Home Heating Oil Tanks in the Pacific Northwest and What You Need to Know



If you own a home in Seattle, Tacoma, or anywhere in the greater Puget Sound region, it’s worth investigating whether your property might have an old home heating oil tank buried underground. Commonly used before the rise of natural gas and electric heating, these tanks are often forgotten over time—until they become a problem. Here's what you need to know and how to deal with them responsibly.

How to Tell If Your Property Has a Heating Oil Tank

Homes built before the 1970s, especially those that haven't undergone major heating system upgrades, are more likely to have had oil heat at some point. While many tanks have been removed or decommissioned, some remain buried and unregistered and generally have a 50 year life span.

Here are some ways to investigate:

  • Look for clues inside and outside your home. Indoors, you might find old copper fuel lines in the basement or garage. Outdoors, a vent pipe sticking out of the ground or next to the foundation could be a sign.
  • Check property records. Your county or city might have records of oil tanks, particularly if previous owners properly registered or decommissioned them.
  • Hire a professional to scan your property. Environmental consultants or heating contractors can perform a tank sweep using ground-penetrating radar or magnetometers to confirm the presence of a buried tank.

Why It's Important

Underground heating oil tanks pose environmental and financial risks if not properly managed. A leaking tank can contaminate soil and groundwater, leading to expensive cleanup costs. Even if a tank isn't leaking, the liability could affect your homeowners insurance or complicate a home sale.

Best Practices for Managing an Old Oil Tank

If you discover or suspect the presence of a heating oil tank on your property, follow these best practices:

  1. Don’t ignore it. Even a decommissioned tank can cause issues if not properly documented. Always confirm its status.
  2. Decommission it properly. Decommissioning involves emptying the tank of oil, cleaning out sludge, and either removing the tank or filling it with an inert material like foam or sand.
  3. Use a certified contractor. In Washington State, decommissioning must be done by a licensed professional who follows Department of Ecology guidelines.
  4. Document everything. Keep all permits, photos, and reports for future real estate transactions or insurance needs.

Decommissioning Process in Washington State

In Washington, especially in cities like Seattle and Tacoma, there are established steps for decommissioning:

  • Contact a licensed contractor to perform the work.
  • Notify your city or county (often through the fire department or permitting office).
  • Complete the work according to local and state guidelines.
  • Submit documentation showing the tank has been decommissioned, which may be required to close out permits or satisfy buyer inspections.

Helpful Resources for Seattle and Tacoma Homeowners

Here are a few trusted places to start:

Dealing with a heating oil tank might feel like a hassle, but it’s far better to be proactive than to face a costly cleanup or stalled home sale down the road. Whether you’re a homeowner or a prospective buyer, knowing the history of oil heating on the property—and addressing it properly—can protect your investment and the environment.

If you have questions about heating oil tanks, decommissioning or just need guidance, as a top Tacoma Realtor I have the contacts to help you navigate the process. You can reach out at (206) 643-8845 or at https://erikmolzen.bhhsnw.com/ 

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Location: Seattle, WA, USA

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