Buying A House With An Above - Ground Oil Tank

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

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

: Steel tanks typically last about 20 years. If the tank is older, experts often recommend immediate replacement rather than testing.

: The tank must sit on a solid, level concrete pad. Uneven legs can lead to stress fractures or a catastrophic collapse.