If you have an underground oil tank on your residential property, you might be thinking about having it removed. If this is the case, you could be thinking about removing it yourself. Before you break out the shovels or rent the excavation equipment, however, consider having the job done professionally instead. These are a few reasons why this is often a better decision.
1. Determine If Removal Makes Sense
Before you begin the process of removing your underground oil tank, you'll need to determine if doing so is the best move. If you are thinking about removing your oil tank because it's damaged, for example, you might want to look into repairing it. Many of the same companies that assist with removing underground oil tanks provide repair services, too, so this might be a good option for saving money.
2. Avoid Causing Unnecessary Damage to Your Property
Many homeowners are concerned about their property being damaged during the oil tank removal process. Although some damage might be done to your landscaping, you can minimize this damage.
The professionals who regularly remove underground oil tanks and who have the appropriate equipment for the job often know of the best techniques for doing so. This means they may cause less damage to your landscaping than you would during the removal process. This can actually help you save money and can help you restore your lawn more quickly and effectively.
Additionally, some of these companies assist with soil remediation after oil tank removal. This can help you remove contaminants from the soil and can help you restore your lawn.
3. Prevent Damage to the Tank
If your oil tank is still in good condition, you may want to keep it after removal. If you aren't careful about how you remove the oil tank from the ground, you could cause damage to the oil tank. In many cases, though, professionals are able to remove oil tanks without destroying them. You can then use the oil tank for other purposes or sell it.
4. Save Money
Depending on the size of your underground oil tank, where your oil tank is located and how deep your oil tank is buried, you might need special equipment to remove it. Renting an excavator and other similar equipment can be expensive. You may find that hiring a removal service to handle the job for you is actually more affordable.
5. Abide by Local Laws and Regulations
As mentioned above, you need to be aware of some environmental concerns that go along with removing an old oil tank. Not only do you have to worry about your personal feelings about the environmental impact, but you also have to worry about local laws and regulations.
Depending on where you live, you might be required to have your buried oil tank removed by a professional. If you attempt to remove it yourself, you could face legal issues. An oil tank removal service will assist you with removing the oil tank properly, getting the proper permits for the job, and ensuring that you are compliant with local laws and regulations along the way.
Just make sure that you choose a reputable company that abides by all local regulations throughout the process. If you aren't sure, consider asking about what the removal service does to ensure that they are compliant with local laws and environmental recommendations.
Removing an old, buried oil tank from your property doesn't have to be a big deal. However, it probably isn't something that you'll want to do by yourself, either. Contact us at A & A Oil Recovery Co. so we can assist you.