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Do you own an old home in the Greater Vancouver area? Many houses built before the 1970s used heating oil. These old tanks are often buried under the ground. Over time, these tanks rust and leak. This can cause severe damage to the environment and your property value. If you need reliable oil tank removal, West Coast Tank Recovery is here to help. We have over 20 years of staff experience. We serve homeowners and businesses across Vancouver, Burnaby, and the Lower Mainland.
Here are answers to your top ten questions about managing and removing an oil tank:
You can look for clues on your property. Check your yard for old metal pipes sticking out of the ground. Look inside your basement for old copper lines coming through the wall. However, some tanks leave no visible signs. The safest method is to hire a professional. We use advanced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to find hidden tanks quickly.
The total price varies depending on the job. A straightforward removal for a clean tank usually costs between $1,500 and $3,000. However, the price goes up if the tank has leaked. Cleaning up contaminated soil adds to the final cost. We offer a Best Price Guarantee to ensure you get the fairest rate.
Yes, you almost always need a permit. Most municipalities in British Columbia have strict rules about underground storage tanks. City halls require a permit before any digging starts. We handle the paperwork for you. Our team works closely with local fire departments to make sure everything is completely legal.
No, you should never try to do this yourself. Removing an underground tank is highly technical and regulated. It requires heavy machinery and special environmental knowledge. If you accidentally spill oil, you could face massive fines. It is best to leave this difficult task to certified professionals.
The actual removal is quite fast. For a standard residential property, the digging and removal take about one day. If the tank is clean, we can backfill the hole right away. However, if we find soil contamination, the project takes longer. Testing the soil and cleaning up the site can add a few extra days.
We do not waste or dump the remaining liquids. First, our team pumps all the sludge and leftover heating oil out of the tank. We store it in safe, sealed containers. Then, we transport the liquid to a licensed environmental recycling facility. The old metal tank itself is also cleaned and recycled safely.
There are several serious risks involved. Old tanks can contain flammable fumes that can cause explosions if handled wrong. There is also a risk of collapsing soil during excavation. Finally, oil leaks can ruin your soil and water. Our team uses specialized safety gear and follows strict WorkSafeBC guidelines to avoid these dangers.
Standard home insurance policies rarely cover the routine cost of removing an old tank. Insurance companies view it as standard property maintenance. However, if a hidden tank leaks and damages the environment, some policies might cover a portion of the cleanup. You should call your insurance agent to verify your specific coverage.
A professional removal service is a complete package. It includes locating the tank with advanced scanning tools and getting city permits. It covers pumping out liquids and excavating the old metal structure. Finally, it includes cutting the tank open for inspection, testing the surrounding soil for leaks, and filling the hole with clean dirt.
Look for a company with deep local experience and proper credentials. Choose a contractor that has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure they carry full liability insurance and WorkSafeBC certification. West Coast Tank Recovery ticks all these boxes. We are highly recommended by local real estate firms and insurance agencies.
Do not let an old underground tank put your property or the environment at risk. We provide fully certified oil tank scans and safe, professional oil tank removal services across the Lower Mainland. Our team ensures your property remains clean, safe, and fully compliant with all local environmental laws.
Are you ready to clear your land? Contact West Coast Tank Recovery right away to get your free, no-obligation estimate!