Why Older NJ Homes Need an Oil Tank Sweep?
Many charming, historic homes in New Jersey come with unique architectural details—and sometimes, hidden underground surprises. Before the 1980s, underground oil tanks were commonly used for home heating. Over time, many were abandoned, forgotten, or replaced with gas systems. Unfortunately, these buried tanks can leak, causing environmental damage and unexpected financial headaches.
This is why an oil tank sweep is essential for anyone buying or owning an older NJ home.
1. Old Heating Systems – Hidden Tanks
Homes built before the mid-1980s often relied on underground oil storage. When homeowners switched to natural gas or electric heating, the old tanks were frequently left in the ground. Without a proper sweep, you might never know a tank is there—until it leaks and contaminates your property.
2. Corrosion and Leaks Over Time
Steel tanks buried underground are exposed to moisture and soil acids, causing them to corrode and develop leaks over time. Even small leaks can release hundreds of gallons of heating oil into the soil, creating serious environmental and health risks that are expensive to clean up.
3. Costly Soil Remediation
Oil-contaminated soil requires specialized environmental cleanup. Remediation can easily cost $10,000–$50,000 or more, depending on the extent of the damage. A quick, professional oil tank sweep using industrial metal detectors helps detect potential issues early—before they turn into massive expenses.
4. Real Estate and Legal Liability
If you buy a home with an undisclosed oil tank, you become legally responsible for its cleanup, even if you didn’t install it. A hidden tank can delay closings, reduce property value, or even break a sale. This is why NJ buyers and real estate agents strongly recommend oil tank sweeps.
5. Environmental Protection
Leaking oil tanks can pollute groundwater and harm surrounding ecosystems. With New Jersey’s dense neighborhoods, one property’s leak can easily impact others. Metal detector-based tank sweeps help ensure environmental safety.
6. Peace of Mind for Homeowners
A professional oil tank sweep provides peace of mind that your property is free from underground hazards. Oil Tank Scan NJ LLC uses advanced metal detection equipment to locate buried tanks safely and accurately.
Conclusion
Owning or buying an older home in New Jersey should be exciting—not stressful. Scheduling an oil tank sweep is a simple, affordable step to protect your property and your investment.
