

Oil Tank Inspections
At Pacific West Environmental Inspections, you will receive the following professional service and more:
- Provide A Complete Detailed On-Site Visual Assessment Survey
- Provide A Detailed Narrative Report With Photos Of Survey Results
- Fully Explain The Details Of The Report And Answer All Your Questions
- Provide You With Recommendations
- Meet The Requirements For Your Insurance Company
All Regions of British Columbia have buildings that are heated with fuel oil and to assure and minimize any type of oil spillage and that the systems and related components are in good condition and functional, a visual survey should be undertaken.

Call (866) 966-8751
Understanding Oil Tanks
Homebuyers have expressed concern over home insurance policies being denied or being unable to obtain home insurance as a result of underground storage tanks. A number of transactions have fallen through on closing as a result. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, a home with an exterior oil tank older than 15 years or an interior tank older than 25 years will not be insured.
The Problem
Insurance companies are concerned that an old oil tank can leak and spill hundreds of liters of heating oil into the home, or into the ground. Spilled oil can quickly contaminate soil and ground water. If the leak finds its way into a sump pump or floor drain, the spill will undoubtedly make it a very expensive clean up. With outside storage tanks, where rust and corrosion are more common, a spill can contaminate the soil or make its way into the nearby streams or rivers. What may seem like a simple clean-up can in fact be a complicated task to replace the leaking tank and supply lines, remove contaminated soil, replace the foundation and treat groundwater. The cost to repair a leaking oil tank can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Underground Oil Tanks
- Products and product vapors can generate a potentially explosive mixture;
- Products can enter surface water;
- Products can enter drinking water;
- Products can contaminate surrounding soil;
- Products can damage property.
Problems with underground oil tanks may complicate the process of applying for homeowner’s insurance and, in extreme cases, may adversely affect real estate transactions themselves.
What Consumers Should do when Buying or Selling a Home with an Oil Tank?
Selling a Home with an Oil Tank?
In British Columbia, The B.C Fire Code now requires the removal of any underground oil tanks that have been out of service for more than two years. Licensees who are involved with the sale of a property that contains, or is thought to contain, a buried oil tank should be aware that this is a concern and should also be aware of their duties with respect to disclosure.
Office of the Fire Commissioner
Ministry of Community Aboriginal and Women’s
Services
P.O. Box 9491 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9N7
(250) 356-9000
OFC@gems8.gov.bc.ca
http://www.mcaws.gov.bc.ca/firecom/
ABOUT US
Our priority is to provide you with unsurpassed professional services. I take care of your best interest and dedicate myself to serving and representing only you with integrity, professionalism and honesty.
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SATURDAY: 6 AM TO 9 PM
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