Oil tank detection in Montreal before a home sale

Heating oil is disappearing, the tanks remain

In Quebec, installing an oil-fired heating appliance has been prohibited in new construction since December 31, 2021, and in existing buildings since December 31, 2023. The regulation also prohibits repairing oil-fired heating appliances more than 20 years old (1). For its part, the City of Montreal announced as early as 2019 its intention to eliminate oil heating on its territory by 2030 (2).

As a result, many homes have been converted to electricity. The burner disappears from the basement, but the buried tank often stays in place. This is what comes up at the time of a sale, an insurance application or financing.

Typical signs in residential neighbourhoods

• A fill pipe or vent coming out of the ground near the house
• A line that passes through the foundation wall for no apparent reason
• A former burner location in the basement
• A slight depression in the ground in the yard

What the report can tell you

The report locates the detected tank, estimates its dimensions and the depth to its top, and notes other structures in the area. If nothing is detected, it says so for the scanned area only. Ground-penetrating radar cannot determine the condition or contents of the tank; a characterization by a qualified professional may be required before removal.

Frequently asked questions

How long before the sale date should the survey be scheduled? As early as possible. We reply within 24 to 48 business hours and the report follows within 24 hours of the visit, which leaves time to plan a removal if a tank is found.

Is the survey useful to the buyer? Yes. The report documents the area covered and the results, which helps the buyer, the broker and the notary base the discussion on facts.