When it comes to property safety and environmental responsibility, oil tank detection and removal is one service that should never be overlooked. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, planning renovations, or simply being proactive about your property’s condition, locating and removing an old or abandoned underground oil tank is crucial.

Oil tanks were commonly used in older homes to store heating fuel. Over time, many of these tanks were buried and forgotten—but just because they’re out of sight doesn’t mean they’re harmless.

Undetected or neglected tanks can leak oil into the soil, leading to environmental contamination, groundwater pollution, and costly cleanup efforts. They can also pose serious fire hazards and health risks to people, pets, and surrounding ecosystems.

Property owners are often legally responsible for any contamination caused by a leaking oil tank—even if the tank was installed or abandoned by a previous owner. Failing to identify and remove a tank can result in expensive environmental remediation, problems with insurance, and complications during real estate transactions.

Many property buyers and sellers now require oil tank scans and documentation before closing deals. Having proof that no oil tank is present—or that one has been properly removed—adds confidence and credibility to the transaction.

At Trace Utility, we provide professional oil tank detection and removal services using non-invasive tools like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and precision metal detection. This allows us to accurately locate underground tanks without disrupting your landscape.

If a tank is found, our team handles the safe and certified removal process, including proper disposal, soil testing, and detailed documentation for legal or real estate purposes. We ensure your property remains compliant with environmental regulations and free from hidden liabilities.

Oil tank detection and removal isn’t just about protecting your property value—it’s about doing the right thing. A buried oil tank can become a ticking time bomb if left unchecked. Identifying and addressing the issue early on saves you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

Signs You Might Have a Buried Oil Tank:

• Fill or vent pipes near your foundation or sticking out of the ground
• Stained soil or dying vegetation in specific patches
• Unexplained fuel odours near the home
• Older homes (typically pre-1970s) with no documented tank removal