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Choosing an Oil Tank Locating Service

Start your exploratory journey off on the right foot by choosing a reputable company in your area. If the oil tank location certificate is part of a real estate transaction, ask your realtor if they have a recommended service provider; chances are, they have helped prospective homeowners through this process before. Local listings and online reviews are also good resources that can point you toward the right qualified professionals.

What to Expect the Day of Your Service Call

On the day of your service call, the oil tank locator will arrive with specialized detection equipment that can help uncover any hidden underground oil tanks without digging up your yard. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is the tool of choice for most oil tank locators as it provides the most accurate results. If a company is suggesting a different type of scan be sure to ask why that method is being suggested; if it’s simply that they don’t have a GPR you may want to find another oil tank locating service.

From start to finish, the process usually only takes a couple of hours, but it could take more or less depending on the size of your property and the complexity of the search. During this time, oil tank locators will also visually inspect for other signs that an oil tank could be present, including vent pipes or feeder lines.

How Long Will It Take to Get the Results?

After the service call, you’ll typically receive results within a few days. If a tank is found, the locator will provide a detailed report with its exact location, depth, and any signs of leakage. If no tank is found, the company will confirm that your property is clear of any hidden tanks.

What Happens If No Oil Tank Is Found?

If no tank is detected, you’re done. You’ll have written confirmation that your property isn’t hiding any hazardous tanks, and you can move on with peace of mind knowing your property is safe.

What Happens If the Oil Tank Locator Finds an Oil Tank?

If a tank is found, don’t panic. The oil tank locator will outline the next steps. Every situation is different depending on the condition of the tank and the surrounding soil, but the next steps might include:

 

1. Oil Tank Removal
   With rare exceptions, once discovered an oil tank must be removed. This involves draining any residual oil and excavating and disposing of the tank.
2. Soil Testing
   Once the tank has been removed soil samples will be taken to test for oil traces. This is required even if the tank removed was intact, empty, or previously decommissioned.
3. Soil Remediation
   If the soil samples come back positive for oil contamination soil remediation will be required to clean and restore the area. This process will vary depending on the extent of the contamination but will require at least some excavation.
4. Restoring Your Yard
   Don’t worry if the oil tank removal company needs to excavate and remove large swaths of soil; when the area has been safely decontaminated, they will restore your property to its previous state. Minus the oil tank.