02.09 What maintenance and inspection is required for underground tanks?

Underground tanks have very few moving parts that would require maintenance and inspection. However, the components are continually under stress from ground movements, surface loads, and thermal changes. Even though these stresses are small, they are what cause the tank / sump / pipe containment systems to develop points of leakage.

Most States have enacted regulations for the regular, typically annual, inspection and testing of underground tank / sump / pipe containment systems. The inspections must typically be performed by certified tank installation contractors.