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- If you have an older system at your home, you might be able to find it yourself by looking for greener, faster-growing grass, or even an area with less growth than the rest of your yard. If this doesn’t help, contact your county health department to find the septic system record drawing for your property, or the “as-built” diagram.
Are septic tank locations public record?
Contact your local health department for public records. These permits should come with a diagram of the location where the septic system is buried. Depending on the age of your septic system, you may be able to find information regarding the location of your septic system by making a public records request.
How do I find out where my septic tank is located?
Follow the Main Sewer Line Look for a pipe that’s roughly four inches in diameter that leads away from your house. Remember the location of the sewer pipe and where the pipe leaves your home so you can find it outside. The sewer pipes will lead to where your septic tank is located.
How do you find a septic tank in an old house?
Look for the 4-inch sewer that exits the crawl space or basement, and locate the same spot outside the home. Septic tanks are usually located between ten to 25 feet away from the home. Insert a thin metal probe into the ground every few feet, until you strike polyethylene, fiberglass or flat concrete.
How do I find out if my septic tank is registered?
Check if your septic tank is already registered You can check if your tank has already been registered by contacting your environmental regulator. If you are unsure then it is best to check and avoid making an unnecessary payment. The NIEA and SEPA have records of all registered septic tanks.
How do you find a metal detector with a septic tank?
6 Steps to Locate a Septic Tank
- Find Your Main Sewer Drain Line. Sewage from your toilets, sinks, and showers collects into a main drain line.
- Check Permits and Public Records.
- Determine Septic Tank Material.
- Time to Dig.
- Mark the Location for Future Maintenance.
How long do septic tanks last?
A septic system’s lifespan should be anywhere from 15 to 40 years. How long the system lasts depends on a number of factors, including construction material, soil acidity, water table, maintenance practices, and several others.
What happens if septic tank not pumped?
What Are the Consequences of Not Pumping Your Tank? If the tank is not pumped, the solids will build up in the tank and the holding capacity of the tank will be diminished. Eventually, the solids will reach the pipe that feeds into the drain field, causing a clog. Waste water backing up into the house.
How often should a septic tank be pumped?
Inspect and Pump Frequently The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.
Should septic tank lids be buried?
In most cases, all components of the septic tank including the lid are buried between 4 inches and 4 feet underground. Unless the septic tank has special risers that position the lid at ground level, you’ll have to dig for it.
Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?
The waste from most septic tanks flows to a soakaway system or a drainage field. If your septic tank doesn’t have a drainage field or soakaway system, the waste water will instead flow through a sealed pipe and empty straight into a ditch or a local water course.
Do old septic tanks have to be registered?
A septic tank discharges water into the ground, and the quantity of such is important so as to avoid damage to the environment. If your septic tank discharges two cubic metres or less above ground, then you don’t need to register it. If it releases five cubic metres, or less, below ground level then it is also exempt.
Do old septic tanks need to be registered?
Many homes are not connected to mains drainage, instead having sewage treatment systems or septic tanks or occasionally cesspools. If your sewage treatment system or septic tank discharges to a river or stream it must be registered immediately.
Are septic tanks still legal?
Septic Tanks Explained… Septic tanks cannot discharge to surface water drains, rivers, canals, ditches, streams or any other type of waterway. you are required to upgrade or replace your septic tank treatment system to a full sewage treatment plant by 2020, or when you sell a property, if it’s prior to this date.
Ask the MPCA: Abandoned septic systems
Inquire about MPCA features by sending an email to Hundreds of Minnesotans have written to us with questions about the issues that the agency is involved with, ranging from trash disposal to water and air quality, to chemicals in products, to recycling and reuse, to contaminated sites, to septic systems. If you have a question for the MPCA’s staff, you may send it using the web form Ask MPCA. Question Is it necessary to do anything with an abandoned septic system before selling a house that has an abandoned septic system?
How would I go about determining whether or not a septic system has been properly sealed?
A map indicating the location of the abandoned system must be included in the disclosure.
It will be the seller’s financial responsibility if they fail to disclose the presence or known state of an abandoned septic system.
Although Minnesota state rules do not mandate a compliance examination prior to the sale or transfer of a property, many county, city, and township ordinances do, particularly in shoreland and coastal communities.
Please keep in mind that a disclosure is not the same as a compliance examination, which is performed by a state-certified specialist to assess whether or not the system conforms with applicable rules.
As Cody Robinson, a soil scientist with the MPCA, says, “it is critical that septic systems are properly abandoned to guarantee that untreated sewage is not discharged into groundwater and to avoid public safety hazards associated with an unmaintained subsurface hollow in the yard.” If you have reason to believe that a system on your property was not properly closed out, or if you need to verify whether a system was properly closed out or not, please contact your local government.
If the property was properly closed out, your local government will get a signed evidence of abandonment.
More information may be found here.
Septic System Frequently Asked Questions
A septic system, sometimes known as a septic tank, is an underground system that processes the sewage that flows from your house before disposing of the treated, cleaner water. Septic systems are typically seen in residential areas. The treated water is subsequently re-introduced into the environment through filtration.
This is critical because untreated sewage may harm nearby streams and water systems, as well as the soil around the perimeter of your septic system. Because your septic system is designed to cleanse and filter sewage, it is critical that it is in proper operating order.
What is a Drainfield?
The drainfield, also known as the leach field, is the area where the water from your septic system is sent after it has been cleansed and filtered. It is necessary to construct a drainfield in order to ensure that water is distributed uniformly back into the soil.
How do I find my septic system?
If you’re fortunate enough to have a contemporary septic system in your yard, it may be equipped with an access lid that is visible from the ground floor. If this is the situation at your residence, locating your septic system is as simple as taking a few steps into your backyard. It’s unfortunate that this isn’t true for older septic systems. It’s possible that you may locate an older system in your home by checking for greener, faster-growing grass or even an area with less growth than the rest of your yard if you live in an older home.
This will show you exactly where your septic system is located in your yard, if you have one.
You’ll need to look for the location where your septic system’s sanitary line exits your home and follow that line until you find your septic tank, which will take some time.
If you are unable to discover your septic system, your yard may need to be dug up by a septic system installation in order to locate your septic tank as a last option.
How long do septic systems last?
Septic systems are not designed to endure for a specific number of years, thus there is no defined time frame. In the event of adequate maintenance, you may expect your septic system to last several decades before it has to be replaced; but, if your system fails or deteriorates as a result of bad care, its lifespan will be drastically diminished. In order to obtain an accurate estimate of how much longer the life of your septic system may be extended, you must first have it checked thoroughly by an experienced septic system installation or repairer.
What’s the advantage of installing a newer septic system rather than an older system?
Although it is not required to install a new system, there are advantages to having a modern septic tank rather than an older one. For starters, when you get a new septic tank, you can be confident that it will serve you for decades if it is properly maintained, and you will not have to worry about it being “too old.” Additionally, newer systems have been modified to reduce the likelihood of your system becoming clogged, and if something does go wrong with a new system or when it comes time to have your septic system pumped, a new system will likely be easier to locate because they are frequently constructed with ground-level lids.
New septic systems also provide a further treatment for your waste water, allowing it to be cleaner before it is released into the surrounding environment.
All of that being said, if your property currently has an older septic system installed, it should not need to be updated as long as it complies with the standards of your local health department and is in excellent operating order.
How much does a new septic system cost?
Installation of new septic systems may be a significant financial commitment, with costs typically reaching tens of thousands of dollars. Whenever you have to replace an outdated septic system, you should look into financing alternatives that will make it simpler for you to pay for a new septic system in the long run. Purchase further information from a septic system installation business on how to obtain septic systems at the most competitive prices while also taking advantage of low-interest financing options.
How big is my septic tank?
Septic tank capacity is determined by the amount of water consumed in your property as well as local codes and requirements. Check with your local health agency to find out how big your tank is before installing it.
Why should my septic system be pumped out?
Without regular pumping, the gases emitted by human waste accumulate in your septic system, increasing the risk of septic tank damage and the need for more frequent pumping. The regular pumping of your septic system will allow you to limit the rate at which your tank deteriorates and save money in the process. It’s crucial to remember, though, that degeneration is unavoidable in the long run. It is only via regular maintenance, such as pumping your tank, that your septic system will survive longer.
Does my tank need to be dug up to know if it needs to be pumped?
Risers are commonly found in newer septic systems, which allow you to access your tank from the ground level through a lid. It is straightforward for any septic system professional to determine whether or not your yard has risers placed, and whether or not it is necessary to pump it. If, on the other hand, your tank cannot be accessible from the ground level, it will need to be dug up in order to determine whether it has to be drained. Instead of inspecting your septic system to see whether it needs to be pumped on a regular basis, set a timetable for having your system pumped every 2-3 years.
Why should I have risers and lids installed on my septic system?
As a result, when it comes time to find, pump, or repair your septic system, risers are the best choice since they provide ground-level access to your system. Having a septic system lid will allow you to mow your grass while still being able to find your system with no difficulty. Lids and risers also have the advantage of being accessible all year round, as opposed to earlier septic systems that could only be accessed by digging a trench through your yard. If your septic system has to be pumped or repaired for any reason during the winter months, getting beneath layers of frozen earth can be difficult, if not impossible, and you may be forced to wait until the spring to have access to your tank again.
How often should my septic system be pumped out?
A typical septic system contains a 1,500-gallon tank, which needs to be pumped around every 2-3 years for a household of four, according to industry standards. If you have less than four people living in your house, you will most likely be able to pump your septic system every five years rather than every three.
You should speak with your local health agency to determine the exact size of your tank, and you should consult a septic system business to determine how frequently your tank should be pumped based on the size of your family and the size of your septic tank.
Do I need to have the septic tank pumped if I’m selling my house?
Consult with your local health department to learn about the restrictions that apply to your region of residence. Generally speaking, as long as your septic system has been pumped on a regular basis by a licensed septic system company and recently enough for the new homeowners to be able to live there for a year or two without having to pump the septic system, you should not be required to have it pumped again in the near future.
How do I find someone to pump my septic system?
It is important to be aware that not all septic system businesses are licensed and that not all firms properly dispose of or recycle the waste they pump from your septic system when you are looking for one to pump it. Finding a firm that complies with EPA standards should be your first concern, and then you should look at price, how pricing is split down, and which company is delivering the most honest, economical, and dependable service should be your next consideration. Investigate business evaluations, and when you select a septic system provider to pump your septic tank, be certain that they do the work properly, leaving enough water and waste to keep the sewage decomposing while leaving no visible trace more than a few inches of waste behind.
How much does it cost to have my septic system pumped?
It is recommended that you call many pumpers before making a selection, and that you ask as many questions as possible to ensure that you are receiving the best service for your money. Pumping may cost upwards of $200, so it is always wise to shop around before making a decision. You should not consider it a waste of money to have your septic system pumped when the time comes. By correctly maintaining your septic system, you may avoid spending tens of thousands of dollars to replace your septic system long before it should have been replaced in the first place.
What happens if I don’t have my septic system pumped?
The sediments will pile up in your septic tank if you don’t pump it out regularly, ultimately overflowing into the drain field and clogging the drain field. Backups can occur, causing damage to your property and even necessitating the replacement of your drain field, which can be a very expensive error.
I just had my septic system pumped. Why is it full already?
Septic systems are designed to refill rapidly since the purpose of pumping is not to remove water but rather to remove non-biodegradable waste, and the water itself is not the aim of pumping. Once your septic system has been pumped and you begin to use the water in your house, your tank will quickly refill in order to maintain good operation of the system. If the water level rises to a point where it is above the outlet line, contact your septic system service provider for assistance immediately.
What do you look for when inspecting my septic system?
When we do an inspection, we make certain that your septic system is in good operating condition and that it satisfies the standards for receiving a Certificate of Compliance. If you’re planning to sell your home, you should have your septic system checked out by a professional who is certified by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. This will allow you to sell your home faster and for more money, if you can prove that your system has been checked out by an accredited professional. The level of liquid in your septic tank will be checked, and we’ll make sure there is no surface-level discharge.
We’ll also note whether the level of solid waste in your septic tank indicates that it should be pumped, and whether any repairs are required to improve the overall functionality of the system.
The drains in my home aren’t draining as quickly as they normally do. Does this have to do with my septic system?
Drains that are clogged and that empty slowly are not necessarily a big source of concern. Before presuming that there is an issue with your septic system, check sure that there isn’t anything obstructing your drain first. In the case of one plumbing fixture in your house that is draining slowly, it is likely due to clogging; however, if all of the drains in your home are slow or leave waste backed up, it is probable that your septic system requires inspection and may even require pumping.
What happens when my septic system fails?
Symptoms of a failing septic system may include minor issues such as drain breaks or pipes that have been stopped, which can be caused by tree roots intersecting with the system. Septic system failure, on the other hand, might indicate that your septic tank has degraded to the point that it cannot be repaired and must be replaced. A blocked drainfield will hopefully not become your problem because it is the most expensive component of your system to replace; nevertheless, if it does, you must act quickly to make the necessary repairs or else your waste will continue to back up, perhaps causing damage to your property.
You’ll need to replace the drainfield as soon as possible to avoid further pollution of drinking water sources.
How do I prevent my septic system from failing? How can I properly maintain my septic system?
Your septic system should degrade at a normal rate over the course of several decades if you maintain it on a regular basis. Maintenance normally consists of getting your septic system pumped on a regular basis and making certain that you do not flush or wash anything down the drain that might block your septic system.
What shouldn’t I flush down the toilet?
As a general rule, only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed. There are several reasons why flushing medicine down the toilet is not a good idea. First, medication might kill some of the bacteria in your septic tank, which is necessary to break down solid waste. Second, drugs can pollute adjacent well water. In addition, you should avoid flushing feminine hygiene items, paper towels, tissues, hair, cat litter (even if it is flushable), diapers, wipes, condoms, cigarettes, and anything else that seems to be inorganic and shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet.
What shouldn’t I pour down the drain?
Grease from the kitchen, motor oil, anti-freeze, gasoline, paint, and food should not be flushed down the toilet or drain. You should avoid flushing anything down your drain other than soap and water, and you should especially avoid flushing any form of chemical down your drain that should not be recycled back into the environment, such as fertilizer.
Is using a garbage disposal bad for my septic system?
Using a trash disposal will result in the requirement to pump your septic system more frequently than you would otherwise need to do if you avoided flushing food particles down your drains.
Too much food collection in your tank might cause your drainfield to clog since the microorganisms in your tank are not capable to digesting it. When using a trash disposal, check with your septic system company to find out how frequently the disposal should be serviced.
Should I add bacteria to my septic system?
Aside from being completely useless, introducing bacteria to your septic tank is also highly discouraged. The bacteria produced by human waste is sufficient to break down the solid sewage in your tank without the need of bacteria supplements or other methods. If, on the other hand, multiple members of your home are using pharmaceuticals, they will enter your septic system through human waste and kill some of the beneficial bacteria in your tank, causing it to malfunction. Please contact the firm who installed your septic system to see whether or not you should be worried about the amount of bacteria-killing compounds entering the system.
There’s a strong sewer odor outside of my house. Could this be my septic tank?
Strong sewage stench coming from your yard might be coming from your septic system, but it could also be coming from someplace else completely. Identifying the source of the smell is important. Check for propane or gas leaks in your home before concluding that your septic system is at fault; however, if your gas or propane lines are not leaking, determine how long it has been since you had your tank pumped, and whether there is any sewage waste in your yard or other signs of septic system failure before making your final decision.
Can my septic system contaminate nearby water?
It is possible for your septic system to pollute surrounding water sources if it is not properly managed or fails completely. In the event that you suspect that your septic system is failing, make sure that it is routinely pumped and inspected by an expert.
My gutters’ downspouts drain into my yard above my septic system. Is this a bad thing?
The drainage of your gutters into your yard above your septic system, and particularly into your drainfield, can be hazardous to your septic system. All water should be diverted away from your septic system in order to minimize flooding and damage to your septic system’s tank or drain field.
How To Find My Septic Tank
- What is a septic tank
- How do I know if I have a septic tank
- And how do I know if I have a septic tank Identifying the location of your septic tank is critical for several reasons. The Best Way to Find a Septic Tank
- What to Do Once You’ve Discovered Your Septic Tank
You may have fallen in love with your new house because of its appealing good looks and characteristics, but there is almost certainly more to your new home than meets the eye. In many cases, the characteristics that make your house run more effectively and allow you to live a pleasant, contemporary life are not readily apparent. Septic tanks, for example, are an important part of your home’s infrastructure. A septic system is responsible for regulating and managing the wastewater generated by your home.
“How can I locate my septic tank?” is one of the most often requested inquiries we receive.
When your tank’s lid is difficult to locate – especially if you are not the original homeowner – you may be at a loss for what to do or where to look for the lid when you need it.
The majority of the time, all of the components of the septic tank are buried between four inches and four feet below ground level.
In order to do so, it is necessary to first comprehend the functions of septic tanks and septic systems and why it is important to know where yours is located.
How to Locate Your Septic Tank
Your septic tank’s location is not a closely guarded secret. There will be a method for you to locate it and make a note of its position for future reference, and below are a few examples of such methods.
What Is a Septic Tank?
Having a functioning septic tank is an important aspect of having an effective septic system. In the United States, around 20% of households utilize a septic system to handle their wastewater. Houses in rural parts of New England are the most likely to have a septic system, with residences in the Eastern United States being the most prevalent location for septic systems. When there are few and far between residences, it is typically more efficient and cost-effective to employ a septic system to manage wastewater rather than relying on a public sewage system to handle waste water.
- Typically, a septic tank is a container that is waterproof and composed of a material such as concrete, polyethylene, fiberglass, or a combination of these.
- An important function of a septic tank is to hold on to wastewater until any particulates in the water separate themselves from the water.
- Any liquid that remains in the tank eventually drains into a leach field or a drainfield, where it is known as “effluent.” The dirt in the leach field aids in the filtering of the water and the removal of bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants that may be present in it.
- Septic tanks erected in Onondaga County must contain input and outlet baffles, as well as an effluent filter or sanitary tees, in order to effectively separate particles from liquids during the treatment process.
How Do I Know If I Have a Septic Tank?
What is the best way to tell if your home has a septic tank? There are generally a few of different methods to tell. Examining your water bill might help you identify whether or not your house is served by a septic system or is part of the public sewage system in your neighborhood. If you have a septic system for wastewater management, you are likely to receive a charge from the utility provider for wastewater or sewer services of zero dollars. In the case of those who are fortunate enough to have a septic system, it is likely that they may not receive any water bills at all.
- A lack of a meter on the water line that enters your property is typically indicative of the fact that you are utilizing well water rather than public utility water, according to the National Association of Realtors.
- A septic system is likely to be installed in your home if you reside in a rather rural location.
- Septic systems are likely to be installed in all of these buildings, which means your home is likely to be as well.
- When a septic tank is present, it is common to find a mound or tiny hill on the property that is not a natural structure.
Checking your property records is a foolproof method of determining whether or not your home is equipped with a septic system. Your home’s building permit and drawings will almost certainly include details concerning the existence (or absence) of a septic tank on your site.
Why It’s Important to Know the Location of Your Septic Tank
You might wonder why you should bother trying to discover out where your septic tank is. There are several important reasons for this:
1. To Be Able to Care for It Properly
The first reason you should try to locate your septic tank is that knowing where it is will help you to properly repair and care for it in the future. The standard guideline is to avoid erecting structures or placing heavy objects on top of the septic tank. It’s possible that you don’t want to park your car or truck on top of it, and you don’t want visitors to your house to park their cars on top of it, either. Due to the weight of the automobiles, there is a possibility that the tank would collapse due to excessive pressure.
2. If You Want to Landscape or Remodel Your Property
If you want to build an addition to your home or perform some landscaping around your property, you will need to know where your septic tank is located. Nothing with deep or lengthy roots should be planted on top of or in the area of your tank, since this can cause problems. If roots are allowed to grow into the pipes of your septic system, it is conceivable that your system will get clogged. When you know where the tank is going to be, you may arrange your landscaping such that only shallow-rooted plants, such as grass, are in close proximity to the tank.
For starters, the tank’s weight might lead it to collapse due to the weight of the construction.
3. If a Problem With Your Tank Occurs
Knowing where your tank is buried might also assist you in identifying problems as soon as they arise. Consider the following scenario: you wake up one morning and see that there is flooding or ponding water in the region surrounding your septic tank – a sign that your system is overwhelmed and that an excessive amount of water is being utilized all at once.
4. Ease of Getting It Fixed
Once you have determined the location of your sewer system, you can quickly send a plumber to it in the event that something goes wrong with the system, saving everyone both time and money. Get in Touch With A Plumber Right Away
1. Use a Septic Tank Map
First and foremost, make use of a road map. Using a map is frequently the quickest and most convenient alternative. Most counties keep records of the installation of septic tanks at all of their residents’ residences. These maps should include schematics that illustrate the specific placement of the tank on the land, as well as measurements that allow you to measure and locate the tank’s exact location on the property. Never mind that landmarks may shift over time depending on when the tank was built, so if there are a few more shrubs or a tree nearby, don’t rule out that location as a possibility.
- If you are unable to locate a map or other paperwork that identifies the location of your septic tank, there are a few locations to try to see if you can obtain a map of the area.
- The county health department is responsible for keeping track of septic systems.
- A septic tank’s position could be depicted on a survey map, for example.
- The creation of your own map and documentation may be worthwhile if you cannot locate a map or blueprint of your property and nothing appears to be on file regarding it at the county health department or another municipal agency.
In this way, if you ever decide to sell your property, you will be able to supply the new owner with everything they will need to locate the tank and properly manage their septic system.
2. Follow the Pipes to Find Your Septic Tank
Whether or not there is an existing map of your septic tank on file, or whether or not you choose to develop one for future reference or for future homeowners, you will still need to track down and find the tank. One method of accomplishing this is to follow the sewer lines that lead away from your residence. The septic tank is situated along the sewage line that goes from your home and into the yard, as we’re sure you’re aware. Find a four-inch sewer pipe in your basement or crawl space. This is the line that will lead to your septic system and should be accessible from the ground level.
- In general, though, you’re searching for a pipe with a diameter of four inches or more that leaves your home via a basement wall or ceiling.
- By inserting a thin metal probe (also known as a soil probe) into the earth near the sewage line, you can track the pipe’s location.
- The majority of septic tanks are located between 10 and 25 feet away from your home, and they cannot be any closer than five feet.
- Going via the sewage line itself is another method of locating the septic tank utilizing it.
- Drain snakes are typically used to unclog clogs in toilets and drains, and they may be used to do the same thing.
- When the snake comes to a complete halt, it has almost certainly reached the tank.
- While drawing the snake back, make a note of how far it has been extended and whether it has made any bends or turns.
- When looking for your septic tank, you may use a transmitter that you flush down the toilet and it will direct you straight to the tank.
3. Inspect Your Yard
Septic tanks are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible when they are erected. With the passage of time, and the growth of the grass, it might be difficult to discern the visual indications that indicated the exact location of your septic tank’s installation.
However, this does not rule out the possibility of finding evidence that will take you to the location of your septic tank in the future. First and foremost, you want to rule out any potential locations for your septic tank, such as:
- Under a road or similar paved surface, for example. Right up against the house (the tank must be at least five feet away)
- Directly in front of the home Immediately adjacent to your well (if you have one)
- In close proximity to trees or densely planted regions
- In the shadow of a patio, deck, or other building
Once you’ve ruled out any potential locations for your tank, it’s time to start hunting for indications as to where it may be hiding in plain sight. Keep your eyes peeled as you go about your property, looking for any inexplicable high or low points that might suggest the presence of an underground tank. When looking at your property, you could see a hill or mound on the ground, which is frequently an indication that there is a septic tank nearby. One further item to consider while searching for the right septic tank for your home is the amount of grass or other foliage in your yard.
Alternatively, if the tank was not adequately buried, you may observe a “bald patch,” which is an area where the grass is struggling to grow in the vicinity.
4. Talk to Your Neighbors
If your neighbors have septic systems as well, they may be able to assist you in locating your tank. Inquire of your neighbors about the location of their septic tanks in relation to their residences. Having a polite conversation with your neighbors regarding septic systems not only provides you with a means to figure out where yours is, but it may also serve as a friendly introduction to the other residents of your community.
5. Look for Your Septic Tank Lid
It is only the first step in the process to discover where your septic tank is located. After you’ve located your tank, the following step is to locate the lid. You can locate it with the help of your soil probe. The majority of septic tanks are rectangular in shape and measure around five feet by eight feet. The perimeter of the tank should be marked with a probe once it has been probed around. A shallow excavation with a shovel within the tank’s perimeter and near the center (or broken into halves for a two compartment tank) should show the position of the lid or lids if you are unable to feel them by probing.
The tank itself is likely to be filled with foul-smelling vapors, if not potentially hazardous ones.
What to Do After You Find Your Septic Tank
Once you’ve determined where your tank is, it’s time to bring in the specialists. Trust us when we say that opening a septic tank is not something that just anybody wants to undertake. Concrete septic tank lids are extremely heavy and must be lifted using special lifting gear in order to be removed. Since the vapors are potentially dangerous due to the contents of the tank, please respect our advice and refrain from attempting to open the tank yourself. An exposed septic tank can be hazardous to anybody wandering around your property’s perimeter, and if someone were to fall into it, it might be lethal owing to the toxicity of the sewage in the tank.
However, before you send in a team of experienced plumbers, there are a few things you can do to ensure that others do not experience the same difficulty locating the tank and to make locating the tank in the future easier.
1. Mark Its Location
The likelihood is that you will not want to post a large sign in your yard that reads “Septic Tank Here!” but you will want to leave some sort of marking so that you can quickly locate the tank and lid when you need them. In an ideal situation, the marker will be substantial enough that it will not blow away in the wind and will not be readily moved by children who are playing in the yard. A patio paver, a potted plant, or a decorative gnome or rock are just a few of the possibilities. In addition to putting a physical sign beside the septic tank, you may draw a map or layout of the area around it to illustrate its position.
2. Take Care of Your Septic Tank
Taking proper care of your tank may save you hundreds of dollars over the course of its lifetime. The expense of maintaining your system could be a few hundred dollars every few years, but that’s a lot less than the thousands of dollars it might cost to repair or replace a damaged tank or a malfunctioning septic system. Two strategies to take better care of your septic tank and system are to avoid utilizing your drain pipes or toilets as garbage cans and to use less water overall. Things like paper towels, face wipes, and cat litter should not be flushed down the toilet since they are not designed to be flushed.
In addition, installing low-flow faucets and high-efficiency toilets can help you reduce the amount of water used in your home.
For example, you don’t want to be washing load after load of laundry or running your clothes washer at the same time as your dishwasher all at the same time.
Call a Professional Plumber
Maintenance of a septic system is not normally considered a do-it-yourself activity. In the Greater Syracuse region, whether your septic tank requires pumping out or cleaning, or if you want to replace your tank, you should use the services of a reputable plumbing firm to do the job right. If you’ve attempted to locate your septic tank on your own and are still unsure of its position, it may be necessary to enlist the assistance of a professional local plumber. Our team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Syracuse can assist you with locating, maintaining, or replacing your home’s sewage tank.
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Finding Lost Wells Searching for Wells on a Property – EH: Minnesota Department of Health
Wells that have not been utilized are frequently apparent as a 14- to 6-inch-diameter steel pipe protruding aboveground, the floor of a cellar or basement tilted, or a well pit. Older wells, on the other hand, may have casing constructed of concrete, tile, rock, brick, or stone, while many modern wells have casing made of polyethylene tubing. According to earlier discussion, some wells were initially underground, and if a property has been modified, wells may have been constructed over or around them, cut off, or buried altogether.
- While some wells have a lifespan of 100 years or more, the average well has a lifespan of 25 to 50 years.
- Farm properties are more likely than non-farm properties to have many wells to supply barns, irrigation systems, and other needs.
- The information provided under the heading “Physical Evidence” may be of use in locating awell.
- Before 1974, there was no requirement for state well records.
It is possible that counties, townships, or cities have well-organized information on building permits, sewer permits, or property records. In situations when physical evidence, personal knowledge, or records are lacking, it may be necessary to use various methods to discover underground wells.
Individuals Familiar with Property
- Property owner
- Relatives or acquaintances who may be aware of wells on the property
- And anybody else who may be interested. previous owners of the land
- Neighbors who may be familiar with the property (the location, depth, and construction of surrounding wells may potentially provide a hint as to the well’s construction)
- Contractors (well drillers, pump installers, plumbers, remodelers, etc.) who have performed work on the premises
- In addition to the property owner and any family members or associates who may be aware of any wells on the property, former proprietors of the land
- It is possible that some of your neighbors are familiar with the property (in addition to knowing the location, depth, and construction of the well), but it is not a guarantee. contractor(s) who have worked on the property (well drillers, pump installers, plumbers, remodelers, etc.)
- Workers who are now employed or who have previously worked as maintenance professionals
- Well, plumbing, building, and milk inspectors
Physical Evidence
- Inspectors (well, plumbing, building, septic system, milk)
- Current or previous workers
- Maintenance personnel
- And others.
Record Search
- A copy of the owner’s documents (for example, bills, easements on the property), or information inscribed on the wall of a pressure tank, control box, or well chamber The Minnesota Geological Survey (612-626-2969), the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)Well Management Section, or local government organizations can provide assistance. In order to save, retrieve, and amend water-well information, the Minnesota Geological Survey (MGS) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) collaborated to build a web-based version of the Community Water Information System (CWIS). Certificates of Well Disclosure are available from the MDH Well Management Section (filed since November 1990). It’s possible that a Well Disclosure Certificate has already been submitted for the property. Construction records for wells and boreholes, as well as well and borehole sealing records, are kept at the MDH Well Management Section. The records of wells on a site may be kept by city, township, or county officials who have obtained construction, water connection, or sewer permits for the property. Property records may be available from the municipal water department, which keeps track of when public water was delivered to a location. If the residence or facility was built before this link was established, it is probable that the property has one or more wells. Minnesota History Center and University of Minnesota Wilson Library both include Sanborn Fire Insurance maps and Fire Underwriters Inspection Bureau (a.k.a. Fisher) maps (which provide well information for commercial or industrial sites). Photographs of the property taken in the past
- Aerial images of property (which may include windmills and well buildings) – accessible at your localSoil and Water Conservation District office or online at the following address:
- Landview Maps from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- University of Minnesota, Minnesota Historical Aerial Photographs Online from the John R. Borchert Map Library
- Google Maps
- Bing Maps
- And other mapping services
- Copies of county plat books can be obtained through the Minnesota Historical Society, the Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the County Recorders/Auditors. Detailed topographic maps that show the locations of buildings and highways
Equipment and Tools for Well Contractors
- Metal locators and magnetometers (for example, a fluxgate magnetic pipe locator or a proton magnetometer) are used in the exploration of metal. In order to track pipes (for example, Sondes, pipe locators, or tracers), use a tape measure or a “snake.” Ground-penetrating radar (for the purpose of identifying hidden structures)
- Shovels, hammers, chisels, and a backhoe are examples of excavation equipment. Vacuum, bits, and extensions for small rotary hammers or corers.
Return to the top.Do you have any questions? Contact the MDH Well Management Section at 651-201-4600 or [email protected] or by email at [email protected] Department of Health and Human Services of Minnesota
Septic systems
All options are available. Septic system questions should be directed to your local municipality if you live in one of these cities: Phone number in Dayton: 763-427-4589 Hopkins’ phone number is 952-935-8474. Phone number for Independence: 763-479-0527 Loretto’s phone number is 763-479-4305. Call Medina at 763-473-4643. New Hope’s phone number is 763-531-5100. The phone number in Orono is 952-249-4600. Richfield may be reached at 612-861-9700. St. Louis Park phone number: 952-924-2500 952-474-4755 Woodland, Texas
Residents of these cities should contact Hennepin County for septic system questions
- Among the cities and towns in Minnesota are: Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Corcoran, Crystal, Deephaven, Eden Prairie, Edina, Excelsior, Golden Valley, Hanover, Long Lake, Maple Grove, Maple Plain, Medicine Lake, Minneapolis, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Minnetonka, Minnetrista, Mound, Osseo, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Rockford, Rogers, Shorewood, St. Anthony,
Printable map
Map of the septic system in Hennepin County (PDF)
Properly disposing of a septic tank (abandonment)
- There is no new construction in the abandoned (it is a stand-alone abandonment). The county is in charge of regulating septic systems in your city.
Inspections and required steps
Along with the payment, you must submit an application for an aseptic abandonment permission (PDF). Once you have been issued a permission, you must do the following:
- Inspect and maintain the tank with the help of a qualified pumper/maintainer Take photographs of the tank after it has been smashed, filled with stones, or removed. Obtain and complete the abandonment reporting form.
Send the following papers to the address below within 90 days of completing the preceding steps:
- Invoice from a certified pumper/maintainer demonstrating that they pumped the tank before it was abandoned
- And Photographs of the tank after it has been smashed, filled with stones, or removed from use
- Form of abandonment reporting (DOC) that has been completed
a receipt from a qualified pumper/maintainer demonstrating that they emptied the tank before abandonment; Photographs of the tank after it has been smashed, filled with stones, or removed from service abandoned vehicle report form (DOC) that has been completed
Questions
Terry Hamal may be reached at [email protected] or 612-543-5249. The sale of a home in Hennepin County is not subject to a septic system inspection requirement. According to state law, you are required to provide the buyer with accurate information on the septic system. A buyer who is well-informed will demand a comprehensive inspection. Before issuing a mortgage, many lenders need a compliance examination to be completed. Find a qualified inspector to assist you.
County inspections
- New septic systems
- New septic tanks or holding tanks
- New septic tanks or holding tanks There is now an examination of current septic systems as a result of a complaint
- The county does not inspect septic systems that are required to have a compliance inspection report completed. You will need to hire a private septic specialist to complete this task.
Certificates of compliance
- Inspection report on compliance for existing systems that is valid for three years. New systems: a five-year certificate of conformity with applicable regulations.
Notice of noncompliance
- Upgrades to septic systems can take three years
- An acute health concern must be addressed within 10 days and resolved within 10 months. The presence of an impending health concern indicates that sewage has surfaced to the ground or has returned into the dwelling.
Building permits
Septic permit approval or compliance inspection are required for the following:
- Obtaining any and all building permits for new business or new residential construction
- Any permits for bedroom(s) expansions, any additions or modification of commercial buildings where water use is expected to rise
- And If the drainfield is located inside the shoreland or wellhead protection area, any permits for a substantial addition or redesign of a dwelling or structure on the property will be required to be obtained. Check with your city to see if there are any shoreland and wellhead protection areas.
Older septic systems
Septic systems installed before January 23, 1996 are considered compliant provided they fulfill the following two requirements:
- There is two feet of dirt buffer given, and it is not considered to be a health hazard at this time. This indicates that sewage has surfaced above ground or has backed up into the residence.
This clause does not apply to:
- Beaches and sand dunes
- Food, beverage, and hotel establishments Protection zones around wellheads
- Construction of a new building
Wetland requirement
Septic drainfields or mounds must be at least 50 feet away from a wetland of category three or above in order to be permitted.
Warrantied systems
The use of warrantied systems is not permitted. See MN Statutes Chapter 115.55 for information on warrantied systems. All options are available.
Septic Compliance
A compliance inspection is performed to verify whether or not a septic system complies with local and state regulations. The inspection must be carried out by an inspector who holds a valid state license. The inspector examines the septic tank(s) to establish whether or not they are waterproof in nature. As part of his inspection, the inspector checks the drainfield to ensure that it has the minimum vertical separation necessary between the bottom of the drainfield and the regularly saturated soil or bedrock.
Additionally, the inspector examines the general operation of the system to see if it is operating properly. Upon successful completion of the inspection, a certificate of conformity is awarded.
When You Need One
Most property transactions in Sherburne County that contain a residence need the septic system to be less than five (5) years old or to have had a successful septic compliance inspection performed on the system within the previous three (3) years in order to be accepted. Apart from maintenance permits (i.e. roof replacement, siding replacement, furnace replacement), any building permit request on the property must be made with proof that the septic system is less than 10 years old or that a passing compliance inspection has been completed on the system within the last ten (10) years.
Who Can Do It
Find and make contact with a septic professional who is licensed by the state.
Why It’s Failing
We frequently receive reports of systems “functioning” or homeowners reporting that they have never had an issue with the system, despite the fact that an MPCA licensed inspector just failed the system. A failed septic system is not only one that is discharging sewage to the ground surface or backing up into a house, but it is also one that has less than the needed vertical separation distance between the bottom of the drainfield and the water table or any other restrictive layer as well. MN Rules 7080.1500, Subp.
Is your system experiencing problems?
Failing septic systems are divided into three (3) categories, each with its own set of compliance requirements and deadlines.
Failing Category | Compliance Deadline – from date of non-compliance |
---|---|
Failure to Protect Groundwater | 18 Months |
Imminent Threat to Public Health | 10 Months |
Public Nuisance | 10 Days |
Learn more about Financial Assistance for Failing Systems by visiting their website.
Buying A Home With A Private Septic System
Septic systems are widespread in rural regions, but less so in urban locations such as Plymouth, where they are rare. Many individuals who relocate to the country from a more populated area are unfamiliar with septic systems and what to anticipate when they do. If you’re considering purchasing a property that has a septic tank, it’s critical that you understand how the system works and what type of care is required of you.
City Sewer Vs. Private Septic Systems
It is more usual in rural locations to have septic systems than it is in urban centers such as Plymouth. Many people who relocate to the country from a more populated area are unfamiliar with septic systems and what to anticipate when they do move. If you’re considering purchasing a property that has a septic tank, it’s critical that you understand how the system works and what type of care is required of you.
Types of Septic Systems
Private septic systems are available in a variety of configurations; however, the two most prevalent are drain fields and mound systems. Some neighborhoods also have shared septic systems that are used by the entire neighborhood. In actuality, it’s just a larger centralized septic system for the area, and you’ll likely find some form of maintenance agreement with this type of installation.
Maintenance
Septic tanks must be pumped and its contents removed on a regular basis in order to function properly. Septic tanks typically need to be pumped every 2 to 3 years, depending on usage. The frequency with which a septic tank should be pumped will be determined by the size of the tank, the number of people living in the home, and the amount of water that the house consumes on a regular basis. Septic tanks that are too small for the quantity of waste water generated will require more frequent pumping than septic tanks that are appropriately designed for the property’s waste water.
Homes cannot be pumped by themselves; instead, they must engage a septic tank pumping business to pump their tanks on their behalf in the vast majority of situations. The cost of this varies between $250 and $500.
Watch What You Flush
Septic tanks are intended to retain just water, waste, and toilet paper. They are not intended to hold anything else. The interior of a septic tank is an extremely sensitive mechanism that requires special care. It is possible to cause difficulties by flushing the incorrect things down into the tank. Beneficial bacteria in the tank can be killed by medications, anti-bacterial soaps, and other cleaning chemicals used in the tank. The food particles that are discharged into the tank, however, have the potential to block the drain field.
Warning Signs of Septic Trouble
It is possible for septic tanks that are not drained on a regular basis to overflow and overflow into the home or into the yard. Look for the following warning signals in properties with septic tanks while inspecting them for potential septic problems: There is a foul stink on the grass. Grassy places with standing water. Areas of extraordinarily lush green grass can be seen here. The drains in the house are continuously sluggish across the whole home. A full septic tank that needs to be serviced is indicated by any of these indicators, and they may also be indicative of a greater problem in the home.
What You Need to Know Before You Move In
Based on the pumping schedule of the former tenants of a property, you will not be able to determine how frequently a septic tank has to be pumped. However, if you’re considering purchasing a property that has a septic tank, it’s crucial to find out when the tank was last drained and how large the tank is before proceeding. When you first move in, you may use this information to create a pumping plan for your tank. To learn more about the history of the septic tank in any house you’re considering purchasing, speak with your real estate professional.
Contact Us
Your queries regarding buying or selling real estate in Minneapolis and the surrounding regions are welcome at The Derrick Monroe Group, and we look forward to hearing from you. To contact us, please call or text 612-282-7653 or complete the form below. There have been 4,576 total views, with 2 views today.