Back in the day, it was common to have an oil tank buried on residential property. It was used to heat the home. Over time, they found out that using electricity is much cheaper to heat a house the way we do now.
When you consider repairs to the buried oil tank, oil leaks into the soil, and other problems, it is a good thing that we switched to modern technology. But you may find yourself stuck with a buried oil tank on your property. It’s a sensible question to ask yourself, can I remove my own oil tank?
Removing the oil tank yourself is a big undertaking. So let’s take a further look at what oil tank removal would require.
What You Need to Know About Oil Tank Removal
If it’s time to sell your home and the oil tank in your backyard is a huge setback, you may be considering, can I remove my own oil tank? What are some of the factors that go into oil tank removal?
What Kind of Oil Tank Is It?
First, you need to determine what kind of oil tank is on your property. There are a few types of oil tanks to consider.
- Storage Tanks: Oil storage tanks are usually inside and above ground. They can be in the basement, garage, or storage room. Often, they are used to store fuel inside the building. But they are also a safety hazard and are rarely in residential homes.
- Fuel Oil Tanks: The oil tanks used at gas stations can be found underground on residential property. Along with the oil tanks are supply pipes that transport the oil to the source needed.
- Heating Oil Tanks: As mentioned above, these are the large tanks filled with oil for heating your home in the past. Some of these dormant oil tanks can have cracks, rust, and buildup.
Regardless of the kind of oil tank, consider some of these other factors that will play into knowing the answer: Can I remove my own oil tank?
- Is the oil tank full?
- Are there oil tank leaks?
- Is the soil contaminated?
- How will you cleanse the soil?
- How will you fill the hole?
- How will you cut the tank into pieces?
- Is the oil tank rusted?
- Do you qualify for an oil tank removal permit?
As you read on, you will find out more about the oil tank removal process and if just anybody can do it. While it’s burdensome to research a trusted oil tank removal company, it can save so many troubles along the way.
How Long Does it Take to Remove an Oil Tank?
Before you determine, can I remove my own oil tank, consider how long the process might take. Take a look at these steps to oil tank removal:
- Obtain a permit in order to do this safely and qualify for insurance premium benefits and a change to your property documents for reselling.
- Have a markout done to confirm you do not dig up or damage any utility lines.
- You need to remove the oil from inside the tank, ensuring that there isn’t an oil spill.
- Clean out the tank and search for cracks, rust, or pipe leaks before removing the tank.
- Depending on the size and the date of tank installation, cut the tank into pieces for removal.
- If the tank is located underground, thoroughly test the surrounding soil after removing an underground oil tank.
- Remediate the soil.
- Pass inspection with your municipality.
- Backfill the hole and re landscape the area.
- Take the oil tank to the right place for proper disposal.
If you think you might say yes to can I remove my own oil tank? Then the process could take weeks, renting the right equipment with each step. However, a tank removal team can complete the project in a few hours as they have all the equipment and processes down.
What Equipment is Needed?
Can I remove my own oil tank? Do you have the required equipment? You will need an excavator, a pump to remove the oil, plumbing equipment to disconnect the pipes, proper tools to cut through the metal tank, soil testing kits, and a truck to haul it all away.
Do You Need a Permit to Remove an Oil Tank?
Yes, it does require a permit to remove an oil tank. When you go through the proper channels, you will benefit from correctly removing your underground oil tank. Your home insurance premium will decrease when you no longer have the liability on your property. And you will be able to resell your property without any hangups about the oil tank buried in the backyard.
Keep in mind that permits are only granted to those who are qualified to remove oil tanks safely. Insurance companies cover trained professionals to undertake extensive and potentially dangerous projects like oil tank removal. A permit will not be granted to someone who is without insurance to cover accidents that may happen during the excavation.
Benefits of Hiring an Oil Tank Removal Contractor
When you hire a professional to remove your underground oil tank, you will save yourself time and money. Look at some of these benefits:
- Proper insurance: An expert contracting team will have the insurance needed to cover any injuries or errors on the project.
- Safety procedures: The contractor will be well-versed in safety procedures, ensuring no oil spill or imminent danger throughout the process.
- Required permits: The permits will be easy to obtain when your contractor applies with the required certifications and insurance.
- Lower insurance premiums: After the oil tank is removed from your home correctly, it is no longer a liability on your property. You can expect lower insurance premiums.
- New property survey: Your home is officially oil-tank-free, and you can receive a new survey to show to potential buyers when you sell your home.
- Project done in a few hours: The project will not be so extensive and stressful when you hire professionals. You can be free of your oil tank in as little as an afternoon.
With these fantastic benefits to hiring an oil tank removal contractor, you can give a resounding no to the question, can I remove my own oil tank? Leave it to the professionals and save yourself loads of stress. When you get it done right, you can have a legal stamp of approval that your property is clear of oil and hazards that come with it.
Hire an Oil Tank Removal Contractor in NJ
Let our team at Mikula Contracting answer your questions regarding residential oil tank removal. If you are unsure about the question, can I remove my own oil tank? We can help you decide. In addition, we can visit your property and give you an estimate and a detailed breakdown of the project’s requirements.
