What's Included in an Oil Tank Inspection
- Visual inspection of tank exterior (rust, dents, weeping joints, paint failure)
- Ultrasonic wall-thickness measurement at multiple points
- Vent pipe and fill pipe inspection for CSA B-139 compliance
- Fuel line inspection from tank to furnace connection
- Tank manufacture date and age lookup (if data plate is accessible)
- Soil and surface check for leak indicators (smell, staining)
- Written inspection report (PDF) suitable for insurer submission
- Pass / Fail / Conditional recommendation with reasoning
- Removal/replacement quote on the same call if the tank fails
What an inspection does not cover
- Tank repair — if failing, we recommend removal (oil tanks aren't worth patching)
- Soil contamination testing (separate Phase II Environmental Site Assessment if needed)
- Furnace inspection (we refer to HVAC contractors)
- Indoor air-quality testing
- Excavation for underground-tank full inspection (we explain options on site)
Tank inspection cost across HRM
Most inspections in HRM run $150–$400. Drivers:
- Tank type: indoor aboveground tanks are quickest and cheapest. Outdoor tanks in winter trend higher. Underground tanks (without an accessible port) trend highest.
- Access: a tank you can walk up to is faster than one behind tight stairs or in a crawlspace.
- Report customization: standard insurer-ready report is included. If your insurer wants a specific format or extra detail, we can accommodate (sometimes a small surcharge).
When You Need an Oil Tank Inspection
- Insurance renewal flagged the tank. Your insurer sent a notice that your tank is too old — this is the most common trigger.
- You're buying a house with an oil tank. Tank failure is a common deal-breaker; an inspection clears (or surfaces) the issue before closing.
- You're selling a house with an oil tank. Proactive inspection reassures buyers and avoids last-minute renegotiation.
- You suspect a leak. Smell, oil-stained ground, basement floor staining — treat as urgent.
- Annual peace-of-mind check. If your tank is approaching the 15-year mark, a periodic inspection avoids surprises.
What happens during a tank inspection
- Call (902) 912-2483 and describe tank type, age, and insurer requirements if known.
- Schedule the inspection. Usually within a week. Same-day for genuine emergencies.
- On-site inspection: 60–90 minutes for aboveground. Longer for underground.
- Written report emailed within 48 hours.
- If the tank passes, you submit the report to your insurer. If it fails, we can quote removal on the same call so you can act before the insurance deadline.
Why HRM Homeowners Choose Us for Tank Inspections
- Insurance-ready reports. Formatted for NS home insurer submission — we know what they ask for.
- Honest pass/fail assessments. We don't pad inspections to sell removals. If your tank passes, our report says so.
- HRM-wide service. Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, Sackville, Cole Harbour and surrounding.
- Fast turnaround. Reports within 48 hours of inspection.
Related Services
- Underground Oil Tank Removal — if your inspection points to removal
- Aboveground Oil Tank Removal — for basement or outdoor tanks
- All HRM oil tank services