Many homes in the United States feature an underground oil tank used for storage to retain an oil reserve for heating purposes. These types of tanks deteriorate with time, developing cracks and holes that can lead to leaks.
When the tanks buried beneath their homes begin to leak, property owners are frequently faced with this situation. Leaking oil tanks are an environmental concern, a liability issue, and a health hazard to your family and the general public.
When it comes to selling a home with an oil tank, purchasers are hesitant to do so for the reasons stated above. Even if you do not intend to sell your home, it is a good idea to fix this problem while the tank is still in good condition.
If you don’t take care of this problem right away, it can cause you trouble and cost you a great deal of money. There are many oil tank removal firms to choose from, so here are some pointers on how to choose the best one:
- First and foremost, double-check the company’s license
The first and most crucial factor to look for is a licensed, registered, and insured oil tank removal firm. Request a copy of your contractor’s license and other certifications. A legitimate license and certificates guarantee that the contractor is competent, trained, insured, skillful, and permitted to perform the work. Because accidents may occur on the job site, be sure you hire an insured contractor. You will not want to pay for things for which you are not accountable. Oil tank removal companies with a good reputation will gladly show you documentation of their license and certification. You can never be too safe as a homeowner.
- Experience and reputation
Any company that works in this industry should have at least 5–10 years of tank removal experience. Always ask about other people’s experiences with a particular company. You should also ask about the organization’s website, where you can read testimonials and reviews regarding how the company handles similar problems. Each property is different, and each oil tank removal presents its own set of challenges. A reputable organization will gladly answer all your inquiries, as it is in their best interests to maintain their good name. We recommend that you request a step-by-step explanation of how the company will operate on the site.
- Safety and tools
Safely removing an oil tank should be the number one priority of the company you choose. If the oil tank is not properly extracted, it could cause an explosion, fire, collapses, utility damage, and other issues.
Also, always inquire about the tools that the organization intends to use. If the company does not have and uses the appropriate tools, you may wind up paying more because they will need to rent specific tools to complete the job.
- Price comparisons
Aren’t you often comparing prices for the same items in different stores? It shouldn’t be any different in this case. The cost of removing an oil tank is not minimal. Obtaining quotes from various contractors is a wise decision, and you should always inquire what these expenses cover. This way, you’ll be able to select the most advantageous and cost-effective option for you. Keep in mind that the lowest-priced company may not always provide the best quality service.
- Sign a contract with the oil tank removal firm of your choice
A contract is a must! Contracts are a legitimate way of determining whether the company provided the services you paid for. Always double-check that the contract specifies all the services for which you are paying the provider. Check for warranty provisions to ensure that if the contractor fails to complete a specific task throughout the tank removal procedure, you can ask them to complete it again. Make sure you understand every element of the contract you’re about to sign.
- Go local
Going local is preferred because local companies are more familiar with the soil and geography of your area. When it comes to choosing an oil tank removal service, getting suggestions can be helpful, but you shouldn’t make your selection exclusively on the advice of others.
To give it a brief, a well-chosen contractor for the project can complete the work while relieving you of some of the burdens. If you follow the guidelines outlined above, you’ll be able to find the right company for the job.
