Oil Tank Sweeps

In New Jersey, prospective home buyers should include an oil tank sweep in their inspection, particularly in older homes. Before 1975, oil heating was prevalent, and oil tanks were often installed underground. As homeowners switched to natural gas, many were left in the ground with oil in them, posing an environmental risk to the groundwater and soil as the tanks corrode over time. If you own a property with a leaking oil tank, you are responsible for paying for proper tank disposal and remediation, which can be expensive.

During the oil tank sweep, we sweep the property to detect whether a tank may be present and, if so, where. We also examine the house and yard for vestiges of oil heating, such as the tank's fill pipe, vent pipe, or fuel lines (see image).

​If an oil tank is present, you should have the seller remove it before closing.