Underground oil tanks were once a popular choice for heating homes and businesses, but as time has passed, they’ve become more of a liability than an asset. Many older properties still house these oil tanks, often forgotten until a problem arises. While they might seem harmless when left undisturbed, old underground oil tanks pose several hidden dangers to your property and the environment. Understanding these risks and knowing when to remove them can help protect your home, safeguard your health, and avoid costly problems.
Soil and Groundwater Contamination
One of the most significant risks associated with aging underground oil tanks is the potential for leaks. Over time, the metal that comprises these tanks can corrode, leading to cracks or holes that allow oil to seep into the surrounding soil. This contamination can spread to nearby groundwater, affecting drinking water supplies and causing widespread environmental damage. Cleaning up soil and water contamination is an expensive and complicated process, making early detection and removal critical.
Health Risks
When oil leaks into the soil, it can release harmful chemicals and vapors, including benzene—a known carcinogen. These chemicals pose serious health risks to humans, especially if they infiltrate a home’s foundation or contaminate local water sources. Prolonged exposure to oil-contaminated soil and water can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and long-term illnesses. By removing old underground oil tanks before a leak occurs, homeowners can avoid potential health hazards for themselves and their neighbours.
Property Damage
An old underground oil tank that begins to leak can cause significant damage to your property. The surrounding soil may become saturated with oil, leading to foundation damage, landscaping destruction, and decreased property value. In some cases, the oil can infiltrate your home, causing unpleasant odors and requiring extensive repairs. The longer a leaking tank is left in place, the greater the damage—and the higher the cost to restore your property.
Legal and Financial Liability
If your old underground oil tank leaks, the responsibility for cleaning up the environmental damage typically falls on the property owner. Depending on the extent of the contamination, cleanup costs can run into tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, many states have strict environmental regulations regarding underground oil tanks, and failure to address leaks could result in hefty fines. In real estate transactions, old oil tanks can also complicate the sale of your property, as potential buyers may be hesitant to take on the risk of an undisclosed leak.
Fire and Explosion Hazards
Oil, especially in older, corroded tanks, is a potential fire hazard. If an oil leak is exposed to an ignition source, such as electrical equipment or a nearby gas line, it can cause a fire or even an explosion. This risk increases as the tank continues to deteriorate, making removal the best preventative measure.
How Removal Can Help
Given the significant risks associated with old underground oil tanks, it’s clear that removal is the safest option. Here’s how removal can help:
Prevent Leaks and Environmental Damage: By removing the tank before it corrodes and leaks, you prevent oil from contaminating the soil and water around your property. This protective step not only protects the environment but also saves you from expensive cleanup costs.
Protect Your Health: Removing the oil tank eliminates the risk of harmful chemical exposure from leaking oil, ensuring that your family and community remain safe from potential health hazards.
Increase Property Value: A property with an old underground oil tank can be a red flag for potential buyers. Removing the tank can increase your property’s market value and make it easier to sell in the future.
Avoid Legal and Financial Risks: Early removal helps you avoid the legal liability and financial burden that come with oil spills, environmental damage, and fines for non-compliance with regulations.
Enhance Safety: Removing the tank eliminates the risk of fire or explosion, ensuring that your property remains safe for you and your family.
Conclusion
While old underground oil tanks may seem out of sight and out of mind, the hidden dangers they pose to your property, health, and finances are very real. If you have an old tank on your property, now is the time to take action. Professional oil tank removal services can assess your situation, safely remove the tank, and give you peace of mind knowing your property is secure. Taking protective steps to remove an old underground oil tank is not just an investment in your property. It’s an investment in the safety and well-being of your family and the environment. Contact Simple tank services for hassle free solutions!