21 Jan Buying or Selling a Home in Southington? What to Know About Oil Tanks
Moving a house is stressful, but in a historic town like Southington, the heating system shouldn’t be the thing that breaks the deal. Whether you’re selling a classic colonial near the Town Green or buying a 1950s ranch in Plantsville, the oil tank is a major focal point for inspectors, banks, and insurers.
Here is what you need to know to protect your investment and keep your closing on track in 2026.
For Sellers: Don’t Let Your Tank Be a “Deal Killer”
In the current Connecticut real estate market, transparency is your best friend. If a buyer’s home inspector finds an old, undocumented tank, it can cause immediate panic.
The “Paperwork” Advantage: Gather your service records and any tank protection certificates. If you’ve replaced your tank recently, having the Southington Building Department permit and the final sign-off ready will give buyers immense peace of mind.
The Underground Dilemma: While there is no state law requiring the removal of a non-leaking residential underground storage tank (UST), many mortgage lenders and insurance companies will refuse to issue a policy until it is removed.
The Best Offense: If you have an aging underground tank, consider replacing it with a modern above-ground model (like a double-walled Roth tank) before listing. It removes the “environmental “unknown” and often increases your home’s value.
For Buyers: The “Tank Sweep” is Your Best Friend
If you are falling in love with a home in Southington that has a history of oil heat, you need to do more than just look at the furnace.
Request a “Tank Sweep”: Even if the current owners use natural gas or a basement oil tank, old “abandoned” tanks can still be buried in the yard. A tank sweep uses ground-penetrating radar to ensure there isn’t a ticking financial time bomb under the lawn.
Check the Age: Above-ground tanks generally have a lifespan of 20–30 years. If the tank looks like a rusty relic, factor the cost of replacement (roughly $2,500–$4,000) into your offer.
Insurance Verification: Before you sign, call your insurance agent. Ask specifically if they have restrictions on oil tanks over a certain age. Some companies in CT now require tanks older than 20 years to be replaced or inspected professionally to maintain coverage.
Southington Specifics: Local Regulations
Connecticut law (CGS § 29-320) governs the removal of residential tanks, but the Southington Fire Marshal and Building Department are the local authorities you’ll deal with.
Permits are Mandatory: You cannot simply dig up a tank or “fill it with sand” without a permit and an inspection.
Soil Testing: If a tank is removed, it is standard practice (and often required by the buyer’s attorney) to have soil samples tested by a certified lab to prove there was no leakage.
The Bottom Line
An oil tank isn’t a reason to walk away from a beautiful Southington home, but it is a reason to do your homework. A well-maintained, documented tank is a reliable asset; a mystery tank is a liability.