Buying a home with an aboveground oil tank (AST) is generally lower-risk than one with a buried tank, but it still requires careful due diligence to avoid environmental liabilities and unexpected replacement costs. Essential Inspections
: 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.
: The tank must sit on a solid, level concrete pad. Uneven legs can lead to stress fractures or a catastrophic collapse.
Buying a home with an aboveground oil tank (AST) is generally lower-risk than one with a buried tank, but it still requires careful due diligence to avoid environmental liabilities and unexpected replacement costs. Essential Inspections
: 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.
: The tank must sit on a solid, level concrete pad. Uneven legs can lead to stress fractures or a catastrophic collapse.