Check the Property Records Just call your county health department! Check with your local health department to see if they have a property survey map and septic tank map.
- Request the septic tank location information from your county Health Department. The Health Departments of counties throughout the U.S. keep detailed housing records, which include the locations of each house’s septic tank. Reach out to the Health Department for a copy of this information.
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 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 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.
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.
Does a septic tank 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 I need consent to discharge septic tank?
You will require a ‘Permit to Discharge’, however you may qualify for an exempt status if your system meets certain requirements such as amount of discharge, septic tank or sewage treatment plant model (only EN 12566-3 2005 Certified plants accepted), plant location, intended discharge point, installation and
What can I use to find my septic tank?
In most cases, septic tank components including the lid, are buried between 4 inches and 4 feet underground. You can use a metal probe to locate its edges and mark the perimeter. If you do not find the lid by probing, shallow excavation with a shovel along the tank’s perimeter should reveal the lid.
Can you use a metal detector to find sewer lines?
Using a Plumbing Pipe Detector to Locate Underground Pipes. As a property owner there will be times when, for a variety of reasons, you will need to locate underground metal objects. For example, using a pipe locator metal detector you can easily pinpoint leaking underground pipes quickly.
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.
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 controlling 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 location for future reference, and here are a few examples of such methods.
What Is a Septic Tank?
Having a functioning septic tank is an important part 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 houses, it is often more efficient and cost-effective to use a septic system to manage wastewater rather than relying on a public sewer 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 solids 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 soil in the leach field aids in the filtering of the water and the removal of bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants 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.
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 could cause it to collapse due to the weight of the structure. A second issue is that getting access to the tank becomes more difficult if a permanent building has been constructed on top of it.
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 notice that there is flooding or ponding water in the area around your septic tank — a sign that your system is overloaded and that an excessive amount of water is being used all at once.
4. Ease of Getting It Fixed
Once you have determined the location of your sewer system, you can easily direct 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.
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 wish to create one for future reference or for future homeowners, you will still need to track down and locate the tank. One method of accomplishing this is to follow the sewer pipes 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 can 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 curves.
- 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.
If you only want to keep an eye on the condition of your tank and don’t need to dig it up and inspect it, you may thread a pipe camera into the sewer pipe to see what’s happening.
3. Inspect Your Yard
Septic tanks are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible when they are installed. 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 clues that will direct 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 properly buried, you may notice 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 approximately 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 fumes, 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 anyone 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 call in a team of professional 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 beautiful gnome or rock are some of the alternatives. In addition to installing a physical marker near the septic tank, you may make a map or diagram outlining the tank’s position as a backup plan.
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 on a septic system is not typically considered a do-it-yourself project. 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 location, 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 in locating, maintaining, or replacing your home’s sewage tank.
Request an Estimate for the Job
Looking for Your Septic Tank? Here’s How to Find It
“It’s 9 o’clock, do you know where your septic tank is?” says the interrogator. Maybe this is a little over the top, but it’s a question that many of our clients have asked over the years. In particular, new homeowners who are unfamiliar with the inner workings of their home or who haven’t needed septic tank service yet should be aware of the risks involved.
Knowing where your septic tank is located is essential for routine maintenance and when you want to add new landscaping to your property. If you’re looking for a tank, we have some suggestions that may be of assistance.
Why you need to know where your septic tank is located
If your house does not have access to municipal sewage services, it is almost inevitable that you have a septic tank to redirect and store all of your wastewater someplace on your property’s subterranean drainage system. While a septic system is trustworthy and cost-effective, it does not operate without some kind of upkeep. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a septic tank should be examined at least once every three years and drained every three to five years at the absolute least.
In either of these scenarios, you’ll need to know the location of your septic tank so that you can arrange for it to be serviced.
How to find your septic tank
- Inquire with your neighbors– If you have a septic tank, it’s possible that your neighbors have, too. Perhaps you’ll be fortunate enough to come across someone who knows where your tank is or who can assist you in narrowing down your search
- Obtain information from public records– It is possible that your local county or municipality has an existing septic tank map on file, which includes a diagram and the dimensions of your property. Examine the home inspection report you received when you purchased your house to see if there is any mention of the presence of a septic tank and the location of the tank before going to your local records office. Start in the basement and discover the sewer pipe that leaves the house if you have to locate the tank by yourself. Pipe with a diameter of four inches is usual for this application. After that, go outside and around to the opposite side of the wall. Then, using a metal soil probe to poke small holes in various locations around your property, trace the pipe’s course until you reach the tank. When you strike the flat top surface of the tank with the probe, you’ll notice a distinct change. Consider your surroundings– If you have a large property, finding a needle in a haystack can seem like a daunting task. To make your search more efficient, you can eliminate locations near structures, paved surfaces, the water well, and, ideally, regions with extensive trees or landscaping from consideration. Another possibility is that you may notice a patch of grass that is a little greener or that is growing more quickly around the tank. Locate the septic tank lid– Regardless of how you pinpoint the position of the tank, you may need to perform a little digging in order to expose the lid. You may use the soil probe to determine the perimeter of the tank – most tanks will be around 5 7 feet in length and width. As soon as you’ve outlined the edges, start shoveling in the middle and working your way around the perimeter until you reach the lid. However, unless you’re servicing the tank right away, there’s no reason to open the lid and let the pungent fumes out into the environment.
After you’ve located your septic tank, make a note of the location on a map or mark it on your GPS device for future reference. This will assist you in avoiding the construction of structures or the planting of deep-rooted plants in the vicinity of the sewage line and septic tank. When it comes to selling your home, a map or handwritten diagram may also be beneficial. If you want plumbing assistance in New Haven or Fairfield County, Rick’s Plumbing is the brand you can rely on. In order to obtain expert assistance, please send us a message or phone us at (203) 874-6629.
- The post was published on July 16, 2019 in the category Septic Tank System.
How To Locate a Septic Tank
Customers frequently inquire about the location of a septic tank. Unless your septic tank is equipped with special risers that elevate the lids above ground level, you may need to enlist the assistance of a qualified professional. However, there are a number of things you may do to prepare yourself before calling for assistance. When it comes time to have your septic system repaired, being how to find your own septic system will save you money. Public health records can be obtained by contacting your local health department.
- These permits should be accompanied by a graphic depicting the location of the septic system’s burying spot.
- Public Records Request for the County of Nevada Request for Public Records from the County of Placer Examine the findings of your inspection report.
- Make contact with the construction company that built your home.
- Find the location of the main sewer line.
- Locate the 4 inch sewer pipe that runs through your basement or crawlspace and take a measurement of the point at which it leaves the home.
- By carefully probing the yard every few feet and following the septic pipe across your yard, you should be able to detect any problems.
- The majority of septic tanks are placed 1 to 3 feet below and are located roughly 10 to 20 feet away from the house.
An electronic metal detector can find the reinforcing bars in a concrete tank if it is built out of concrete.
Please contact us.
We have specialized technology that we can use to pinpoint the location of your tank.
You should make a note of the position of your tank for future reference if you were successful in discovering it.
A riser elevates the septic lid above the ground, making it easier to find and access your septic tank and its contents.
As a result, you will not have to pay a professional to identify and dig up the lids every time your septic system is repaired, which will help to protect your landscape and save you money.
3 Tricks to Locating Your Septic
Believe it or not, discovering your septic tank is not always straightforward—especially if you’re purchasing a property that hasn’t been well cared for in the past. Not to be concerned, though! Sherlock, put down your metal detector and follow these three simple steps to uncover the mystery surrounding your septic system. Verify the status of the property records Assuming you’ve already searched your property for any visible signs of a septic system (such as a large mound, bald spot on your lawn, or a clearly visible septic lid), it’s time to start digging!
- The majority of town offices in New Hampshire keep records of all building permits, including those for the installation of septic tanks.
- Additionally, you may have gotten a septic system diagram as part of the home inspection process when you acquired your house or apartment building.
- Follow the Pipes to their destination.
- It is customary to construct the septic tank and drainfield parallel to the sewage pipe that runs from your home to the yard.
- The fact that the pipe is oriented in the direction of your yard serves as an excellent signal.
- This is the average distance most septic tanks are located from most homes.
- Inquire of Your New Neighbors What happened to the last two recommendations that didn’t work out?
- Seriously, though, if you feel comfortable approaching them, they may actually be able to assist you in this situation.
- As a result, if your neighbor knows where their septic tank is, there is a good possibility that yours is in a location that is quite similar to theirs.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require assistance with your septic investigation and maintenance needs. Felix Septic Service is a company that provides septic service. 2020-08-20T16:51:27-04:00
Find Septic soakaway / drainfield location using documents
- Send in your question or comment about septic tank and drainfield records, sketches, or diagrams that show component location – using recorded information to locate the septic system
- And
InspectAPedia does not allow any form of conflict of interest. The sponsors, goods, and services described on this website are not affiliated with us in any way. Using records to locate a septic drainfield or soakbed is described as follows: How to obtain records and revew documents in order to locate a septic tank, drainfield, or soakaway bed in a home or business. How to request paperwork that can document the septic system design “as approved” as well as that which was “as built” is explained in detail.
We also have anARTICLE INDEX for this topic, and you can use the SEARCH BOXes at the top and bottom of the page to find the information you need quickly and easily.
How to Use Septic System Records to Find the Drainfield – Whom to Ask – How to Find the Septic Leach Fields – Part 3
When it comes to septic systems, understanding where the drainfield is may be difficult because they are often underground systems. Finding the drainfield can be difficult because they are usually hidden. Because haphazard excavation by hand is extremely time-consuming and because haphazard excavation by backhoe can cause unnecessarily extensive damage to both a septic system and a homesite, drawing a sketch of the location of a septic tank, distribution box, and drainfield trenches or pits is a valuable document to prepare and keep with a home.
- Ask the owner if they have any sketches to leave with you; if they don’t have any sketches but know where the septic components are, walk the property with them and produce your own sketch of the septic components.
- Because anybody seeking for the system in the future is likely to start by locating the point where the sewage line exits the building, a former service worker or contractor understood it was a dependable location to leave a sketch.
- In certain cases, even though septic system and drainfield layout drawings have been submitted, it is possible that the “as built” drain field will not be identical to the plan filed since blockages might be identified during the drain field installation process.
- The septic tank’s center can be located using the simple but accurate measurement triangle depicted in the diagram below.
- It is not need to be visually appealing, to scale, or costly.
- Never rely on the local health department or the building department to have drawings that show where the fields are located accurately.
- During our investigation, we discovered that one municipality had purposefully destroyed 50 years’ worth of septic and other construction plan records because they were tired of being pestered by residents who wanted that information and then complained when it turned out to be incorrect.
- Speak with contractors who are listed under the categories of Excavation, Plumbing, and Septic System Service since the excavator who has installed or worked on the property of your concern may be classified under one of those categories but not all of them.
- This article series, as well as our accompanyingSEPTIC LOCATION VIDEO, demonstrates how to locate the leach field or drainfield portion of a septic system by walking through a site with a camera.
(Septic drain fields are sometimes referred to as soil absorption systems or seepage beds in some circles.)
Reader CommentsQ A
@Joseph Coburn, please display the records for your septic system. Yes, Joseph, I’d be delighted to assist you in locating the leach bed on your property: Simply follow the “how to identify the drainfield” techniques and procedures outlined in the articles listed above under “Recommended Articles” labeled “How to Find the Drainfield.” LOCATION OF THE SEPTIC DRAINFIELD – BEGIN HERE PRECISE DRAINFIELD PIPE LOCATION – follow these procedures if you need to be precise with your drainage pipe location.
- More drainfield options and methods are available, including: It is necessary to excavate in order to locate drainage fields.
- REMARKING DRAINFIELD LOCATIONS OUT OF THE BOUNDS OF THE POSSIBLY UNLIKELY CLUES FROM THE VISUAL WORLD LOCATE THE DRAINFIELD VIA VISUAL INSTRUCTIONS LOCATE THE SEPTIC TANK IN ORDER TO FIND THE LEACH BEDS LOCATE @Dan Dyer, thank you for your comment.
- also take a look at the comments on your duplicate post at The location of my drain field has been discovered, and I need to figure out where the rest of it is before I can proceed to complete the task on time.
- As well as this, see THE LOCATION OF THE SEPTIC TANK AND THE LOCATION OF THE SEPTIC D-BOX Attempting to locate a septic system Septic drain field is located at 13368 East 49th Drive in Yuma.
- I’m looking to discover if there is any public information on a septic tank located at 5391 Hollis Goodwin rd.
- Continue reading at an SURPRISING DRAINFIELD LOCATIONALITY Select a topic from the closely-related articles listed below, or browse the entireARTICLE INDEX for more information.
Septic Drainfield Location Articles
- Clearance Disturbances, Septic System
- Odors, Septic or Sewer
- Locations of Septic Components
- Septic Drainfield Inspection Test at Home
- Septic Drainfield Location
- Septic Drainfield Inspection Test at Work
- LOCATION OF THE DRAINFIELD PIPE, EXACT
- EXCAVATE TO LOCATE THE DRAINFIELD
- REASONS FOR LOCATION OF THE DRAINFIELD
- Recordings to LOCATE the DRAINFIELD
- SURPRISING DRAINFIELD LOCATIONS
- UNLIKELY DRAINFIELD LOCATIONS
- VISUAL CLUES LOCATE the DRAINFIELD
- VISUAL CLUES LOCATE the SEPTIC TANK
- SEPTIC DRAINFIELD RESTORERS
- SEPTIC DRAINFIELD SIZE
- SEPTIC DRAINFIELD SHAPE
- SEPTIC TANK, HOW TO FINDfor information on locating the septic tank, chamber, drywell, or seepage pit
- SEPTIC DRAINFIELD RESTORERS
- SEPTIC TAN SEPTIC VIDEOSon the location of the septic system
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Citations can be shown or hidden by selecting Show or Hide Citations. InspectApedia.com is a publisher that provides references. Daniel Friedman is an American journalist and author.
How to Locate a Septic Tank
A surprising number of homeowners have had to figure out how to find the location of a septic tank on their premises. If you’re purchasing a home with a septic system or discover that your property’s tank hasn’t been maintained in years, you’ll want to know where the tank is located because all septic tanks must be pumped at some point in time. In the course of a real estate transaction, the property owners or real estate agent may be aware of the location of the tank. Inquire about the “as-built,” which is a diagram of the septic system and the specifics of its installation.
Unfortunately, locating the septic tank may not be as simple as it appears.
In some cases, not filing the as-built with the local health department was not required. Because septic system permits have only been needed in Oregon since 1972, you may have to depend on visual indicators to determine whether your system is working properly.
1.Follow the Outgoing Sewer Pipe
Look for the four-inch sewage pipe that runs through the structure and the location where it exits the building in the basement or crawl space. Locate the location outside the building where the pipe exits the building or the location of an access cover over the pipe. It is required that septic tanks be at least five feet away from the building, but they are usually between 10 and 25 feet away. You may follow the pipe all the way to the tank using a metal probe. It is important to note that sewer lines may bend and go around the corner of a building rather than following a straight line to the holding tank.
2.Search for Septic Tank Risers and Lids
Depending on their age, septic tanks are either one- or two-compartment structures. Each compartment has a cover, with two additional lids for dual-compartment tanks that were added later. If the tank has an access port known as a riser, the lid may be readily visible from outside. Look for round, plastic discs that are about a foot or two in diameter. Due to the fact that the lids might be flush with the ground or just a few inches above it, they can get overrun with grass and other plants over time.
Tanks without risers are also equipped with lids, but these are located underground.
3.Find the Drain Field First
In the absence of a riser and lid, search for indicators of a drain field, such as an area of grass that grows more quickly or more slowly than the rest of the yard, grass that is a different color from the rest of the yard, or areas where snow melts more quickly than in other parts of the yard. Spots of high or low ground in the yard might possibly indicate the presence of a subterranean tank or drain field. You will be able to discover the tank if you probe these regions.
Reasons to Hire a Contractor for Help
Attempting to locate a septic tank on your own can be risky, and in some cases, lethal, if the septic system is old and in danger of collapse. In the event that you fall into a cesspool, dry well, or septic tank, you will die. Removing septic tank lids on your own might potentially put you at risk of contracting bacterial or virus diseases. If you detect any of the following issues, please contact a contractor to assist you in locating or inspecting your septic tank:
- Soil that is sinking around the tank or drain field. Drainage backup into the home’s sewer system, or toilet backup
- A foul odor in the area where you assume the tank and drain field are located
- When there is no rain, pooling water, muddy soil, or spongy grass might occur. Septic tank covers that are rusted, cracked, or have been replaced with improvised lids are prohibited.
Even though you may be ashamed about forgetting where your septic tank is, it is a very frequent problem among homeowners. A contractor may assist you in locating it, and he or she may do it as part of the pumping service. If you need assistance locating your tank or if you have any other questions, please contact us at 503-630-7802. We are available to assist you!
Where’s my septic tank?
There are a few solutions available if the previous homeowner failed to supply this critical information or if you have misplaced your original copy:
- Your local DHEC office may have a copy of your building permit on file if your house was built within the last five years or fewer, according to the DHEC. A copy of a septic tank permit can be obtained from the local office by any individual or group, regardless of whether or not they own the land in question. Because of this, it is highly recommended that you have as much of the following information as possible ready at the time of your request.
- Number of the tax map
- Lot number
- Block number
- Address in the physical world
- When the system was installed or when the house was built (if this information is available)
- Name of the original permit holder (if any information is available)
- Name of the subdivision (if the property is located within a subdivision)
- You may also submit a request for a copy of the permit through our Freedom of Information office, but this is not mandatory. To request a copy through the Freedom of Information Office, please complete and submit a copy of the DHEC FOI form. Instructions are included with the application. If feasible, please include the information about the property that is stated above. When looking around your yard, search for manhole covers or lids that have been buried by grass or leaves if your house was constructed before 1990.
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3 Easy Ways To Find Your Septic Tank
If you’ve recently moved into a new house, finding the location of the septic system is definitely at the bottom of your list of things to accomplish. In any case, being aware of the location of your septic tank will help you save both time and money in the long run. Being able to pinpoint the position of your tank might make it simpler to diagnose septic tank problems more quickly. It can also assist you in avoiding complications that may arise as a result of property improvements such as landscaping and renovation.
The good news is that finding your septic tank is rather simple if you follow these guidelines from Jones PlumbingSeptic Tank Service. When it comes to septic tank repairs and replacements, you can rely on the professionals at Jones PlumbingSeptic Tank Service for all of your requirements!
Check Property Records
The installation of an aseptic tank is typically subject to a building permit requirement in most counties. Accessible through the county website, permits and other septic tank placement documents give detailed information on the system’s size as well as the tank’s exact position. It’s possible that you acquired this information at the time of your purchase of the property. When examining these records, take close attention to the small facts, such as the relative distance between your home and the tank.
Look For Telltale Signs
A bald area on your grass might serve as an obvious clue of the position of your septic tank. In contrast, an area of lush grass beside the septic tank might be a symptom of a deteriorating drain field, which would indicate that the tank is collapsing. It is possible that an unexpected hill in the landscape indicates the location of your septic tank. If there are no visible signs of the tank, you can gently probe the ground with a metal probe to locate any underground pipes or lids that may be leading to it.
Ask A Professional
If you are unable to locate the septic tank on your own, consulting with a local septic tank firm might be a convenient and cost-effective solution. Who knows, they could have even performed maintenance on your property’s tank before you purchased it. In either case, a septic tank professional will be able to locate your tank in a short amount of time. It is also beneficial to establish a relationship now because it will be beneficial in the future should you require Septic Tank Cleaning or Septic Tank Repair services.
Check out our septic system maintenance guidelines for more information on how to keep your home’s sewage system functioning smoothly and efficiently.
How to Find Your Septic Tank
Riverside, California 92504-17333 Van Buren Boulevard Call us right now at (951) 780-5922. Knowing where your septic tank is located on your property is critical to doing routine maintenance on your septic system. Eventually, all septic tanks will become overflowing and will require pumping. When your tank’s lid is difficult to locate, you may be at a loss for what to do or where to look for the lid when you need it. Most septic tanks are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, making it quite difficult to locate one on your own in most cases.
If you remove the lids yourself, you run the risk of causing a septic system to collapse or a leaky system to transmit bacterial or viral diseases due to filthy circumstances. If you are satisfied that there are no problems, then the following suggestions will assist you in locating your tank lid:
Check the Map
Riverside, California 92504 (17333 Van Buren Boulevard). Get in touch with us right now at (951) 780-5922 Knowing where your septic tank is located on your property is critical to doing routine maintenance on your septic tank system. Eventually, all septic tanks will become overflowing and will require pumping out. In cases when your tank’s lid is difficult to locate, you may be at a loss for what to do or where to look for it. Due to the fact that most septic tanks are installed inconspicuously, finding one on your own is typically very difficult to do.
If you remove the lids yourself, you run the risk of causing a septic system to collapse or a leaking system to spread bacterial or viral infections due to the unsanitary environment.
Pipes Lead the Way
Every septic tank is connected to the main sewage line that runs from your house. You can follow this line all the way from its starting point at the house to the tank’s location. Fortunately for those who choose this method, there is no digging involved! Simply use a metal rod to probe the ground for the line, then follow it with your eyes closed. It is common for tanks to be positioned 10 to 25 feet from a home’s foundation and to be built of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene material.
Look For Signs
For whatever reason you do not have access to a map, or if you do have access to a map but are having difficulty locating the sewage line, you can look for ground signs to guide you. Small hills or pits that appear to be out of place might be an indication of an earthquake. Even in the presence of grass or other vegetation, a septic tank with a surface area of 40 square feet will leave a slight deformity in the ground, even if the tank is not completely filled. If none of the aforementioned methods succeed in locating your tank lid, you can always enlist the assistance of a knowledgeable professional.
No matter how you determine the location of your septic system, make a note of it in your records or clearly mark the area with a permanent marker to avoid future complications and headaches.
Contact Us Today
We at West Coast Sanitation understand that you are busy and do not have time to deal with septic issues. One of the most effective methods to maintain this balance and ensure that your septic system continues to function properly is to have your tank pumped on a regular basis.
If you want assistance in identifying or maintaining your septic system, don’t hesitate to contact us. Please contact us at (951) 780-5922 as soon as possible. If you have any questions, we have professionals standing by to help you resolve them and get your system back up and running.
How Do I Find My Septic Tank
What is the location of my septic tank? Natalie Cooper is a model and actress who has appeared in a number of films and television shows. 2019-10-24T 02:52:07+10:00
How Do I Find My Septic Tank
Whether or not my property has a septic tank is up in the air. If you live on an acreage or in a rural area, it is very likely that you have a septic tank or a waste water treatment system in your home. What Is the Appearance of a Septic Tank? The vast majority of septic tanks are 1600L concrete tanks, which are common in the industry. They feature a spherical concrete top with a huge lid in the center and two little lids on the sides. They are made out of concrete. Although the lids of these tanks may have been removed or modified on occasion, this is a rare occurrence.
A small number of septic tanks have a capacity of 3000L or more.
Our technician lifts the heavy lid of a 3000L septic tank and inspects the contents.
If you have discovered a tank or tanks that do not appear to be part of a waste water treatment plant system, it is possible that you have discovered a septic tank system.
How Can I Find My Septic Tank?
According to general guidelines, the septic tank should be located close to the house, preferably on the same side of the house as the toilet. It can be found in the grass or within a garden bed, depending on its location. Going outdoors to the same side of the home as the toilet and performing a visual check of the septic tank is a smart first step to taking in order to discover where your septic tank is. The location of the toilets from outside can be determined if you are unfamiliar with the location of the toilets (for example, if you are looking to purchase a property).
Unfortunately, the location of septic tanks can vary greatly and is not always easily discernible from the surrounding landscape.
In cases where the septic tank is no longer visible, it is likely that it has become overgrown with grass, has been buried in a garden or has had a garden built over it, that an outdoor area has been added and the septic tank has been paved over, or that a deck has been constructed on top of the tank.
- They should indicate the position of your septic tank, as well as the location of your grease trap and greywater tank, if any.
- Alternatively, if we have previously serviced the property for a different owner, our helpful office staff can examine our records to see if there are any notes pertaining to the site.
- A specific gadget is used to locate the location of the septic tank, and our professional will mark the location of the tank so that it may be exposed and cleaned out.
- Using an electronic service location, you can locate a septic tank.
- In the event that you’re not experiencing any problems, the toilets are flushing normally, and there are no foul odors, you may ponder whether it’s best to leave things alone rather than attempting to locate and unburden a hidden septic tank.
- Although you could wait until there is a problem, this would almost certainly result in a significant amount of additional charges.
- Does it make sense for me to have multiple toilets and also multiple septic tanks?
It is determined by the number of bedrooms, which in turn determines the number of people who are expected to live in the house, that the size of the septic tank should be. The following is the relationship between septic tank litres and the number of bedrooms:
- There are three sizes of sewer tanks available: 3000L for three bedrooms, 3500L for four bedrooms, and 4000L for five bedrooms.
The most common septic tank size is 1600L, but there are also some 3000L septic tanks available on the market. It is possible to have septic tanks with capacities as large as 3500L or 4000L, although they are not as popular, and most residences that require these capacities have numerous septic tanks in order to meet the septic litre requirements for each bedroom. Using the septic tank lid as a test, you may quickly determine whether all of the toilets in your home are linked to the same septic tank.
Check the rest of the toilets in the home by repeating the procedure.
Please call us immediately to have your septic tank pumped out or to schedule a free septic tank test when we are next in your area.
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How to locate your septic tank and your drainfield
Septic systems on-site are used for accepting and treating wastewater in homes that are not linked to the municipal wastewater management system. A septic system is comprised of three components: a septic tank, a drain field, and plumbing. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to properly operate and maintain your septic system in order to avoid system failure. For example, depending on the regulations in your area, you may be required to pump it on a regular basis. It is impossible to perform maintenance operations, however, if you do not know where the tank is located.
Steps to follow to locate your septic tank and drain field
The contractor that designed and constructed the septic tank on your property should have submitted an as-built diagram with the local health authority before starting work on the project. In the event that you have the contractor’s contact information, you can ask them for a diagram, which you can then use to pinpoint the location of your septic tank. If you do not have a copy of the schematic, you can request one from the local authorities. Depending on whether the installed system included electrical components, the schematic may be available at the regional building department offices.
- If you are unable to locate the tank using this diagram, you will need to do more research on the land in order to determine its position.
- This pipe is commonly found in the basement of a home, and it is a 4″ black pipe with a cleanout at the bottom.
- Simply look for possible access coverings or a structure that might be concealing it.
- These pumps are used to remove waste from the building.
Having located it, flush a toilet and listen to the pump to determine where the sewage is being discharged. It is supposed to be connected to the sewage output pipe. You should now be able to see the general direction of the septic tank and drain field from this point.
As soon as you’ve discovered the sewer outlet in your basement, you may use it to figure out where the sewer line departs your home through an outside wall. The septic tank will be located a few meters away from the home, and the outflow pipe may be at an angle of 30 or 45 degrees from the house. As a result, it is probable that the tank will be positioned around the corner from the building. Work your way around the house in a circle, starting at an electrical outlet and continuing until you find the septic tank.
Tips for locating your septic tank
Septic tank lids should be visible from the outside. An underground riser may have been added, which will make it simple to find your septic tank in some instances. However, it is possible that the septic tank lid is buried underground, which is especially true for older homes. Following are some pointers to assist you in locating the septic tank in this and other similar situations.
- It may be possible to discover the septic tank lid underneath using a metal detector if it is buried. Avoid wearing footwear that contains steel or any other metal in order to avoid interfering with the readings of the detector
- Alternatively, you can use a flushable transmitter that is flushed down the toilet and then tracked with a receiver. When it comes to septic tanks, the strongest signal will be seen close to the intake region of the tank.
Depending on whether the septic tank is above or below ground, you may have to dig to get to it. Construction materials for septic tanks include concrete, fiberglass, or plastic, and their shapes can range from oblong to cylindrical to rectangular. The majority of modern septic tanks will have their lids positioned in the center of the tank, and the lid should be within three feet of the ground surface in most cases. However, depending on a variety of conditions, such as farming and other human activities on the property, it is conceivable that it will be significantly deeper.
Additionally, you may use a small steel rod to probe the earth in order to pinpoint exactly where the tank is located as you continue digging.
Inspecting the tank
It is critical to thoroughly inspect and evaluate your septic tank and its contents when it has been identified. First and foremost, you can remove the lid to inspect the scum and sludge layer beneath it. In addition, the use of tracer dye tablets allows you to inspect the septic tank without having to dig it up. If you use tracer dye pills, all you have to do is flush them down the toilet and wait for a maximum of two days. Because of the way the tablets dissolve in water, if there is a problem with the septic system, you will notice that the leach field is a luminous green color around it.
It is possible that someone will fall into the tank, causing serious injury or even death.
Conclusion
You can identify your septic tank without assistance from a professional, but it is a good idea to have someone who is properly educated in septic tank maintenance examine and maintain your septic tank on your behalf. The effluent filter in your tank should be rinsed into the open septic tank rather than on the ground in your yard if your tank has one. It may also be a good idea to make a note of the position of the septic tank when it has been discovered. This will be beneficial to anyone else who may require access to the septic tank in the future.
Septic tanks release combustible and hazardous gases, and as a result, they must be located in an open area.