What is the scope of a typical home inspection regarding buried oil tanks?

The scope of a typical home inspection generally does not include the evaluation of buried oil tanks. Home inspectors are typically not trained or equipped to assess the condition of such tanks, which can be hidden underground and may present environmental hazards, including leakage or contamination. Discovering the presence of a buried oil tank can require specialized knowledge, access to specific tools, and adherence to regulatory requirements that go beyond the standard home inspection procedure.

While some inspectors may offer additional services or might have expertise in detecting buried tanks, it is not a common expectation in the standard home inspection process. Buyers and sellers should be aware that separate, specialized inspections for buried oil tanks should be considered to properly evaluate such systems. This understanding helps to clarify the limitations of a home inspector’s responsibilities and reinforces the importance of obtaining competent evaluations for issues that are outside the typical scope.