Homeowners with an underground oil tank should consider hiring a contractor for its removal. This can help protect their property value and ensure they comply with government guidelines.
Before choosing a company, homeowners should check if they have a valid license and insurance. They should also ask about the tools they intend to use during the work.
License and Insurance
While this may seem like a no-brainer, the company you hire must have the proper licensing and insurance coverage for oil tank removal. This is because if something goes wrong during the process, it could contaminate your property or even costlier remediation services.
Homeowners should also ensure that the company has a proven track record. This can be achieved through online reviews and social media interactions. Additionally, they should provide detailed project estimates and a contract stipulating all services to be performed.
This should include a report describing all steps to remove the underground tank and explaining why it was declared leak-free. A reputable contractor will also provide local construction/fire permits, tank scrap receipts and clean-fill certifications.
Reputation
Oil tank removal is a labor-intensive task, and hiring oil tank services Westchester County NY, with a good reputation, will help homeowners save time and money. They should be able to provide a cost estimate and a contract stipulating their services.
Choosing the right contractor will ensure your old underground oil tank is properly decommissioned. It can also help you avoid future issues when selling your property. It is also a good idea to get an oil tank sweep performed when choosing the contractor.
This will ensure all the stained soil is cleaned from the ground. Reputable contractors will send soil samples to a lab for analysis to ensure that all contamination is removed.
Experience
An oil tank is a dangerous liability and should only be removed by professionals. Doing it yourself could result in a leak, loss of heat, and expensive oil spill remediation services. It is also important to hire a company that has experience with this type of project and can provide references and testimonials.
Homeowners should consider the size of their tank and its location when determining costs. Generally, underground tanks cost more to remove than above-ground ones. This is because buried tanks require excavation equipment to access them.
In addition, homeowners should keep in mind that local construction/fire permits and disposal fees may also be required.
Cost
If you want to avoid additional costs, shop around. Get price estimates from several environmental contractors. This is the only way to know if you are getting a fair price.
The cost of removing an underground oil tank can vary greatly. It depends on the size of the tank, its condition, and how easily it can be accessed. A larger tank will be more expensive than a smaller one.
Also, if the tank has leached, soil remediation will be required. After excavation, soil samples should be taken to a laboratory for analysis. A report filed by the tank removal company should clearly explain the completed activities and state whether or not the tank was leaking. This is critical if you ever decide to sell your property.
Contract
Many homeowners are surprised when they learn their home has an underground oil tank that hasn’t been decommissioned. This means it leaks contaminants into the soil, causing environmental and health problems.
Getting cost estimates from several contractors before selecting one for your project is best. Also, read the contract carefully to ensure it is clear and that all work is described and agreed upon before the work starts.
There are usually permit fees, liquid disposal, and laboratory analysis charges. These charges are typically part of a unit price charged by the contractor. These charges can add up quickly, so budgeting them in advance is a good idea. Also, be sure to get local construction/fire permits if necessary.
