Why Sellers Should Remove Underground Oil Tanks Before Listing

An underground oil tank might have served its purpose well in decades past, but today it’s more of a liability than an asset. Here’s why removal is crucial before listing:

Environmental & Legal Concerns – Many older tanks are corroding, leaking oil into the soil, and creating contamination issues. Cleaning up an oil spill can cost tens of thousands of dollars—and sellers might be held responsible even after the home is sold.

Financing & Insurance Issues – Buyers often struggle to secure financing or homeowner’s insurance if a property has an underground oil tank. This limits your pool of potential buyers and prolongs time on the market.

Property Value & Marketability – Buyers today are well-informed and cautious. A home with an underground tank is a red flag that could scare off otherwise interested buyers. Removing it beforehand makes your property more attractive and eliminates negotiation headaches.

Preempting Inspection Issues – If a buyer’s inspection reveals an underground tank, they may demand testing, remediation, or outright removal—all at your expense. Handling it before listing puts sellers in control of costs and avoids last-minute surprises.

Why Buyer’s Agents Should Warn Clients Against Homes with Underground Oil Tanks

High Risk, High Cost – If the tank has leaked, the buyer becomes financially responsible for remediation—a cost that can climb into six figures. Even a “closed” tank may pose risks if proper documentation isn’t available.

Limited Insurance & Mortgage Options – Mortgage lenders and insurers often hesitate to approve properties with underground tanks. Many buyers find they’re locked out of financing or must pay higher premiums if they proceed.

Potential for Future Headaches – Even if the tank isn’t leaking now, it may eventually fail. The buyer might have to remove it themselves later, potentially dealing with soil testing, contamination cleanup, and regulatory red tape.

Don’t Assume Sellers Will Fix It – Some sellers may offer discounts instead of removing the tank, leaving the buyer to handle it later. But a discounted price rarely offsets the stress, liability, and remediation costs that could arise.

Final Takeaway

For sellers, removing an underground oil tank before listing increases buyer confidence, avoids financing delays, and eliminates potential legal issues. For buyers, purchasing a home with an underground tank poses too many risks, uncertainties, and financial burdens.

Realtors and buyer’s agents alike should advocate for full removal and documentation before any sale. Protecting your clients means addressing these risks early, ensuring smooth transactions, and preventing costly surprises down the road.

The Hidden Risk Beneath: Why Underground Heating Oil Tanks Should Be Removed Before Listing a Home

Attention Realtors & Buyer’s Agents: Selling or purchasing a home is more than just curb appeal and square footage—it’s also about mitigating risks that could cost thousands down the line. One of the most overlooked hazards? Underground heating oil tanks.

Why Sellers Should Remove Underground Oil Tanks Before Listing

An underground oil tank might have served its purpose well in decades past, but today it’s more of a liability than an asset. Here’s why removal is crucial before listing:

Environmental & Legal Concerns – Many older tanks are corroding, leaking oil into the soil, and creating contamination issues. Cleaning up an oil spill can cost tens of thousands of dollars—and sellers might be held responsible even after the home is sold.

Financing & Insurance Issues – Buyers often struggle to secure financing or homeowner’s insurance if a property has an underground oil tank. This limits your pool of potential buyers and prolongs time on the market.

Property Value & Marketability – Buyers today are well-informed and cautious. A home with an underground tank is a red flag that could scare off otherwise interested buyers. Removing it beforehand makes your property more attractive and eliminates negotiation headaches.

Preempting Inspection Issues – If a buyer’s inspection reveals an underground tank, they may demand testing, remediation, or outright removal—all at your expense. Handling it before listing puts sellers in control of costs and avoids last-minute surprises.

Why Buyer’s Agents Should Warn Clients Against Homes with Underground Oil Tanks

High Risk, High Cost – If the tank has leaked, the buyer becomes financially responsible for remediation—a cost that can climb into six figures. Even a “closed” tank may pose risks if proper documentation isn’t available.

Limited Insurance & Mortgage Options – Mortgage lenders and insurers often hesitate to approve properties with underground tanks. Many buyers find they’re locked out of financing or must pay higher premiums if they proceed.

Potential for Future Headaches – Even if the tank isn’t leaking now, it may eventually fail. The buyer might have to remove it themselves later, potentially dealing with soil testing, contamination cleanup, and regulatory red tape.

Don’t Assume Sellers Will Fix It – Some sellers may offer discounts instead of removing the tank, leaving the buyer to handle it later. But a discounted price rarely offsets the stress, liability, and remediation costs that could arise.

Final Takeaway

For sellers, removing an underground oil tank before listing increases buyer confidence, avoids financing delays, and eliminates potential legal issues. For buyers, purchasing a home with an underground tank poses too many risks, uncertainties, and financial burdens.

Realtors and buyer’s agents alike should advocate for full removal and documentation before any sale. Protecting your clients means addressing these risks early, ensuring smooth transactions, and preventing costly surprises down the road.

Attention Realtors & Buyer’s Agents: Selling or purchasing a home is more than just curb appeal and square footage—it’s also about mitigating risks that could cost thousands down the line. One of the most overlooked hazards? Underground heating oil tanks.

Why Sellers Should Remove Underground Oil Tanks Before Listing

An underground oil tank might have served its purpose well in decades past, but today it’s more of a liability than an asset. Here’s why removal is crucial before listing:

Environmental & Legal Concerns – Many older tanks are corroding, leaking oil into the soil, and creating contamination issues. Cleaning up an oil spill can cost tens of thousands of dollars—and sellers might be held responsible even after the home is sold.

Financing & Insurance Issues – Buyers often struggle to secure financing or homeowner’s insurance if a property has an underground oil tank. This limits your pool of potential buyers and prolongs time on the market.

Property Value & Marketability – Buyers today are well-informed and cautious. A home with an underground tank is a red flag that could scare off otherwise interested buyers. Removing it beforehand makes your property more attractive and eliminates negotiation headaches.

Preempting Inspection Issues – If a buyer’s inspection reveals an underground tank, they may demand testing, remediation, or outright removal—all at your expense. Handling it before listing puts sellers in control of costs and avoids last-minute surprises.

Why Buyer’s Agents Should Warn Clients Against Homes with Underground Oil Tanks

High Risk, High Cost – If the tank has leaked, the buyer becomes financially responsible for remediation—a cost that can climb into six figures. Even a “closed” tank may pose risks if proper documentation isn’t available.

Limited Insurance & Mortgage Options – Mortgage lenders and insurers often hesitate to approve properties with underground tanks. Many buyers find they’re locked out of financing or must pay higher premiums if they proceed.

Potential for Future Headaches – Even if the tank isn’t leaking now, it may eventually fail. The buyer might have to remove it themselves later, potentially dealing with soil testing, contamination cleanup, and regulatory red tape.

Don’t Assume Sellers Will Fix It – Some sellers may offer discounts instead of removing the tank, leaving the buyer to handle it later. But a discounted price rarely offsets the stress, liability, and remediation costs that could arise.

Final Takeaway

For sellers, removing an underground oil tank before listing increases buyer confidence, avoids financing delays, and eliminates potential legal issues. For buyers, purchasing a home with an underground tank poses too many risks, uncertainties, and financial burdens.

Realtors and buyer’s agents alike should advocate for full removal and documentation before any sale. Protecting your clients means addressing these risks early, ensuring smooth transactions, and preventing costly surprises down the road.

The post The Hidden Risk Beneath: Why Underground Heating Oil Tanks Should Be Removed Before Listing a Home appeared first on Barrier Contracting.

Why Replace Your Underground Oil Tank?

Underground heating oil tanks, while once a popular choice, can pose significant risks as they age. Corrosion and leaks can lead to soil and groundwater contamination, especially as tanks age. This can result in impacts to the environment but can also result in costly cleanup efforts. By opting for underground heating oil tank removal and installing an above ground oil tank, you can mitigate these risks and protect your property.

The Benefits of Aboveground Oil Tanks

Aboveground oil tanks offer several advantages over their underground counterparts:

1. Easier Maintenance: Aboveground tanks are more accessible, making it easier to perform regular inspections and maintenance.
2. Reduced Environmental Risk: With aboveground tanks, leaks are more easily detected and addressed, reducing the risk of environmental contamination.
3. Cost-Effective: By installing an aboveground tank can be more cost-effective in the long run. It eliminates the need for expensive underground repairs, cleanups and testing.

The Replacement Process

Barrier Contracting handles the entire process of heating oil tank replacement. From underground oil tank removal to aboveground oil tank installation. This includes necessary municipal permits and inspections. Here’s how it works:

1. Assessment and Planning: Our team will assess your property and determine the best location for the new aboveground tank. Most importantly, we also handle all necessary permits and inspections to ensure compliance with local regulations.
2. Underground Oil Tank Removal: Using specialized equipment, we safely and efficiently remove the old underground tank, collect a soil sample and backfill. Our experienced professionals follow industry best practices to minimize disruption to your property.
3. Aboveground Oil Tank Installation: Simultaneously while the old tank is being removed, we install the new aboveground tank in the designated location. New aboveground heating oil tanks include protected copper oil supply line, overfill vent alarm, fill pipe and easy to read oil tank gauge. Our team ensures that the installation is secure and meets all safety standards.
4. Final Inspection and Testing: After installation, we conduct a thorough inspection along with the municipal building (or Fire) inspector to ensure the new tank is functioning properly, safely and according to code.

Trust Barrier Contracting for Your Oil Tank Needs

At Barrier Contracting, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch services for heating oil tank removal and replacement.

Replacing your underground oil tank with an aboveground tank is a smart investment in the safety and longevity of your property. Contact Barrier Contracting today to learn more about our comprehensive oil tank services and schedule a consultation.

The post Replacing Your Underground Oil Tank with an Aboveground Oil Tank in Westchester and Putnam County, NY appeared first on Barrier Contracting.

Residential Homes, as well as Commercial Facilities, can use heating oil as a heat source. The heating oil is stored in oil tanks. Oil tanks above the ground or underground. The storage size of heating oil tanks vary 275, 330,400 are the most common aboveground tanks. While 550 and1000 gallon tanks are the most common underground oil tanks. Commercial and industrial applications can store up to 16,000 gallons. Due to safety concerns and government regulations most oil tank installation and removal requires a licensed professional and permits from the local building department. In Yorktown, the village requires a permit and inspection when a licensed contractor installs or removes an underground home heating oil tank

Not only does Barrier provide professional underground home heating oil tank removal in Yorktown (and installation) we service all of Westchester and Putnam County. Whether it is installing a code compliant above ground oil storage tanks, or removing an old underground oil tanks.

This complex process is the reason why you should hire only the experts who know the safety precautions and necessary process for the project.  It most cases the proper paper work is the most important part. Without collecting and analyzing the surrounding soils, a future buyer or building department may require more work.

If you are thinking about replacing, removing or installing an oil tank, call us for a free estimate. You just need to tell us your location with the zip code and our expert team will connect you to help you will all tank related needs.

Benefits to Removing Underground Heating Oil Storage Tanks-

• Underground oil tanks were generally designed to last 30 years. Over time underground tanks corrode, corrosion leads to holes which can result in a petroleum release. This is both bad for the environment and can be costly to remediate.
• When replaced with an above ground oil tank, the quality of the tank is easy to monitor. Monthly visual inspections can prevent leaks and spills.
• Removing underground tanks is the best way to confirm no contamination exists.
• In the real estate market, buyers prefer, if not demand that underground tanks be removed or the surrounding soils sampled.
• Some home owners insurance companies will not provide coverage to homes with underground heating oil tanks in Westchester and Putnam.
• The risks associated with underground oil tanks are great. It’s not if it will leak, it’s when. Removing your oil tank before it leaks can save you thousands of dollars

Why choose Barrier for your underground heating oil tank removal in  Yorktown?

1. We file and obtain all the required permits at no additional cost.
2. We meet with inspectors and provide closure documents to close permits.
3. We collect soil samples in accordance to the NYSDEC regulations .
4. We provide clean backfill and ensure compaction.
5. We recycle the steel tank and tank waste at licensed facilities.
6. We provide upfront pricing, communicate and try to offer a great customer experience.

So, whether your project is related to an Underground Storage Tank (UST) or an Above Ground Storage Tank (AST), we have got you covered. Our expert team removes and installs oil tanks with the utmost care. Our prices are competitive, our work is quality and our services are available for all residential, industrial or commercial clients. Just call us and book your appointment for best Tank Removal Service in Yorktown.

The post Underground Home Heating Oil Tank Removal Yorktown NY appeared first on Barrier Contracting.

Above Ground Oil Tanks require very little maintenance. However, it is very important to inspect your tank periodically

The key benefit of an aboveground heating oil tank is the ability to monitor and inspect it. If you have an aboveground tank, you should visually inspect it at least twice a year. While it may seem complicated to inspect your tank, it is  quite simple.  Proper maintenance can increase the life span of the tank and prevent premature failures. If at any time you see corrosion, staining or wet spots, call a professional. Below is a guide for homeowners to properly maintain and inspect aboveground heating oil tanks:

• Visual inspections should include.
  • Inspect the tank’s surface for signs of rust of corrosion
  • Make sure the vent and fill pipes are in good condition
    • The fill pipe should have a 2inch diameter, The vent should be the same but can be slightly smaller
  • Inspect the area where the pipes meets the tank for staining (oil staining by the pipes thread are signs the tank may have been overfilled causing the pipe glue to fail over time)
  • Inspect under the tank for signs drips or staining.
  • Check tank legs to make sure they are sturdy.
    • All four tank legs should be in good condition, straight and sitting flat on a cement foundation or floor. A tank should always be installed on a solid base such as a cement floor or cement pad. Not paving stones or cinder blocks.
• Maintaining the tank’s exterior surface. If you observe rust or corrosion :
  1. Gently brush the rusted areas on the tank’s exterior with sandpaper;
  2. Clean the sanded surface
  3. Applying a coat of rust proof metallic paint (readily available at any hardware store). If needed, Barrier Contracting can provide paint.
• Maintaining the tank’s exterior surface is a good practice and the
  application of touch-up paint will not void the warranty of the tank
• Maintain the tank liquid level as high as possible during the summer months in order to limit water condensation within the tank.

If you have a service plan or oil burner maintenance program, you can ask the technician to look at the tank as well. If

Most bare steel oil tanks come with a 10 year limited manufactures warranty. These tanks are mostly designed for indoor use however some contractors install them outdoors. If the tank is a light cream color with an epoxy coating or double bottom the warranty can be for  20-25 years.

If your tank is old or showing signs of corrosion it is a good idea to replace it with a new aboveground oil tank.

The post How to Maintain and Inspect Your Above Ground Heating Oil Tank appeared first on Barrier Contracting.

When buying a property it is important to know the history of the heating system and storage tanks. Ask the sellers for any paperwork regarding there removal, check with local building or fire departments. If there are any indications that an oil tank existed it is best to hire a company to search for one.   If there is an old, underground oil tank on the property,  it should be removed (especially if it is not in service) . Barrier uses state of the art technologies for oil tank locating and searching.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is one of the most accurate tools used in determining if underground heating oil tanks exist at a property. Another technology is Electromagnetic Detection (ED). Barrier Contracting uses both of these technologies to identify and locate any previous and in use underground heating oil tanks or associated piping. When purchasing (or selling) a property, In Westchester or Putnam County, it is imperative to know whether or not underground storage tanks (UST’s) are present. Whether a property is currently heated by natural gas, propane, above ground oil tank or current underground tank, it is important to know what other types of oil storage have previously existed. Identifying underground tanks can help limit the potential liability of costly remedial activities.

–Ground Penetrating Radar uses radio signals to determine the characteristics of of the subsurface. These radio signals react differently when the encounter tanks, piping and various other materials beneath the surface without excavation.

Electromagnetic Detection involves connecting a transmitter to induce radio frequency to old oil lines and using a handheld device to trace and follow them. This technology can help determine if an underground oil tank exists or has existed.

Using the latest technology and trained personnel Barrier Contracting can help locate and identify underground home heating oil tanks, please call, text or email us to schedule an appointment, 914-760- 2090 or waynejr@barrier.com

Oil tank sweeps are a specialized home inspection service that is specifically meant to identify buried oil tank located beneath the surface of a property. If you are buying a home and are unsure if a tank may exist, a search is recommended.

The post Underground Heating Oil Tank Locating in Westchester or Putnam County appeared first on Barrier Contracting.

What is the need to remove Heating Oil Storage Tanks?

Due to corrosion, all steel oil tanks will fail at some point. Above ground tanks are easier to monitor and inspect. Periodic visual inspections will help prevent a leak (Aboveground Oil Tank Inspection Guide). Since underground tanks cannot be visually inspected it is impossible to know the quality of the tank. Most tanks were made to last between 25 and 30 years, but conditions of the surrounding soils can deteriorate tanks faster. Replacing an oil tank before it fails will prevent expensive costs associating with the remediation process.

Details About Home Heating Oil Underground Storage Tanks

Residential heating oil tanks are usually 550-1080 gallons, when underground. Above ground oil tanks are usually 275-330 gallon tanks. The tanks consist of single wall steel.  Steel is a metal that will corrode over time, corrosion rate can be increased when in contact with moisture, cement, rock and other elements.

When oil tanks are removed or installed it is important to use trained professionals to ensure the work is performed safely and properly, and most importantly, with the proper municipal permits. We work in all villages, towns and cities in Westchester and Putnam County.

How does the process work in Cortlandt Manor, NY?

The process starts with filing building permits with the town of Cortlandt Manor. The town regulates villages, such as,  Montrose, Buchanan, Croton and Verplank. After the permit has been acquired the work will be scheduled and coordinated with the inspector from the Town of Cortlandt.  Once the tank is removed a soil sample is collected and analyzed by a laboratory.  The hole is then backfilled, if no contamination is present.

How will the property look after the whole process?

Our professional tank removal service in Cortlandt Manor, make it sure that the property is restored to as best as possible.  Sometime some tracks are left but all that is needed is some grass seed. Any shrubs and bushes are removed and put back with care, but we recommend a landscaper remove the shrubs prior to work.

Barrier Contracting has trained professionals to help guide you through the process of Underground heating oil tank removal Cortlandt Manor. We are available 24*7 and just a call away from you. Contact us to get your oil tank removed at Affordable Cost Today!

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In Westchester and Putnam County, many Villages, Towns, and Cities did not require municipal permits to install or remove tanks. This lead to many tanks be improperly abandoned. Now, most municipalities require permits and inspections for the removal and installation of oil tanks.  Municipal involvement is designed to protect the homeowner to ensure the proper disposal and documentation takes place

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is one of the most accurate tools used in determining if underground heating oil tanks exist at a property. Another technology is Electromagnetic Detection (ED).  Barrier Contracting uses both of these technologies to identify and locate any previous and in use underground heating oil tanks or associated piping

– Ground Penetrating Radar uses radio signals to determine the characteristics of what lays underground. These signals can identify tanks, piping and various other materials beneath the surface without excavation.

– Electromagnetic Detection involves connecting a transmitter to induce radio frequency to old oil lines and using a handheld device to trace and follow them. This technology can help determine if an underground oil tank exists or has existed.

The post Underground Oil Tank Locating and Property Sweeps in Westchester and Putnam County appeared first on Barrier Contracting.

When purchasing (or selling) a property, In Westchester or Putnam County, it is imperative to know whether or not underground storage tanks (UST’s) are present. Even if a property is currently heated by natural gas, propane, above ground oil tank or current underground tank, it is important to know what other types of oil storage have previously existed. In most cases, homes in Westchester and Putnam have been heated by oil at one point since being built. This is especially true in houses built prior to 1970 (or in rural areas). Although newer houses have also relied on oil for heating purposes. In some cases, the current owners don’t even know whether a tank exists.  For example, A house built in the 1920s most likely used coal for heat then oil and then natural gas. Home from the ’30s-’80s may have had heating oil than natural gas or electric.

In Westchester and Putnam County, many Villages, Towns, and Cities did not require municipal permits to install or remove tanks. This lead to many tanks be improperly abandoned. Now, most municipalities require permits and inspections for the removal and installation of oil tanks.  Municipal involvement is designed to protect the homeowner to ensure the proper disposal and documentation takes place

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is one of the most accurate tools used in determining if underground heating oil tanks exist at a property. Another technology is Electromagnetic Detection (ED).  Barrier Contracting uses both of these technologies to identify and locate any previous and in use underground heating oil tanks or associated piping

– Ground Penetrating Radar uses radio signals to determine the characteristics of what lays underground. These signals can identify tanks, piping and various other materials beneath the surface without excavation.

– Electromagnetic Detection involves connecting a transmitter to induce radio frequency to old oil lines and using a handheld device to trace and follow them. This technology can help determine if an underground oil tank exists or has existed.

At the worst, buyers who get a new property may not even know that an underground oil tank lies beneath. So the best way to resolve the doubts and detect a tank if it is there is to collaborate with a company that specializes in this service. They search the entire area and detect an undisclosed and abandoned underground oil tank so that the owner can ideate a strategy to resolve the problem. Obviously, the next step is to remove the tank and it is desirable to find a contractor who can help with this aspect as well.

The post Underground Oil Tank Locating and Property Sweeps in Westchester and Putnam County appeared first on Barrier Contracting.

Removing Out of Service Oil Tanks

An out of service heating oil tank, above or underground, can corrode over the years. The average life span of a tank is 25-30 years, depending on the make and model.  Corrosion can form pinholes causing the remaining oil to leak out. This is a slow process and can go unnoticed.  In fact when an underground oil tank leaks there is almost no way of knowing, grass and other landscaping is rarely impacted due to the depth of oil leaking from the bottom of the tank (most contamination is found 6-8 feet below ground), These leaks can result in costly clean ups. Removing heating oil tanks prior to a leak will save you thousands of dollars.

Replacing Oil Tanks Currently in use

For the many people who still rely on oil heat to heat their home, it may be time to replace your tank. If you have an underground oil tank, it is likely original to when the house was built or started using oil.  If you currently own the home but don’t know the history of the oil tank, your local building department may have records on file.  If you can’t find anything, assume your tank is old and should be replaced. Most commonly people install oil tanks above ground or convert to an alternative heat source like natural gas, electric or geo thermal.

If you have an above ground tank it could be a replacement of a previous underground tank. You should periodically inspect the tank for corrosion or signs of a leak. Replacing an above ground tank with a new one is a fairly simple process, for trained professionals.

Remediating a Leaky Tank in Westchester County

Remember, if any of the leakages occur, it will impact the soil, and potentially groundwater. If the tank is above ground, and goes unnoticed, the oil can leak onto the floor, then soak though and into the soil below. After all, even a cement floor is permeable.  If the heating oil tank is below ground, the oil can saturate the surrounding soil and potential the ground water. In any case, anything impacted by the heating oil will need to be remediated to meet the guideline of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).  In some cases, homeowner’s insurance policies may cover some of the cost. The fear of a costly clean up should not prevent you from taking action. The longer a leak continues the higher the costs can be.

In Westchester (and Putnam) County, people have been removing old oil tank by hiring skilled professionals. It is important to make sure your contractor has the necessary permits, knowledge and licenses to perform any work regarding and oil tank.

The post Oil Tank Removal in Westchester County appeared first on Barrier Contracting.

Here are some of the major reasons to consider oil tank removal in Westchester County.

If you have an underground oil tank it is usually comprised of bare steel, the steel materials used in the tank can oxidize causing holes to form. Once these holes form they can release oil into the soil and potentially the ground water.

Prevent Environmental Damage and Costly Remediations

The slow leakage of oil from the tank is can go unnoticed to the home owner. If the leakage of oil is unnoticed for several days, months or year then the surrounded soils become impacted by petroleum contamination. If the contamination spreads to the groundwater, the water can spread the contamination. This can result in impacted streams, lakes, rivers and potentially drinking water wells. Homeowners are required by the state to remediate contaminated soil and ground water if encountered. These clean ups can be very costly. The soil must be excavated and disposed of by licensed haulers to licensed disposal facilities. Post excavation soil (and ground water if encountered) samples must be collected and analyzed by a licensed laboratory. The results are then submitted to the State to determine if the remediation is satisfactory.

If an underground heating oil tank is removed prior to leaking you can assure the water and soil will be free of the harmful contaminants.

Final Thoughts

Old underground tanks will leak at some point if they are left in the ground too long. The average recommendation is 20 years. Some may last longer but others may not. The risk of an unknown leak can be both costly and have detrimental impacts to the environment. It is best to remove and replace them prior to failure.

The post The Importance Of Considering Oil Tank Removal In Westchester County! appeared first on Barrier Contracting.