Underground Oil Tank Sweeps in North Jersey

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Why Underground Oil Tank Sweeps Are Important

When underground oil tanks are left buried on a property, they can eventually deteriorate and leak petroleum products into the surrounding soil.

A leaking oil tank can cause serious environmental and legal problems for property owners. In many cases, cleanup and remediation costs can be extremely high.

Because these tanks are buried underground, many homeowners are unaware that they exist until a property inspection or environmental test reveals them.



A professional tank sweep helps detect buried tanks before they become a costly surprise.

Potential Risks of Underground Oil Tank Leaks

If an underground oil tank begins to leak, the consequences can be significant. Some of the most common concerns include environmental contamination, health risks, and costly remediation.

Soil Contamination

Oil leaking from an underground tank can seep into surrounding soil, contaminating the ground with petroleum products and heavy metals.



Cleanup often requires excavating contaminated soil and disposing of it at licensed environmental facilities, which can become expensive depending on the size of the affected area.

Groundwater Contamination

If a leaking tank reaches the water table, it can contaminate groundwater sources. This can be particularly serious in residential areas where homes rely on wells for drinking water.

Groundwater contamination may require extensive environmental testing and remediation under state supervision.

Health Risks

Petroleum vapors from leaking tanks can migrate through the soil and enter buildings through foundation cracks or openings.

Exposure to these vapors may cause symptoms such as:



• Headaches
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Long-term respiratory issues

Protecting indoor air quality is an important reason to identify potential tank issues early.

Cleanup Costs

Environmental cleanup costs associated with underground oil tank leaks can vary widely depending on the severity of contamination.



Cleanup costs can range from $5,000 to $100,000 or more in some cases. Many insurance policies do not cover these costs unless the homeowner has specific pollution liability coverage.

Regulatory Requirements

In most states, including New Jersey, leaking underground oil tanks must be reported to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).



Environmental professionals may then perform soil testing and groundwater analysis to determine the extent of contamination and develop a remediation plan.

Our Underground Oil Tank Detection Process

At R Squared Home Inspections, underground tank sweeps are performed using specialized detection equipment designed to locate buried metal objects beneath the soil surface.

This technology allows us to scan the property for signs of underground storage tanks without disturbing the ground.

Tank sweeps are commonly performed during real estate transactions to ensure that buyers are aware of any potential environmental concerns before purchasing a property.



Detecting a buried tank early can help prevent costly surprises later in the transaction process.