If you own a home in New Jersey, there’s a good chance it once used heating oil. Many of these homes still have underground oil tanks buried on the property — even if they were “decommissioned” years ago.
But here’s the big question homeowners ask us all the time:
👉 Do I really need to remove a decommissioned oil tank in NJ?
The short answer: Yes, removal is strongly recommended — and in many cases required.
Why Decommissioned Tanks Are a Risk
Even if a tank was properly decommissioned (drained, cleaned, and filled with sand or foam), problems can still develop over time:
Hidden Leaks: Old steel tanks corrode underground, leading to leaks that contaminate soil and groundwater.
Home Sale Issues: Most buyers (and mortgage lenders) refuse to close on a property with a buried oil tank — even if it’s decommissioned.
Costly Surprises: If contamination is discovered later, cleanup costs can run tens of thousands of dollars.
What New Jersey Says About Decommissioned Tanks
In New Jersey, there’s no law forcing every homeowner to remove a decommissioned tank. However:
Many township inspectors and lenders require removal before a property can be sold.
Insurance companies often won’t cover oil leaks from underground tanks.
Leaving a tank buried can reduce property value and slow down real estate transactions.
In short: while it might not be legally mandatory everywhere, it’s almost always financially and practically necessary.
Benefits of Removing Your Tank
✅ Protect your property value
✅ Avoid environmental liability
✅ Smooth out future home sales
✅ Peace of mind knowing there’s no hidden contamination underground
Why Choose Simple Tank Services
At Simple Tank Services, we’ve helped thousands of New Jersey homeowners safely remove their underground oil tanks. We handle everything — from permits and inspections to tank removal, soil testing, and remediation if needed.
Our team is fully licensed, insured, and experienced in navigating New Jersey’s environmental regulations. Most importantly, we make the process simple, stress-free, and affordable.
Get a Free Estimate Today
If you have a decommissioned tank on your property, don’t wait until it becomes a costly problem. Contact Simple Tank Services today for a free estimate and consultation.