kind of inspection for buried oil tank? (Melville: lawyer, house)

[amylauren]

Hi. We are going into contract on a house built in 1979-80 with a buried oil tank. Our lawyer has concerns about the buried oil tank and wants the contract to be contingent on an inspection. Does anyone know a reputable and certified (who should they be certified by) company that can provide me with this? We plan on having it filled and converting to gas as soon as we close but we don't want to sign on to a possible-although small chance-major problem. BTW, the house is in Melville-not sure if that matters. Thanks.

[Kbinspections]

We could do that inspection for you but I would suggest that you just put that money into abandoning the tank prior to closing.

[Kbinspections]

By the way, tanks are rated for a min. 40 year life span and due to our loamy soil, they last much later. Is it a fiberglass or steel tank? The other issue is leaking supply and return lines....which is more likely.....

[TomMoser]

Most sellers will not allow an test of the oil tank. The test itself could cause the tank to leak and then they have a problem. I agree with KB. The best thing would be to legally abandon the old tank.

[amylauren]

They won't do that before the closing. Even if you plan on abandoning it, which we do plan on doing after closing, don't you still have to check to make sure no damage was done?? I'm thinking that the homeowner doesn't want to abandon b/c she doesn't want to open a can of worms-if there is soil contamination/leak or something.

Also, the type of test we were looking to have done is not a pressure test-it is supposedly done with sound waves-sounded like an ultrasound to me but unsure.

I would hate for the deal to fall through b/c of this but if the homeowner refuses I don't think we will go through with the contract. The risk of a problem is small, but from what I've heard a major expense and headache.

I'm thinking of suggesting we will be for abandoning before closing but then if there is a problem, we would have paid for an abandoning and still walk.

Any suggestions on how to handle this whole thing???

[iluvmycuties]

Suggest that they pay for the abandonment before closing, and have it stipulated in the contracts that you will reimburse them upon closing. There is NO way those homeowners are going to allow for you to test. I know I wouldn't after having my very expensive leak. If you're planning on converting, just abandon it. Your attorney is making it a bigger matter than it is. A lot of sellers agree to abandon before they ever agree to test.

[Kbinspections]

There is no testing when abandoning a tank. Typically the buyer signs a statement that they know of no leaks i.e. they got 200 gallons delivered on monday and they are out of oil on thursday. Then they fill the the tank with foam or sand after the oil is pumped out. New tank is installed in basement.

Do not do the sound wave test....waste of time. Tthe only way to properly test is is soil samples which ends up to be 1/2 the cost of abandoning the tank.

Abandon prior to closing, let your attorney deal with the rest.

[amylauren]

Thanks for the replies but I am a little confused. What is the advantage of having the homeowners abandon the tank before closing, and then reimbursing them. We have agreed on a price and the sellers won't go lower and we are not interested in getting the money-nice but not happening-so what is the difference-money being equal-if they abandon or we do right after closing?? Thanks again.

[iluvmycuties]

Well, I am suggesting it for 2 reasons...Number one, you are not okay with buying the home unless it is tested. But that is NEVER going to happen.So, if it is abandoned by the homeowners, there should be no problem on your end any more. Secondly, the price is the price is the price. You have agreed upon a price; however, you have also stated you wish to convert to gas. So, if you are converting anyway, then just have them abandon (since you and your attorney are uncomfortable as is) it and reimburse them once you close. You spend the same money either way, you just don't lose the house.

[amylauren]

[quote=iluvmycuties;3796537]Well, I am suggesting it for 2 reasons...Number one, you are not okay with buying the home unless it is tested. But that is NEVER going to happen.So, if it is abandoned by the homeowners, there should be no problem on your end any more. Secondly, the price is the price is the price. You have agreed upon a price; however, you have also stated you wish to convert to gas. So, if you are converting anyway, then just have them abandon (since you and your attorney are uncomfortable as is) it and reimburse them once you close. You spend the same money either way, you just don't lose the house.[/quote



I'm sorry to be a pain but I am still confused-why does it help me to have them abandon the tank? Will they not abandon a tank that shows damage? Once you abandon, do you not have to have it tested for soil damage? What if they won't agree to abandon (after all, what will they use for power if they are dependent on oil) or the test? The house was built in 1979, if that matters. Thanks again!!