Identifying Underground Fuel Tanks and Hazardous Material Pipelines

Key Takeaways:

1. Old fuel tanks hide underground - Many properties have forgotten storage tanks that can leak if dug up.
2. Hitting tanks costs big money - Damaging one leads to expensive cleanups and legal problems.
3. 811 won't find private tanks - Free locating services miss hazardous private lines and old tanks.
4. Special tools find hidden dangers - Ground radar and cameras locate what eyes can't see.
5. Always check before digging - A quick utility scan prevents dangerous and costly accidents.

Digging on your property might seem simple until you hit something unexpected—like an old underground storage tank or a pipeline carrying hazardous materials. These hidden dangers can cause serious problems if disturbed, from environmental contamination to costly cleanups. That’s why using underground utility locating services before any excavation is so important.

Why Underground Fuel Tanks and Pipelines Are a Big Deal

Many older homes and commercial properties have underground tanks that once held heating oil, gasoline, or other chemicals. Over time, these tanks can rust, leak, or become forgotten. If you accidentally hit one during digging, you could face:

• Dangerous leaks (fuel or chemicals seeping into the ground)
• Expensive cleanup (environmental agencies may require professional removal)
• Legal trouble (if contamination spreads to neighboring properties)

The same goes for hazardous material pipelines. Even if they’re no longer in use, disturbing them can release toxic substances. That’s why utility locating for pipeline projects isn’t just about avoiding project delays—it’s about safety.

How Underground Storage Tanks and Pipelines Get "Lost"

You might wonder, "How does someone forget about a huge tank buried in their yard?" It happens more often than you’d think. Many underground storage tank systems were installed decades ago, and records weren’t always kept. When properties change hands, the new property owner might have no idea what’s buried below.

Even if records exist, they’re not always accurate. Tanks get moved, abandoned, or replaced without proper updates. That’s why relying on old utility mapping alone isn’t enough—you need modern detection methods.

How Utility Locating Finds Hidden Tanks and Pipelines

Since metal detectors won’t always work (especially if tanks are rusted or made of fiberglass), private utility locating services use advanced technology like:

• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) – Sends signals underground to detect tanks, pipes, and other objects.
• Electromagnetic scanning – Helps find metallic tanks and pipelines.
• Video pipe inspection – If a pipeline is accessible, a small camera can check inside for leaks or damage.

Once the scan is done, the utility locator marks the ground where hazards are found. Some services even provide a permanent record of the findings, which is helpful for future construction projects.

Public vs. Private Utility Locating: What’s the Difference?

You might think calling 811 (the free utility locating service) will find everything. But here’s the catch—they only mark public utilities like city water and gas lines. They won’t mark:

• Private utilities (like old septic tanks or fuel lines)
• Abandoned underground storage tanks
• Hazardous material pipelines on private property

That’s why you need a private utility locating service. They specialize in finding the hidden risks that 811 misses.

When Should You Scan for Underground Tanks and Pipelines?

Any time you’re digging—even for small projects—you should consider underground utility locating services. Here are some common situations where it’s crucial:

• Buying or selling property (to check for unknown tanks)
• Starting a construction project (before digging foundations)
• Installing a pool or septic system (to avoid hitting old lines)
• Landscaping or trenching (even small digs can strike hazards)

The cost of locating is far less than the cost of cleaning up a fuel spill or repairing a damaged pipeline.

Choose Bess Utility Solutions To Detect and Identify Underground Pipes

At Bess Utility Solutions in California and Arizona, we help property owners and project managers avoid dangerous surprises underground. Our private underground utility locating services use ground penetrating radar systems and other cutting-edge technology to find:

• Underground storage tanks (active or abandoned)
• Hazardous material pipelines
• Septic tanks and private utility lines

We also offer video pipe inspection and leak detection to check the condition of what we find. Plus, our reports give you a permanent record, so you’ll always know what’s below.

Digging without locating first is risky. Instead of guessing, hire a professional underground utility locating service to get it done right. It’s the smart way to protect your property, your budget, and the environment.

Need to scan your property for hidden tanks or pipelines? Contact us today—we’ll help you dig safely.