Home Inspection State Practice Exam

Which of the following clues does not indicate the presence of an abandoned buried oil storage tank when inspecting a house?

1. Presence of a deteriorated chimney

2. Leaking oil stains in the basement

3. Use of a gas furnace in the home

4. Brick chimney with deteriorated mortar joints at the bottom

The correct answer is: Use of a gas furnace in the home

The presence of a gas furnace in the home does not indicate the presence of an abandoned buried oil storage tank because it suggests that the home is utilizing gas as its heating source rather than oil. Gas furnaces are typically connected to natural gas lines or propane tanks and do not require oil storage tanks. This makes the use of a gas furnace incongruent with the potential for an oil tank being present, as homeowners who are using gas as their primary heating source are not likely to have an operational or abandoned oil tank. On the other hand, the other clues listed would generally indicate possible signs of an oil storage tank. A deteriorated chimney may suggest the age of the home and point to outdated heating methods, which historically included oil-fired systems. Leaking oil stains in the basement are direct indicators of oil spills, possibly from a malfunctioning or abandoned tank. Similarly, a brick chimney with deteriorated mortar joints could suggest that it was used for oil burners, which could lead to the presence of an abandoned oil tank. Each of these factors suggests a historical context where oil storage may have been necessary, thus supporting the likelihood of an abandoned buried tank.