Many home buyers love the comfort and economy of oil fuel for the heat source when they purchase a home. For some years now, the new home builders have installed natural gas heat systems where the fuel source is in the community. If not, heat pumps have become the system of choice for builders in urban areas where natural gas is not available. In rural areas, new home builders have installed Propane tanks, above and below ground for the heaing and cooking fuel supply.

However, many older homes in urban and rural areas are still heated with fuel oil. This fuel source is stored in tanks, either above or below ground. Many are located in the basement, behind the home or, in the case of urban areas, may be located on any side of the property.

If you consider buying a home with a furnace fueled by heating oil, consider having the ground around the tank tested for leaks and ground contamination. This can be a contingency on the contract for Environmental Testing. The cost of the soil test is usually less than $500. The cost of remediatio could be many thousands of dollars.

Locate the Fill Pipe		Oil Tank Locating the Tank		Oil Tank Soil Test
Oil Tank Testing Equipment		Oil Tank Testing Soil

Homefinders.com will make sure that you are protected when you buy a home.  A heating fuel lead into the ground is a serious cause of soil contamination.  Be careful and be safe.