Tank Sweeps

At Oregon NW Homes, we understand how unseen hazards like underground storage tanks (USTs) can impact your real estate investment, environmental safety, and property value. That’s why our Tank Sweep services are a critical part of responsible property inspection and due diligence throughout Northwest & Central Oregon.

Whether you’re buying, selling, developing, or refinancing a home or commercial property, our advanced tank detection methods help you avoid costly surprises—before they become expensive problems.

What Is a Tank Sweep?

A Tank Sweep is a non-invasive inspection service that uses specialized scanning equipment to locate underground storage tanks on a property. These tanks may have been buried decades ago for storing gasoline, oil, chemicals, or other substances.

Hidden tanks can:

• Leak hazardous materials into soil and groundwater
• Lead to costly cleanup orders from environmental regulators
• Reduce property value and limit future financing or development

Our tank sweeps help reveal these concealed risks so you can act with confidence.

Why Tank Sweeps Matter in Northwest & Central Oregon

Oregon has a long history of residential and industrial land use. In older neighborhoods or industrial zones, buried tanks are more common than most people realize. Many were left undocumented, forgotten after remodels, or installed before modern environmental regulations existed.

Without proper detection:



• Homebuyers may inherit environmental liabilities
• Sellers may face disclosure issues
• Developers could encounter unexpected delays and remediation costs

A Tank Sweep from Oregon NW Homes gives you clarity and peace of mind.

Who Needs a Tank Sweep?

Our tank sweep services are ideal for:

Homebuyers

Protect yourself from inheriting hidden environmental problems that can delay closing or cost thousands in cleanup.

Home Sellers

Identify and resolve issues before listing to make your property more marketable and avoid last-minute surprises.

Real Estate Agents

Provide added value to your clients with proactive inspections that support smooth transactions.

Homeowners with Older Properties

Even if you’re not selling, knowing if a tank exists helps safeguard your investment and protect your family.

Developers & Investors

Ensure land is clean and build-ready before breaking ground or securing financing.

How Oregon NW Homes Performs a Tank Sweep

Our certified inspectors combine industry-leading technology with expert analysis to deliver thorough, reliable results.

1. Site Evaluation

We begin with a visual assessment of the property, looking for clues like:



• Fill pipes
• Manhole covers
• Vent piping
• Age of structures
• Historical use of the property

2. Electronic Scanning

Using advanced electronic detection tools, we sweep the property for anomalies beneath the surface. These tools include:

• Ground-penetrating radar (GPR)
• Electromagnetic locators
• Metal detection scanning

This process is non-destructive and safe for landscaping, utilities, and structures.

3. Analysis

Data collected from scanning is analyzed by our trained team to pinpoint likely tank locations and differentiate between utility lines, debris, and potential tanks.

4. Reporting

You receive a comprehensive report that includes:



• Maps of detected anomalies
• Depth estimates where possible
• Recommendations for further action
• Clear explanations and next steps

Common Types of Underground Tanks We Detect

We search for a variety of buried tanks, including:

• Fuel Oil Tanks (often used for heating homes)
• Gasoline or Diesel Tanks (common on former service stations)
• Chemical Storage Tanks
• Abandoned USTs from previous structures or businesses

Even inert tanks left behind from old gardens or storage pits can show up on scans and are worth documenting.

Benefits of Choosing Oregon NW Homes

When you choose our Tank Sweep service, you get:

Experienced Inspectors

Our team has years of experience detecting hidden tanks throughout Oregon’s diverse landscapes.

Advanced Technology

We invest in the best scanning equipment to give you accurate, trustworthy results.

Fast Turnaround

We know decisions often need to be made quickly—especially in real estate transactions. We deliver timely reports you can rely on.

Clear Reporting

No confusing jargon—just facts, photos, maps, and professional guidance.

Guidance for Next Steps

If a potential tank is found, we help you understand:

• Whether excavation or testing is needed
• Who can perform removal or environmental evaluations
• How to manage regulatory requirements

Tank Sweep vs. Environmental Phase I Assessment

A Tank Sweep focuses on the presence of underground tanks using scanning technology. It does not replace a full Environmental Phase I assessment, which evaluates broader contamination risks (soil, water, hazardous materials).



However, a tank sweep is often a key part of Phase I assessments and is an excellent early step in identifying major issues before ordering more costly testing.

When Should You Schedule a Tank Sweep?

Consider scheduling a tank sweep if:



• Your property was built before 1980
• The land has been used for agriculture, fuel storage, auto repair, or industrial purposes
• You see signs of old fuel lines, fill pipes, or depressions in the ground
• You are preparing land for development or refinancing
• Your lender requires environmental risk reviews
• You want to avoid environmental liabilities

How Much Does a Tank Sweep Cost?

Tank sweep pricing depends on:

• Property size
• Terrain complexity
• Accessibility
• Whether additional testing is needed

We provide transparent pricing before any work begins—so there are no surprises.

Client Testimonials

“Oregon NW Homes discovered an old fuel tank on a property we were buying. We walked away with knowledge, not regret. Highly recommended!” — Sarah L.

“Fast, professional, and worth every dollar. Their report helped us avoid a costly cleanup later.” — Mark D.

FAQs — Tank Sweeps in Oregon