New Jersey home inspectors should make sure their clients understand the problems associated with underground oil tanks. Home inspectors in NJ should recommend that their clients have a reputable company perform an oil tank sweep if there is little knowledge about the oil tank history at the home.
It is important to check for underground oil tanks on a home you are buying for several reasons. First and foremost, an underground oil tank can pose a significant risk to the environment if it is leaking. Oil can seep into the soil and contaminate the groundwater, which can be harmful to plants, animals, and humans. This can also have a negative impact on the value of the property.
In addition to the environmental risks, underground oil tanks can also be a financial liability for homeowners. If a leak is discovered, the homeowner may be responsible for the cost of cleaning up the contamination and replacing the tank. This can be a significant expense, and it is important to be aware of this potential cost before purchasing a home.
There are several ways for NJ home inspectors to check for underground oil tanks on a property. One way is to look for any visible signs of an oil tank, such as fill pipes or vent pipes. These may be located near the foundation of the house or in the yard. It is also a good idea to review the property’s history and see if there are any records of an underground oil tank being installed.
Most home inspectors in NJ and oil tank companies will use a magnetic locator in their search for below ground oil tanks. It works by detecting the presence of ferromagnetic materials, such as steel, which are commonly used in the construction of oil tanks.
To use a magnetic locator, the operator will hold the device above the ground and move it in a systematic pattern, covering the entire area where an oil tank may be located. As the device passes over a ferromagnetic material (material that has a strong magnetic pull such as iron or steel), it will produce a signal indicating the presence of the material.
While a magnetic locator can be an effective tool for detecting the presence of underground oil tanks, it is important to note that it is not foolproof. The device may not detect tanks made of non-ferromagnetic materials, such as fiberglass or plastic, or tanks that are buried at a depth that is too deep for the device to detect.
In addition, a magnetic locator may produce false positives if it detects other ferromagnetic materials that are not related to an oil tank, such as underground utilities or metal debris. It is important to use a magnetic locator in combination with other methods, such as visual inspection and ground-penetrating radar, to confirm the presence of an underground oil tank.
Overall, a magnetic locator can be a useful tool for detecting the presence of underground oil tanks, but it is important to use it in conjunction with other methods and to be aware of its limitations.
Another way to check for an underground oil tank is to use a ground-penetrating radar. This is a specialized tool that uses radar waves to create a detailed map of what is beneath the ground’s surface. A ground-penetrating radar can detect the presence of an underground oil tank and can provide a rough estimate of its size and location.
If an underground oil tank is located on the property, it is important to determine if it is still in use or if it has been decommissioned. If the tank is in use, it is important to have it inspected to ensure that it is in good condition and does not pose a risk of leakage. If the tank is no longer in use, it should be decommissioned and removed in accordance with local regulations.
If an underground oil tank is leaking, it can cause significant environmental damage. Oil can seep into the soil and contaminate the groundwater, which can have negative impacts on plants, animals, and humans. In addition, an oil leak can also affect the value of the property. It is important to address any issues with an underground oil tank as soon as they are discovered to minimize the potential for environmental damage and financial liability.
The life expectancy of an underground oil tank depends on several factors, including the type of material it is made of, the quality of the installation, and the environment in which it is located.
Steel tanks are the most common type of underground oil tanks, and they typically have a lifespan of 20-30 years. However, this can vary depending on the quality of the steel and the conditions in which the tank is located. For example, a tank that is installed in an area with high moisture levels or that is exposed to corrosive substances may have a shorter lifespan.
Fiberglass tanks are another type of underground oil tank, and they generally have a longer lifespan than steel tanks. Fiberglass tanks are resistant to corrosion and are not affected by soil acids or alkalis, which can extend their lifespan. However, fiberglass tanks can be more prone to cracking and may have a shorter lifespan if they are not installed properly.
Plastic tanks are another option for underground oil storage, and they generally have a longer lifespan than steel or fiberglass tanks. Plastic tanks are resistant to corrosion and are not affected by soil acids or alkalis, which can extend their lifespan. However, plastic tanks may be more prone to punctures and may have a shorter lifespan if they are not installed properly.
In addition to the type of material, the quality of the installation is also an important factor in the life expectancy of an underground oil tank. A tank that is not properly installed or that is not properly maintained may have a shorter lifespan. It is important to follow proper installation and maintenance guidelines to ensure that the tank is in good working order and has a longer lifespan.
New Jersey home inspectors should educate their clients about the potential issues associated with having a below ground oil tank on a property that they are buying. if there is no discernable history about oil tanks on the property, home inspectors in NJ should recommend that their clients have an oil tank location performed by a reputable oil tank location company.