Oil Tank Sweeps – 10/10 Importance
In New Jersey, many homes—especially those built before the 1980s—once relied on underground oil tanks for heating. While most of these tanks are no longer in use, they may still be buried on the property, forgotten over time. That’s where an oil tank sweep becomes critical. At Honest Home Inspections NJ, we stress the importance of oil tank sweep in NJ because the risks of ignoring a buried tank can be serious—both environmentally and financially.
What Is an Oil Tank Sweep?
An oil tank sweep is a non-invasive scan of your property using specialized equipment to detect the presence of a buried tank. It’s especially important for buyers of older homes or sellers who want to avoid last-minute surprises.
Why It Matters
- Environmental Risk: Underground oil tanks can corrode and leak over time, contaminating the soil and groundwater. Cleanup costs can run into the tens of thousands of dollars and may involve the NJ Department of Environmental Protection.
- Real Estate Liability: If a buried tank is discovered after purchase, the new owner may become responsible for costly removal or remediation—even if they didn’t install it.
- Insurance and Mortgage Issues: Many lenders and insurers require verification that no underground tanks exist or have been safely removed. A sweep helps protect your investment and peace of mind.
- Disclosure Laws: Sellers in New Jersey must disclose known underground tanks. Performing a sweep helps you stay compliant and avoid future legal headaches.
The EPA has estimated over 100,000 unknown or undiscovered Under Ground Storage Tanks located in New Jersey alone. More than half of these tanks are damaged, leaking, and may require environmental cleanup.
When Should You Get One?
- Buying or selling a home built before 1985
- Purchasing a home with no clear heating history
- If there’s evidence of an old fill pipe, vent pipe, or oil lines.
How is it done?
An oil tank sweep is done using magnetometer equipment which involves scanning a property with a device that detects magnetic fields from steel and iron objects underground. The magnetometer identifies subsurface anomalies that match the size and depth typically associated with underground storage tanks (USTs). This industry-standard method allows for quick and accurate detection and marking of potential tanks at a reduced cost compared to ground penetrating radar (GPR) or excavation.
Protect Your Investment
At Honest Home Inspections NJ, we partner with certified professionals to conduct thorough oil tank sweeps as part of our commitment to protecting homeowners. Don’t leave it to chance—know what’s under your yard.
Schedule your inspection today and buy or sell with confidence.
For more information on Underground Storage Tanks (UST) in NJ visit HERE.
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