What to Expect for Oil Tank Sweeps

Up until the 1980s, oil tanks used to be made of bare steel; however, this would corrode over time.

Once the steel corroded, all of the oil and chemicals inside would seep into the ground and the water supplies. That’s why many people get oil tank sweeps today.

But what is an oil tank sweep, and what should you expect? Keep reading to find out!

What is an Oil Tank Sweep?

An oil tank sweep is part of your home inspection, but it’s focused on one thing. They’ll try to find an undisclosed oil tank buried in your yard.

These are becoming very common during the selling or buying process because they’re concerned about the tank leaking. In fact, if you buy a home without finding out if there is an oil tank underneath, you could be held liable if it ever does leak out.

What Happens During an Oil Tank Sweep?

First, you’ll need to hire a company to do a sweep. When they come out, they’ll locate the tank, test it, and then remove it if necessary.

They’ll use equipment that is worth thousands of dollars to make sure that the removal goes smoothly. You should have certified technicians remove it so that nothing inside leaks out.

What Do They Find?

When they do an oil sweep, they’ll try to find any large metal objects underground on your property. They may find an oil tank, but they could also find septic tanks, buried metal objects, or a metal cesspool.

They’ll measure the dimensions of the object they buried, and they will determine if the object is actually an oil tank before they dig it up. They may even probe the ground to test the tank.

They will also take samples of the soil to make sure nothing had leaked from the tank.

How Do You Find a Good Oil Sweeper?

If you want to find a good home inspection company, like All Jersey Home Inspection, there are a few things you should look for.

First, you should read reviews to see if the technicians offer quality tank sweeps. For example, how long did they perform the sweep? It can take some time, but it also means they’re doing a thorough job.

You should also ask how long they’ve been in business. New companies might still do a good job, but they may not have enough experience to do a thorough job.