The NJDEP has mandated that all residential homes and commercial buildings must get their oil tanks inspected every three years to ensure they are in compliance with local codes. There are several different types of inspections depending on the size and condition of the tank, but all of them need to be done properly to avoid costly fines or worse. If you own an NJ home or business, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve and get your tank checked now. Read on to find out more about NJ’s oil tank sweep program and how to protect yourself.
What is an Oil Tank Sweep?
An oil tank sweep is an essential task for any homeowner in New Jersey. It involves using advanced scanning techniques to locate and identify any buried oil tanks on a property. The purpose of this is to protect the safety, health, and financial security of the property owner or potential buyer.
Having an oil tank sweep conducted is mandatory if you’re in the process of buying or selling a home in NJ. This requirement from the state helps to ensure that all potential risks are identified and addressed.
For homeowners in the process of selling their house, an oil tank sweep can be beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it’s often required by banks before the loan is approved. Secondly, the process of selling a home can take time and if an oil tank leak is discovered after the sale, then the owner will be responsible for paying for the cleanup of any affected properties.
At Mikula Contracting, Inc., we have over 70 years of experience conducting oil tank sweeps. Our team of professionals uses ground penetrating radar to accurately locate and identify any hidden oil tanks on the property. We also offer a free quote to determine exactly what your oil tank sweep will cost.
By having an oil tank sweep conducted on your property, you’ll be able to stay protected and avoid the risks of an old, decaying oil tank. Don’t miss out – contact us now for your oil tank sweep!
What Does an Oil Tank Sweep Include?
An oil tank sweep is an important step when buying or selling a home in New Jersey. It involves locating and identifying any buried oil tanks on the property. This is necessary because many houses in New Jersey used to use home heating oil. The oil was stored in tanks, and these tanks may be corroded and leaking, potentially contaminating the environment.
Fortunately, there are certified companies that can perform an oil tank sweep for you. This includes using a metal detector to detect any metal buried on the property, and also using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to scan for tanks. A visual evaluation will also be performed to look for clues of prior oil heat.
Before hiring a company, it’s important to make sure they have verification to find and remove oil tanks. All American Environmental is one such company with over 20 years of experience in oil tank checks, having removed more than 12,000 tanks.
You can also look for signs or clues that you may have an oil tank on your property. For instance, any house or office building built before 1975 may have a buried oil tank. You might also see an aboveground tank for heating oil, pipes sticking up in your yard by the driveway, or extra lines going into your basement that don’t lead anywhere.
Overall, an oil tank sweep is critical to ensure the safety and environmental protection of your property. Make sure you hire an experienced and certified company to help you with this process.
Why Choose an Oil Tank Sweep in NJ?
Why Choose an Oil Tank Sweep in NJ?
When buying or selling a home in New Jersey, it is required to perform an oil tank sweep. This is a process of locating underground oil tanks on the property. If the tank is not leaking, up to $1,200 can be allocated to the removal and closure of the tank, and up to $3,000 is available for those replacing non-leaking tanks.
Oil heat was popular in the Northeastern United States from the 1930s to the mid-1980s, so chances are that the house you are looking to purchase had used oil heat in the past. Therefore, performing a tank sweep is important for avoiding any future environmental liabilities. Without a tank sweep, buyers may be unaware of potential costs associated with the tank, such as tank removal, soil testing, and remediation (if required).
Tank sweeps are often part of the standard home inspection process. However, they may be missed due to the cursory visual inspections of the HVAC system, soffits, chimneys, foundation, plumbing, sidewalks, decks, and swimming pools. Therefore, it is important to prioritize the environmental aspect of purchasing a home.
With 20 years of experience in oil tank sweeps, Curren estimates that about 75% of these inspections find evidence of prior oil heat. The buyer typically pays for the tank sweep as a part of due diligence. Most property owners do not perform tank sweeps themselves since they do not want to find an oil tank.
By investing in an oil tank sweep in New Jersey, buyers can protect themselves from unexpected costs down the line. This investment can save thousands of dollars in the long run and give peace of mind to both the buyer and the seller.