The county should have a copy of your property’s septic tank installation permit records on file. This file should have a diagram or map of the property with the septic tank location. Depending on when the septic tank was installed, it may or may not be on file. Call Around to the Local Septic Tank Pumping Companies.
- One of the best ways to pinpoint exactly where the septic tank is on your property is to perform a records search. If you still have a copy of your original home inspection, there may be an attached document called the “as-built.” This diagram will show exactly how far from the house the septic tank was installed.
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.
Where can I get a diagram of my septic system?
The contractor who designed and installed the septic tank on your property should have filed an as-built diagram at the local health authority. If you have the contact information of the contractor, you can request them for the diagram and then you can use it to locate your septic tank.
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 I find my septic lateral lines?
Call your local electric utility provider or gas company to locate buried gas or utility lines before digging. A septic tank probe can also help you find the location. Stick the long, thin metal probe into the ground until you feel it hit the tank and feel the edges of the tank.
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.
How far down is a leach field?
A typical drainfield trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, with a maximum soil cover over the disposal field of 36 inches.
How were old septic tanks built?
Many of the first septic tanks were concrete tanks that were formed out of wood and poured in place in the ground and covered with a concrete lid or often some type of lumber. In the 1960s, precast concrete tanks became more prevalent as the standard of practice improved.
How big is a leach field?
The leach field is a series of trenches that may be up to 100-feet long and 1 foot to 3 feet in width, separated by six feet or more, depending on local requirements, and sometimes constructed leaving space between the original lines to install replacement leach lines when needed.
How many lids are on a septic tank?
In order to make repairs or perform regular maintenance or cleaning/pumping of the tank, access must be provided. There are usually two lids located at the top of the septic tank-one located over the inlet “T” and one located over the outlet “T” (see “Septic Components: Septic Tanks”).
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.
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.
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.
Find Septic soakaway / drainfield location using documents
- Send in your question or comment regarding septic tank and drainfield records, sketches, or diagrams that demonstrate component placement – utilizing documented 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 get records and revew papers 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 obtain 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, knowing where the drainfield is can be difficult because they are typically underground systems. Finding the drainfield can be difficult because they are usually hidden. Since haphazard excavation by hand is an enormous labor and haphazard excavation by backhoe can unnecessarily destroy both a septic system and homesite, making a sketch of just where a septic tank, distribution box, and drainfield trenches or pits are located is an important document to prepare and keep with a property.
- Ask the owner to leave any sketches with you; if they don’t have a sketch but have an idea where septic components are, walk the property with them and produce your own sketch.
- A prior service technician or contractor recognized that there was a reliable area to leave a sketch since anyone seeking for the system in the future was likely to start by discovering where the sewage line left the building.
- Even though septic system and drainfield layout plans were submitted, the “as built” drain field may not precisely be the same as the design filed as blockages might be identified during drain field installation.
- The sketch below uses a simple but accurate measurement triangle to locate the center of the septic tank.
- It does not have to be beautiful, to scale, nor expensive.
- Don’t count on the local health departmentor building department to have drawingsthat accurately place the fields.
- One municipality we encountered had deliberately destroyed 50 years of septic and other building plan documents because they were tired of being pestered by homeowners wanting that information and then complaining when it proved inaccurate.
- Speak with contractors listed under Excavation, Plumbing, and Septic System Service since the excavator who has installed or worked on the property of your concern might be listed under one but not all of those categories.
- This article series and our accompanyingSEPTIC LOCATION VIDEOwhere we show by walking a site justhow to find the leach field or drainfield portion of a septic system.
We include sketches and photos that help you learn what to look for, and we describe several methods useful for finding buried drainfield components. (Septic drain fields are also called soil absorption systems or seepage beds.)
Reader CommentsQ A
@Joseph Coburn, please display the records regarding 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 choices and approaches 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 have a look at the comments on your identical 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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INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES:ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS
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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 Find Septic Tank Location: A Guide for Property Owners
The majority of individuals prefer to relax on their back patio or porch and take in the scenery rather than worrying about where their septic tank could be. When you know exactly where your septic tank is, it will be much easier to schedule routine sewer line cleanouts and repair appointments. Continue reading to find out more about how to locate your septic tank.
Follow the Main Sewer Line
Purchase a soil probe that you may use to probe into the earth in order to locate the underground sewage line and septic tank in your property. Find the main sewage line that leads to your septic tank by going to your basement or crawl space and digging about down there. Look for a pipe with a diameter of around four inches that is leading away from your home or building. Keep a note of the position of the sewer pipe and the point at which the line exits your home so that you can locate it outdoors.
If you have a drain snake, you may use it to try to follow the approximate course of the pipes in your home.
Since the majority of states require at least five feet between a home’s septic tank and its foundation, with many tanks located between 10 and 25 feet away, you may have to probe a bit further out before striking the tank.
Inspect Your Property
Purchase a soil probe that you may use to probe into the earth in order to locate the underground sewage line and septic tank in your yard. Find the main sewage line that leads to your septic tank by going to your basement or crawl space and digging about in it. Look for a pipe with a diameter of around four inches that is leading away from your home or business. Recall where your sewer pipe is located, as well as where it exits your home, in order to locate it while you are out in the field.
If you have a drain snake, you may use it to try to follow the approximate course of the pipes in your house.
Since the majority of states require at least five feet between a home’s septic tank and its foundation, with many tanks located between 10 and 25 feet away, you may need to probe a bit further out before striking the tank.
- Paved surfaces
- Unique landscaping
- Your water well, if you have one
- And other features.
If you are still having trouble locating your septic system, you might inquire of your neighbors about the location of their septic tank on their land. Finding out how far away their septic systems are will help you figure out where yours might be hidden in your yard or garden.
Check the Property Records
Are you unsure about how to obtain this? Simply contact your county’s health department for further information. Check with your local health agency to see if they have a property survey map and a septic tank map that you can borrow. Perhaps you will be shocked to learn that there are a variety of options to obtain information about your property without ever leaving the comfort of your own residence. Building permits, for example, are frequently found in county records, and they may provide schematics with specifications on how far away from a septic tank a home should be, as well as other important information such as the size of the tank.
Most counties, on the other hand, keep records of septic tank installations for every address. For further information on the placement of your septic tank, you can consult your home inspection documents or the deed to the property.
Don’t Try to Fix Septic Tank Issues Yourself
Septic tank problems should be left to the specialists. The Original Plumber can do routine maintenance on your septic tank and examine any problems you may have once you’ve located the tank. It is not recommended to open the septic tank lid since poisonous vapors might cause major health problems. Getting trapped in an open septic tank might result in serious injury or death. While it is beneficial to know where your septic tank is located, it is also beneficial to be aware of the potential health dangers associated with opening the tank.
Schedule Septic Tank Maintenance
The maintenance of your septic tank on a regular basis helps to avoid sewer backups and costly repairs to your sewer system. You should plan to have your septic tank pumped out every three to five years, depending on the size of your tank and the number of people that reside in your home. The Original Plumber offers skilled septic tank and drain field maintenance and repair services at competitive prices. While it is useful to know where the septic tank is located, it is not required. Our team of skilled plumbers is equipped with all of the tools and equipment necessary to locate your tank, even if you have a vast property.
We are open seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
A septic system is a system for the management of wastewater. Simply said, wastewater will exit your home through pipes until it reaches your septic tank, which is located outside your home. Septic tanks are normally located beneath the surface of the earth. Solids and liquids will separate in the septic tank as a result of the separation process. Eventually, the solids will fall to the bottom of the tank and the liquids will run out onto your leach field.
How do I know if I have a septic tank?
Even if there are no obvious signs of a septic tank in your yard – such as uneven landscaping – there are a few techniques to assess whether or not your home is equipped with an onsite sewage system. Checking your property records is the most reliable technique to ensure that you are utilizing the correct system. When you acquired your house, you should have received a copy of the septic system map with the property documents as well. Checking your electricity statement is another way to determine this.
If you’re also using well water, it’s possible that you won’t receive one at all.
What do I do once I locate my septic tank?
Once you’ve discovered where your septic tank is, there are a few things you should do. It is critical to clearly mark the position of your septic tank. With our inspection, pumping, and repair services, you can save time whether you need a sewer line cleanout or a septic tank maintenance job completed quickly. Make a note of the location of your tank so that you can find it again if necessary. It should be heavy enough so that it does not fly away in windy conditions. A creative approach to accomplish this without having an unattractive flag or marking in your yard is to use garden décor or a potted plant.
This way, you’ll have it for future reference and will be able to quickly locate the exact position if necessary.
Then contact The Original Plumber to have your septic system maintained on a regular basis. Preventing worse problems and the need for costly repairs down the line may be accomplished via proper septic system maintenance. All of the heavy lifting has been delegated to our team of professionals.
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 permission through our Freedom of Information office, although this is not mandatory. To obtain a copy through the Freedom of Information Office, please complete and submit a copy of the DHEC FOI form. Instructions are given 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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Septic Tank Alerts Septic Tank Alerts
Keeping Well and Septic System Records
It’s critical to keep track of your own well and septic data. Photograph courtesy of George Hurd of Penn State Extension Being prepared with a “Well File” and a “Septic File,” or other written documents including information on your water system, is a crucial step in safeguarding the health of your family and your water resources. In addition to making it simpler to arrange well, water treatment system, or septic system maintenance, good records may also aid in identifying the root causes of water quality variations.
- You should keep track of the following: well and septic system installation, permits, maintenance, inspections, pumping, repairs, and water testing.
- Keep records of service visits if you have water treatment equipment and follow a maintenance plan.
- Also, keep the manufacturer’s information for any water treatment equipment you use with your well file on hand for reference.
- Copies of all water quality test results should be maintained on hand in order to track any changes that may occur over time.
- Your records must also contain a map indicating the position of your well as well as the location of your septic system, which should include the septic tank and drainfield.
- Locate the location of your well head on your property and mark it.
- If you do not have access to blueprints, locate the point at which your sewer line exits your home.
- Your septic tank pumper may also be able to assist you in locating all of the components of your system.
Create several plot plan diagrams with measurements that include a rough sketch of your house, a rough sketch of your septic tank cover, a rough sketch of your drainfield area, a rough sketch of your well, and any other permanent reference points such as trees or large rocks and keep them with your well and septic system records.
It is important to note that a well log is an important source of information for documenting the building of a water supply well, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
In-depth well logs contain information such as the types and thickness of each geological sequence encountered, the types of materials used in the well’s construction, the construction techniques employed during the well’s installation, and the water levels of the aquifer(s) while at rest and when pumping.
- The well log is a valuable tool for the well owner, since it may be used to troubleshoot any difficulties that may arise with the well in the future.
- Individual water well and spring reports, as well as data package downloads, are available online through the PaGWIS.
- Beginning in 1966, drillers have been obliged to report water well completion information, which includes the location of water wells drilled in Pennsylvania as well as the criteria used in their construction.
- Go to the PaGWIS website and look for the link that says “Groundwater Records Online” to see if your well records are available on the internet.
- Records of your well and septic system are essential for maintaining and safeguarding both the health of your home’s water system as well as the health of your family.
If the quality of your water deteriorates, you can take steps to improve it. Your well’s historical water quality data can be used to illustrate the water quality of your well in the past. Having this information will be useful if you ever decide to sell or transfer your property.
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.
Why It’s Important to Know the Location of Your Septic Tank
What is the best way to determine whether or not your home has a septic system? The majority of the time, there are a few indicators. 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 network. It is probable that the utility company will not charge you for wastewater or sewage services if you are utilizing a septic system to handle your wastewater management. Of course, if you have a septic system, there is a chance that you will not get a water bill at all!
- There is a good chance that you are utilizing well water rather than public utility water if the water pipe leading into your home does not have a meter attached to it.
- You are more likely to have a septic system in your home if you reside in a more rural setting.
- The likelihood is that your home is also equipped with a septic system if all of your neighbors are.
- It is common to find a mound or tiny hill on the property where a septic tank is installed that is not a natural structure.
Checking your property records is a foolproof method of determining whether or not your home has a septic system. It is quite probable that the construction permit and plans for your home and land will include information concerning the existence (or absence) of a septic tank on the site.
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 diagrams that show the exact location of the tank on the property, as well as dimensions that allow you to measure and locate the tank’s exact location on the property. Never forget that landmarks may shift over time depending on when the tank was built, so if there are a few more bushes or a tree nearby, don’t rule out that location as a possibility.
- If you are unable to locate a map or other documentation that identifies the location of your septic tank, there are a few places to check 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 location might 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 about it at the county health department or another municipal office.
In this way, if you ever decide to sell your home, you will be able to provide the next owner with everything they will need to locate the tank and properly maintain 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
Putting up a large sign in your yard saying “Septic Tank Here!” is probably not a good idea, but leaving some sort of marker will allow you to locate the tank and lid quickly if you need them in the future. A good yard marker should be sturdy enough that it does not blow away in the wind and cannot be readily moved by youngsters who are running around in the yard. Pavers on the patio, potted plants, and ornamental gnomes or rocks are just a few of the possibilities. Additionally, in addition to installing a physical sign near the septic tank, you may build a map or diagram illustrating the tank’s position.
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.
Request an Estimate for the Job
Online Septic Research
The Environmental Services Department of Maricopa County maintains a database that contains all of the county’s existing approved septic systems for the purpose of preservation. Please bear in mind that property owners are responsible for maintaining accurate records of the location and maintenance of their septic system for the duration of the system’s life.
Alteration Permit
An Alteration Permit will be required for onsite systems that have a failing tank or disposal field.
Abandonment Permit
An Abandonment Permit will be required for any onsite systems that are to be abandoned in order to connect to the municipal sewage system or that are to be taken out of operation.
Research
Option 1: You may perform your own study at no cost by using the Online Septic Search Tool (available at no expense).
Option 2: You can call the Environmental Services Department and ask for a more in-depth search to be undertaken (fees will apply for research conducted by the department for each parcel).
- Researchers charge a cost of $30 for research requests that take 3 to 7 business days. Expedited researchers charge a $60 price for research requests that take 1 to 2 business days. Septic Research Request Form.
News Details
(Lawrenceville, Ga., June 14, 2011) – The City of Lawrenceville is a thriving community. The quality of water in local streams may improve now that outdated paper records indicating the location of septic tanks and drain fields in Gwinnett County have been converted to computerized records. Septic systems are used by the majority of residences that do not have sewer connection. A collaborative effort between Gwinnett’s Water Resources and the East Metro Health District, which also includes Rockdale and Newton counties, has resulted in the digitization of hundreds of thousands of records and the addition of those records to Gwinnett’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
The new technology assists homeowners in locating septic systems on their land so that they may do the necessary maintenance as required by law.
Septic tanks that are failing are frequently a source of contamination that causes certain local rivers to fail to meet state water-quality regulations.
This collaboration amongst agencies demonstrates how we can benefit the public we all serve by working together.” “We’re celebrating the completion of a lengthy process that will allow us to function more effectively,” said Lynn Smarr, interim head of the Department of Water Resources.
Department of Environmental Quality : Digitization of Onsite Septic System Records : Residential Resources : State of Oregon
The Department of Environmental Quality is digitizing onsite septic data for the nine counties in which it administers onsite septic system programs so that they can be made available to the public online and without charge in the near future.
To Obtain Records
As of November 15, 2020, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) maintains septic data for five counties: Baker, Coos, Jackson, Union, and Wallowa. For other counties, please contact your local agent listed on ourcontactspage. The Parcel Number of the property is used to locate the septic system information for that property. This number corresponds to the township, range, section, quarter section, and tax lot, and it may be obtained by contacting your local county assessor’s office or visiting its web page.
On the ORMap website, you may also get information on tax lots.
To see the results, click on “Search” (located at the bottom right). Once the search results are displayed, select the blue hyperlink(s) under the “Title” column from the list of options. Then select “View/Download” from the drop-down menu.
3 Simple Ways To Locate Your Septic Tank
3 Easy Ways to Locate Your Septic Tank (with Pictures)
3 Simple Ways To Locate Your Septic Tank
Having a clear understanding of where your septic tank is located on your property might make it easier to do routine maintenance on the tank. There will come a time when your tank will need to be examined, pumped, and otherwise serviced and maintained. Failure to perform preventative maintenance or inspections, as well as waiting until a visible problem occurs, may dramatically shorten the lifespan of the entire system, as well as create a possible health danger.
3 Ways To Locate Your Septic Tank
Despite the fact that septic tanks are hidden underground, the following procedures will assist you in locating your septic tank quickly and simply so that you may call in the Clermont FL septic tank specialists to do routine maintenance on your septic system.
1 Visually Search For The Tank
Septic tanks may be difficult to detect since they are usually hidden underground; however, the procedures outlined here will assist you in locating your septic tank so that you can contact the Clermont FL septic tank specialists to conduct routine maintenance on it.
2 Perform A Records Search
A check of public records is one of the most effective methods of determining the precise location of your septic tank on your property. If you still have a copy of your initial house inspection report, there may be an attachment called a “as-built” document that you may refer to. The location of the septic tank in relation to the home will be shown on this figure in great detail. Though certain landmarks on the site may have changed over time, measurements should still allow you to pinpoint the exact position of your vehicle.
3 Use Septic Tank Risers
Performing a search of public records is one of the most effective techniques to determine the precise location of the septic tank on your property. The “as-built” document may be added to your original home inspection report if you still have a copy of it from when the house was first built. The location of the septic tank in relation to the home will be shown on this diagram. Despite the fact that some of the property’s landmarks may have changed, measurements should still allow you to locate the precise spot.
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Online Septic Search
For residents in Indian River County as well as contractors and realtors, Septic SearchTMis a free web service that may be accessed over the Internet. This service will assist agencies, homeowners, buyers, sellers, contractors, and real estate agents in knowing more about the existing septic systems and wells in their communities.
The Indian River County Department of Health has made its septic system and water well documentation available to the public on the internet. Site plans that were scanned are accessible for permits that were granted after January 1, 2000. The following documents are accessible for viewing:
- Obtaining applications, permits, repairing or replacing an existing system, site evaluations, and inspections
To look for information on current septic systems and wells, go to the following website:
- Indian River County is a good choice. then pick Records Search from the drop-down menu. In the Indian River County Property Appraiser’s database, you may search by address or tax parcel number. Once your property has been located, click on View History. SelectView to show the scanned documents that are currently accessible for the property
- The green arrow at the top of each document allows you to navigate through the other papers after they have been opened.
If you require assistance or have any questions, please call the Environmental Health Office at (712) 794-7440 or send an email.
Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa
The use of on-site sewage and disposal systems (OSTDS), also known as septic systems, for wastewater disposal is a safe and effective method of wastewater disposal. Groundwater protection systems that are properly planned, installed, and maintained preserve Florida’s groundwater, which provides 90 percent of the state’s drinking water. OSTDS are inspected and permitted by the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County, which is overseen by Environmental Health inspectors. Environmental Health grants permits and performs construction inspections for septic systems that are being built, repaired, changed, or removed from service.
The Florida Administrative Code 64E-6(PDF 1MB) and Florida Statute 381.0065 serve as the regulating authorities for this program, respectively.
Septic System Application Packages
New Requirements for Septic Permits (PDF 243KB) Application Requirements for a Holding Tank (PDF 286KB) Application Requirements for Soil-Only Applications (PDF 357KB) Lot Splitting Is Required (PDF 214KB) Requirement for Subdivisional Analysis (PDF 215KB) Existing/Modification A request for an examination of an existing septic system to establish if the system is large enough to accommodate the planned new construction (which may include expansions to existing dwellings) or new usage of the existing septic system is being submitted.
if the existing system is not large enough to accommodate the intended new application, a change will be necessary.
Requirements for a Repair Permit (PDF 289KB) Abandonment The purpose of this application is to ensure that an existing septic system is properly decommissioned.
Web-based Records ofSeptic Tank Permits
In order to maintain copies of septic system permits and to make them available to the public, Okaloosa County Environmental Health uses Ebridge Solutions, a web-based record storage system, developed by Ebridge Solutions. Septic permits are put on the Ebridge site once they have been written or after an examination has been completed on them. If the necessary paperwork was accessible, historical permits were entered into the system. Log in using the steps provided below to look for Okaloosa County Septic Tank Permits: Visit the Customer LoginUsername: Public page.
Okaloosachd is a file cabinet.
Licensed Septic Tank Contractors are subject to licensing and regulation by the Florida Department of Health (FDOH).
About the Florida Department of Health website, you may find information on licensed septic tank contractors. A wealth of further information on OSTDS systems may be found on this website.
Complaints
Complaints about septic systems or septic tank contractors can be directed to the 850-833-9247 or 850-689-7859 phone numbers, respectively.