Do I Need an Oil Tank Inspection Before Selling My Home on Long Island?

mpf954
Oct 14
3 min read

When you’re preparing to sell your home on Long Island, there’s a long list of things to check—repairs, staging, appraisals—but one of the most overlooked (and most important) items is your oil tank.

If your property currently has or once had an underground or aboveground oil tank, a professional inspection can be the difference between a smooth sale and a delayed—or even canceled—closing.

Let’s break down why an oil tank inspection is so important before putting your home on the market in Nassau or Suffolk County.

Why Oil Tank Inspections Matter Before Selling

Oil tanks can corrode over time, leak heating oil, and contaminate the surrounding soil. Even if your system seems fine, small leaks can go unnoticed for years.

Buyers, their attorneys, and home inspectors are increasingly cautious about tanks because remediation and cleanup costs can range from $10,000 to $100,000+ depending on the severity.

Without documentation proving your tank is safe or properly abandoned, buyers might:

Request a tank scan or soil test before closing
Demand a price reduction or escrow for future risk
Walk away entirely from the sale

A certified inspection from Eastern Environmental shows transparency, builds buyer confidence, and speeds up the transaction.

What an Oil Tank Inspection Includes

A professional inspection goes far beyond a visual check. Our residential tank inspection process typically includes:

Visual Examination – Checking for rust, leaks, or stains around the tank.
Vent & Fill Line Check – Ensuring fittings, caps, and vents are up to code.
Soil Sampling or Scanning – Detecting potential leaks or contamination underground.
Tank Integrity Testing – For active systems, pressure or vacuum testing verifies soundness.
Documentation & Reports – Detailed inspection results suitable for real estate and legal use.

For homes with abandoned or decommissioned tanks, inspectors verify that the closure was performed correctly and issue proof of compliance.

What If a Leak or Issue Is Found?

If testing reveals a leak or contamination, don’t panic. Eastern Environmental provides:

Soil remediation and cleanup
Tank removal or abandonment (foam/sand fill)
DEC filing and compliance paperwork

Addressing these issues before listing your home ensures you’re protected legally and financially—and keeps your property attractive to buyers.

Documentation Buyers Expect

During a real estate transaction, buyers and their lenders often request the following:

Proof of recent tank inspection
Abandonment or removal certificates
Soil test results - Note: Soil tests are generally more common for purchasers than sellers, since buyers often request independent verification that no past leaks have affected the property before closing.
Any DEC or environmental reports

Having these ready to go makes your home far easier to sell and prevents last-minute delays.

When to Schedule an Inspection

Ideally, schedule your oil tank inspection 2–3 months before listing your home. This allows enough time for:

Soil testing and lab results - Note: Soil tests are generally more common for purchasers than sellers, since buyers often request independent verification that no past leaks have affected the property before closing.
Any necessary remediation or removal
Documentation updates for your agent and attorney

The earlier you start, the smoother your sale will be.

FAQs

Is an oil tank inspection required before selling a home on Long Island? While not legally required, most buyers or lenders demand proof of inspection or removal before closing.

How much does an oil tank inspection cost? Typical inspections range from $300–$700, depending on the type of tank and testing required.

Can an old, unused tank stay in the ground? Yes, but only if properly abandoned with documentation from a licensed contractor.

Will an oil tank affect my home’s value? Yes. Active or undocumented tanks can reduce value or delay closing until inspected or removed.

Why Choose Eastern Environmental

For over two decades, Eastern Environmental Solutions has helped Long Island homeowners navigate real estate transactions safely and confidently. Our certified team handles: