Oil Tank — Buying A House With An Above Ground

: Look for "weeping" seams, heavy rust, dents, or oil staining around the base and legs.

: Outdoor tanks are exposed to snow, ice, and falling branches, which can damage lines or cause "gelled" oil in extreme cold (below 16°F). Buying a House with an Abandoned Oil Tank - GreenTRAX, Inc. buying a house with an above ground oil tank

: Steel tanks typically last about 20 years. If the tank is older, experts often recommend immediate replacement rather than testing. : Look for "weeping" seams, heavy rust, dents,

: Even if the current tank looks clean, testing the soil underneath is critical to ensure no previous tanks leaked in that same spot. : Look for "weeping" seams

A standard home inspection may not thoroughly evaluate an oil tank; you should hire a specialist to perform a comprehensive integrity test.