We will be looking at above-ground and in-ground oil tank removal costs, including the cost to remove those located in your basements.

When it comes to oil tank removal, you’ll need to consider the type you have. Oil tanks are of different kinds. There are those located underground, those above ground, basement oil tanks, and so on.

So how much does it cost to decommission an oil tank?

Average Cost To Remove Oil Tank

Our main focus is on the cost of oil tank removal.

If you have an oil tank you no longer need, this article should interest you. The cost implication of oil tank removal is one area a lot of homeowners are concerned about.

With the information provided here, it becomes much clearer. You get to plan better with the knowledge obtained.

Factors Affecting Oil Tank Removal Cost

In discussing oil tank removal cost, one thing cannot be overlooked; the factors impacting removal cost. Now, there are several of these factors.

These include the size of the tank, the contractor you hire, the condition of the tank, and local fees.

The oil tank’s location and its accessibility are yet another key removal cost-determining factor. Having mentioned these factors, it’s necessary to further explain each of them for your understanding.

  • Oil Tank Size

The size of the oil tank you wish to have removed matters.

Also, whether it needs to be emptied will be a cost-influencing factor. Bigger oil tanks will attract higher removal costs. The opposite applies to smaller oil tanks.

An oil tank will need to be emptied of its contents before it’s hauled off.

  • Contractor Hired

The type of contractor hired impacts the cost of removing septic tanks and oil tanks.

Different contractors have unique pricing structures. Although there’s a typical cost range, how much you end up paying is largely influenced by who performs the job.

Variations in pricing from one contractor to the next are largely determined by individual pricing structures.

Some contractors offer more competitive oil tank removal rates compared to others. To fully take advantage of such variations, you’ll need to compare the removal rates of multiple service providers.

  • Tank Condition

What’s the condition of your oil tank? If it’s still in good condition and only needs to be replaced with something bigger or smaller, then the costs wouldn’t be much.

However, oil tanks in a state of disrepair tend to be more challenging to remove.

A contractor will need to assess the tank’s condition before removal. This is because of the varying degrees of difficulty involved with tank removal. A tank in good condition won’t pose many problems removing.

This reflects in lesser removal costs.

  • Local Fees

You’re likely to incur additional fees when it comes to oil tank removal.

This doesn’t apply to all locations. In other words, certain locations require the payment of local fees such as permits among others.

You’ll need to find out what applies to your particular location.

  • Location and Accessibility

Where’s your oil tank located? Is it above ground, underground on in your basement?

Location and accessibility will determine the cost of removal. This is because tank location determines the level of difficulty involved in the removal.

Surface or above-ground oil tanks tend to be easier to remove than underground tanks which require excavation.

Decommission Oil Tank Cost

Having considered the factors influencing oil tank removal cost, it’s necessary to focus on the cost of such procedure. The typical fee range is around $531 to $1,806.

On average, you’re likely to pay about $1,143.

For an above-ground oil tank, removal cost is between $300 and $1,500. As expected, removal cost increases significantly when the tank is located underground.

Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,500.

Now, removal of the oil tank may require soil testing and remediation. This is necessary to help determine and decontaminate or neutralize oil spillage.

The cost for testing and remediation can vary widely with a range of about $500 to $10,000 or more.

Your Oil Tank Size will Impact Removal Cost

Recall we mentioned the impact tank size has on removal cost. However, such comparison left out a key detail; how tank size or volume impacts the cost of removal.

To provide more comprehensive coverage of cost, we’ll need to consider varying tank volumes.

  • Underground Heating Oil Tank Removal Cost

Oil tanks come in different volumes. Some hold about 550 gallons or less as well as those double the capacity (about 1000 gallons). Removing an underground tank holding about 550 gallons or less will cost around $1,000 to $2,000.

A 1000 gallon underground oil tank will cost about $1,600 to $2,500 to remove. For an underground oil tank with a 1500 gallon volume, expect to pay around $2,200 to $2,700 for its removal.

2000 gallon capacity oil tanks will attract a removal fee of between $2,400 and $2,900. There are underground tanks that exceed or hold more than 2000 gallons.

A 3000-gallon underground oil tank for instance will attract around $3,000 or more to remove.

  • Above Ground Oil Tank Removal Cost

Above ground, oil tank removal cost is determined by factoring in whether the tank holds any oil and its size and accessibility. Depending on the factors, you’re likely to pay anywhere from $300 to $1,000.

Removal costs could increase in situations where the tank needs to be emptied among other things.

Can Removal Cost Be Lowered Through DIY Adoption?

Unlike water tanks, oil tanks are considered more delicate as they hold contents considered to be hazardous. As such, these are better handled by an expert.

Plus, oil tank removal requires enlisting the help of a licensed professional. So, DIY oil tank removal isn’t something to consider.

How Much Does it Cost to Remove a Basement Oil Tank?

Is your oil tank located in the basement?

If it is, expect to pay a removal fee of between $500 and $1,500. Prices could further vary depending on the size of the tank among other variables mentioned earlier.

This is the average rate to remove an oil tank from the basement.

Disposal Of Oil Tank

Having successfully removed an oil tank, most professionals will carry out its successful disposal. Disposal in this sense involves hauling such to a salvage yard for recycling.

Sometimes, local landfills may allow for the disposal of empty and clean oil tanks.

Disposal costs are mostly included in the total cost of removal. However, you’ll need to find out details of what’s involved from your contractor.

If you’ve read to this point, you should have a better idea of what costs are involved.

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