Over time, rust, water and debris will settle into a thick sludge in oil tanks. If left unchecked, the sludge could seep into groundwater and cause contamination that may require costly remediation services or violate environmental laws. Aboveground tanks are usually the most affordable to remove, as they do not need excavation or dismantling before removal. However, homeowners should know a few things before scheduling an aboveground tank removal.
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Time
Unlike underground tanks, aboveground oil tanks don’t need to be unearthed before they can be removed. That saves homeowners time and money. However, the tank must be cleaned and decommissioned before being hauled away for disposal or recycling. An aboveground tank removal Putnam County professional may handle these services. Old leaking tanks can contaminate soil and groundwater, leading to expensive cleanup and remediation costs. That’s why it’s best to act as soon as you notice a problem with your oil tank. Getting your underground tank removed is also beneficial for potential future home buyers. Homes with underground tanks can be difficult to sell since buyers often worry about liability issues if the tank leaks. Plus, mortgage and insurance companies often require the tank to be removed before they approve a loan or policy.
Costs
As with most home improvement projects, the oil tank removal cost can vary depending on several factors. The size of the tank, whether it needs to be abandoned due to leakage, and how simple or challenging it is to reach will all impact the final cost. Underground tanks typically cost more to remove than aboveground tanks because of the excavation and digging involved. It is especially true if the tank is large and requires a special truck to haul it away. Also, if a leaking old tank is left in place, it can contaminate nearby soil and water sources. It can lead to expensive remediation services and potential health hazards. It is best to resolve the issue as soon as possible to avoid any further damage. It is another reason that homeowners should have a leaking oil tank removed or abandoned before selling their house. Moreover, mortgage and insurance companies may require removing an old oil tank before they will lend money or insure a property.
Safety
Attempting to remove an underground oil tank without proper training and licensing can result in expensive repairs to your home, loss of heating and a contaminated environment. Testing and sampling may be required if the leaking oil is close to drinking water supplies, wetlands or ponds. There are many stories of unlicensed companies hooking property owners with a low initial quote and then piling on costs as the work progresses. Researching and comparing quotes before hiring a company for tank removal is important. Before any excavation activities begin, state law requires a utility markout to be performed. The company serving the tank removal should be able to provide you with a mark-out confirmation number. This service is provided for free by most states, although some counties charge for it. This step is extremely important to ensure no other underground utilities are located and damaged during removal.
Environment
Before municipalities installed natural gas lines, many homes used oil to heat their houses. The tanks were often located underground due to their size, unsightliness and risks of theft and vandalism. However, buried tanks can cause soil contamination, which significantly negatively affects the environment. Over time, a leaking oil tank will wear out and allow the oil inside to contaminate the soil around it. It can severely affect the ecosystem and present environmental risks to nearby residents. In addition, the presence of a leaking AST can have negative financial consequences on a home. Homeowners should look for signs of a leaking AST, such as higher energy bills, an oily sheen in water, a strong petroleum odor inside the house or yard, or dying grass or vegetation. If you see any of these, contact a professional for removal. An experienced company can decommission and remove an underground oil tank quickly and effectively.
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