may fail if/when the tank caves in. If there is still oil inside, some jurisdictions will require you to have the site cleaned, which can be very expensive! Certain counties may have their own rules while others may fall back to the FDEP rules.
What should you do if your home has one?
If you are buying a home with one, you typically have two options. You can have the tank removed(500-1000 gallons). In some jurisdictions, this may be the only option. In others, homeowners can also have the old oil removed and the tank filled with dirt/sand. Filling it with sand will prevent the soil around the home from collapsing if the tank fails.
What do these tanks look like?
Because it’s buried, it can be difficult to spot. The only part that sticks out of the ground are the vent and fill pipes. The vent pipe is typically smaller and has a cap. The fill pipe will be the larger of the two and may or may not have a cover that can be opened by hand. In Florida, these are typically found near the foundation (within 6 feet).
If you are concerned that your home you are buying may have one feel free to give our office a call at 407-633-1661 or book an inspection online.