How Do You Find Out Info On An Existing Septic Tank? (Correct answer)

Go to your basement or crawl space, and then look for the main sewer line that leads to your septic tank. Look for a pipe that’s roughly four inches in diameter that leads away from your house. Remember the location of the sewer pipe and where the pipe leaves your home so you can find it outside.

• To find the septic tank, first check the septic tank map of your property which will have a diagram, with the location of the tank. You can also use a metal detector to detect the metallic rods of the septic tank, or look for visual signs in the yard, ask the neighbors where their tanks are located or follow the septic pipes as they exit from your home as they will eventually end in the septic tank.

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 know what kind of septic tank you have?

Most septic tanks are around 10-25 feet away from your home, and cannot be closer than five feet. Once you feel the probe striking flat concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene, you will have located your tank. Another way to find the septic tank using the sewer pipe is to go through the pipe itself.

How can I find out how big my septic tank is?

One way to find out the size of your septic tank is through records kept from when the tank was installed. These records could be with the previous owner of your home. Another way to identify the tank size is to talk with the last company that serviced/pumped your tank.

How do you find a septic tank in an old house?

Look for the 4-inch sewer that exits the crawl space or basement, and locate the same spot outside the home. Septic tanks are usually located between ten to 25 feet away from the home. Insert a thin metal probe into the ground every few feet, until you strike polyethylene, fiberglass or flat concrete.

How do you find a metal detector with a septic tank?

6 Steps to Locate a Septic Tank

1. Find Your Main Sewer Drain Line. Sewage from your toilets, sinks, and showers collects into a main drain line.
2. Check Permits and Public Records.
3. Determine Septic Tank Material.
4. Time to Dig.
5. Mark the Location for Future Maintenance.

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.

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 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.

Can heavy rain affect septic tank?

It is common to have a septic back up after or even during a heavy rain. Significant rainfall can quickly flood the ground around the soil absorption area (drainfield) leaving it saturated, making it impossible for water to flow out of your septic system.

Can a septic tank never be pumped?

What Are the Consequences of Not Pumping Your Tank? If the tank is not pumped, the solids will build up in the tank and the holding capacity of the tank will be diminished. Eventually, the solids will reach the pipe that feeds into the drain field, causing a clog. Waste water backing up into the house.

Can I shower if my septic tank is full?

Only the water would get out into the leach field in a proper system unless you run too much water too fast. The thing to do is to run your shower water outside into it’s own drain area, but it may not be allowed where you are. Used to be called gray water system.

How often does a 1000 gallon septic tank need to be pumped?

For example, a 1,000 gallon septic tank, which is used by two people, should be pumped every 5.9 years. If there are eight people using a 1,000-gallon septic tank, it should be pumped every year.

How long do septic tanks last?

A septic system’s lifespan should be anywhere from 15 to 40 years. How long the system lasts depends on a number of factors, including construction material, soil acidity, water table, maintenance practices, and several others.

How big are old septic tanks?

Most tanks were still single compartment 750, 1,000 or 1,200-gallon tanks, usually depending on the size of the house. In the 1970s, the standards of practice again improved and 1,000 and 1,200-gallon two-compartment tanks became the standard.

Green Bay Press-Gazette

• Q. We’re looking for a foreclosed country property with a septic tank in our price range. Our representative wants us to conduct the study “on our own,” claiming that she is unfamiliar with septic systems. We are unable to obtain information on the septic tank from the seller. We would want to make an offer, but we are unsure of where to begin because we have no prior experience. What would you do in this situation? Martha and Scott are a married couple. H.A. The fact that residences with wells and septic systems are at a higher risk of contamination as compared to properties with municipal water and waste disposal systems is not a secret. As a result of completing the steps listed below, you will be able to identify and assess possible concerns as well as analyze and evaluate the present condition of the septic system in your house. The unwillingness of your agent to participate in this learning experience is a little perplexing. However, it is comforting to know that an agent is aware of the limitations of their practical expertise and is willing to express it. It might also be a subliminal indication that septic system troubles in the neighborhood are a possibility. Here’s what I’d do in this situation: Inspections of septic systems Identify the septic tank pumpers who provide service in your region. You’re on the lookout for a pulsating track. Make repeated phone calls until you locate the service provider. Because market forces often restrict the number of organizations that provide pumping services to a small number, you should not receive many calls. The order in which the calls are made will be dictated by their proximity to the house. Drop by a nearby neighbor’s house and inquire (or leave a note) as to whether or not they saw the pumper vehicle next door. It’s also conceivable that the tank was never pumped by the owner. There are a lot of reasons why property owners may choose to ignore their septic system. Call the county health department and ask to be sent to the division that deals with private waste disposal systems. If the house is less than 60 years old, it is possible that a building permit was necessary and is still on file. The size of the home and the number of bedrooms are frequently included in septic permits. This information is used to establish the size of the drain (leach) field, and it is sometimes accompanied with a graphic that shows the location of the home, the tank, and the drain field. If a builder is listed on the permit and can be located, it is possible that they may recall the installer, who may also have a record. A valuable source of information regarding the code, code infractions, and potential septic tank concerns in the area will be available at this location as well. Use the two sources listed above to find septic system inspectors in your area. Some states need a separate license for septic systems, and most home inspectors do not perform septic system inspections. Call a few of these inspection businesses to find out more about their services and what they perform during a septic system inspection at your home or business. It is vital to pump the tank before to the inspection in order to avoid any problems. The following are two questions to consider: Do you physically enter the septic tank? And, if, during the course of the inspection, they grow concerned about the drain field’s remaining life expectancy, do they do a physical examination of it? There is still important information to examine even if the sewer system passes inspection and testing. The more information you can acquire about a home’s system, the more accurate your appraisal will be of that home. As an illustration of a way of life: It was established that there were just two individuals living there and that the system was in good working order. The new owners had four adolescents, and the system fails within six months of taking possession. A failed system was not being used to its full potential. Alternative locations include: In certain areas, new construction residences must have both a primary and an alternate drain field location in order to be eligible for a septic tank installation. If the system fails at a previously utilized home site and there is no acceptable alternative site available, you may be obliged to build a mound or holding tank system to protect the residence. Make ensure that you are aware of the county’s attitude on alternative sanitary waste disposal locations before you proceed. The strategy for pumping is as follows: The frequency with which a septic system is pumped out might vary greatly depending on the type of system that has been built. If a ground level septic tank with a drain field is pumped every two to four years, this is in contrast to the pumping of a holding tank with no drain field, which may be pumped twice a month. Apart from the type of system being used, there are a number of additional aspects that influence the pumping needs of your system: the total number of inhabitants the volume of the tank water use in general the use of a trash disposal In order to ensure that chemical items and solvents touted as septic system additives are indeed effective, check with your local water conservation agency or their website for confirmation before using them. A system that does not receive the required attention and maintenance may have a shorter life expectancy and may become a costly burden for the owner. Readers can benefit from the real estate guidance provided by Richard Montgomery. Over the course of more than two decades, he has worked to improve the real estate market as a champion of change. You may contact him through his website, DearMonty.com.

How To Find My Septic Tank

1. What is a septic tank
2. How do I know if I have a septic tank
3. 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
4. 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.

1. “How can I locate my septic tank?” is one of the most often requested inquiries we receive.
2. 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.
3. The majority of the time, all of the components of the septic tank are buried between four inches and four feet below ground level.
4. 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

You might wonder why you should bother trying to discover out where your septic tank is. There are several important reasons for this:

1. To Be Able to Care for It Properly

The first reason you should try to locate your septic tank is that knowing where it is will help you to properly repair and care for it in the future. The standard guideline is to avoid erecting structures or placing heavy objects on top of the septic tank. It’s possible that you don’t want to park your car or truck on top of it, and you don’t want visitors to your house to park their cars on top of it, either. Due to the weight of the automobiles, there is a possibility that the tank would collapse due to excessive pressure.

2. If You Want to Landscape or Remodel Your Property

If you want to build an addition to your home or perform some landscaping around your property, you will need to know where your septic tank is located. Nothing with deep or lengthy roots should be planted on top of or in the area of your tank, since this can cause problems. If roots are allowed to grow into the pipes of your septic system, it is conceivable that your system will get clogged. When you know where the tank is going to be, you may arrange your landscaping such that only shallow-rooted plants, such as grass, are in close proximity to the tank.

For starters, the tank’s weight might lead it to collapse due to the weight of the construction. 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 see that there is flooding or ponding water in the region surrounding your septic tank – a sign that your system is overwhelmed and that an excessive amount of water is being utilized all at once.

4. Ease of Getting It Fixed

Once you have determined the location of your sewer system, you can quickly send a plumber to it in the event that something goes wrong with the system, saving everyone both time and money. Get in Touch With A Plumber Right Away

1. Use a Septic Tank Map

First and foremost, make use of a road map. Using a map is frequently the quickest and most convenient alternative. Most counties keep records of the installation of septic tanks at all of their residents’ residences. These maps should include schematics that illustrate the specific placement of the tank on the land, as well as measurements that allow you to measure and locate the tank’s exact location on the property. Never mind that landmarks may shift over time depending on when the tank was built, so if there are a few more shrubs or a tree nearby, don’t rule out that location as a possibility.

• If you are unable to locate a map or other paperwork that identifies the location of your septic tank, there are a few locations to try to see if you can obtain a map of the area.
• The county health department is responsible for keeping track of septic systems.
• A septic tank’s position could be depicted on a survey map, for example.
• The creation of your own map and documentation may be worthwhile if you cannot locate a map or blueprint of your property and nothing appears to be on file regarding it at the county health department or another municipal agency.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Going via the sewage line itself is another method of locating the septic tank utilizing it.
5. Drain snakes are typically used to unclog clogs in toilets and drains, and they may be used to do the same thing.
6. When the snake comes to a complete halt, it has almost certainly reached the tank.
7. While drawing the snake back, make a note of how far it has been extended and whether it has made any bends or turns.
8. 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

Whether or not there is an existing map of your septic tank on hand, or whether or not you choose to develop one for future reference or for future homeowners, you will still need to search down and find the tank. Following the sewer lines that lead away from your property is one method of accomplishing this. The septic tank is situated along the sewage line that runs from your home and into your yard, as we’re sure you’re well aware. You should be able to locate a four-inch sewer pipe in your home’s basement or crawl area, which will direct the flow of waste to your septic tank.

• A four-inch-diameter pipe that exits your home via a basement wall is generally what you’re searching for, but specifics vary.
• Sticking a thin metal probe (also known as a soil probe) into the earth near the sewage line can allow you to track the pipe’s location.
• A typical septic tank is located between 10 and 25 feet away from your property, with no tank closer than five feet to your residence.
• An alternative method of locating the septic tank using the sewage pipe is to pass through it.
• Instead, use a drain snake, which is similar to what you would use to unclog a toilet or drain.
• Most likely, the snake has reached the tank by the time it pauses.
• While drawing the snake back, make a note of how far it has been extended and whether it has made any bends or turns along its length.
• When looking for your septic tank, you may use a transmitter that you flush down the toilet to direct you to the tank.

• 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.

Depending on the quality of your septic system, the grass in the vicinity of the tank may be more lush and vigorously growing. 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

If your neighbors have septic systems, they may be able to assist you in locating where your tank is located. Find out where the septic tanks of your neighbors are located in relation to their residences by speaking with them. Not only can chatting to your neighbors about septic systems help you figure out where your own system is, but it may also serve as a welcoming introduction to the rest of your community if you are new to the area.

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.

1. Mark Its Location

The likelihood is that you will not want to post a large sign in your yard that reads “Septic Tank Here!” but you will want to leave some sort of marking so that you can quickly locate the tank and lid when you need them. In an ideal situation, the marker will be substantial enough that it will not blow away in the wind and will not be readily moved by children who are playing in the yard. A patio paver, a potted plant, or a decorative gnome or rock are just a few of the possibilities. In addition to putting a physical sign beside the septic tank, you may draw a map or layout of the area around it to illustrate its position.

2. Take Care of Your Septic Tank

Taking proper care of your tank may save you hundreds of dollars over the course of its lifetime. The expense of maintaining your system could be a few hundred dollars every few years, but that’s a lot less than the thousands of dollars it might cost to repair or replace a damaged tank or a malfunctioning septic system. Two strategies to take better care of your septic tank and system are to avoid utilizing your drain pipes or toilets as garbage cans and to use less water overall. Things like paper towels, face wipes, and cat litter should not be flushed down the toilet since they are not designed to be flushed.

In addition, installing low-flow faucets and high-efficiency toilets can help you reduce the amount of water used in your home.

Yet another alternative is to take caution while using equipment that consume a significant amount of water. For example, you don’t want to be washing load after load of laundry or running your clothes washer at the same time as your dishwasher all at the same time.

Call a Professional Plumber

Maintenance of a septic system is not normally considered a do-it-yourself activity. In the Greater Syracuse region, whether your septic tank requires pumping out or cleaning, or if you want to replace your tank, you should use the services of a reputable plumbing firm to do the job right. If you’ve attempted to locate your septic tank on your own and are still unsure of its position, it may be necessary to enlist the assistance of a professional local plumber. Our team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Syracuse can assist you with locating, maintaining, or replacing your home’s sewage tank.

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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

If you’re like most people, you like relaxing on your back patio or porch and taking in the scenery rather than worrying about where your 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 repairs. Learn more about how to locate your septic tank by continuing reading this article. 1.

Inspect Your Property

Imperfections in the terrain might sometimes provide clues as to where your septic tank is located. Septic tanks are often placed in such a way that you can scarcely know they are there. However, dips in the soil or tiny hills in the landscape may suggest the presence of a septic tank hidden beneath the ground. You may use your soil probe to find your septic tank if these dips or hills are located between five and twenty-five feet distant from your property line. Because most septic tanks are located between six inches and four feet underground, make sure you probe the soil to a sufficient depth before installing the tank.

While you are inspecting your property, keep a look out for the septic lid that may be missing.

These are often found at or slightly below ground level, depending on the situation.

• Paved surfaces
• Unique landscaping
• Your water well, if you have one
• And other features.

Surfaces with pavers; special landscaping; your water well, if you have one; and other features.

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.

How Can I Tell the Size of My Septic Tank?

In accordance with the size of your home, septic tanks are available in a number of different sizes. Nevertheless, most homeowners are unaware of the size of their tank, particularly if it was not constructed by a professional contractor. In order to determine how frequently a septic tank should be maintained, the size of the tank is an important piece of information. It is possible to incur unpleasant and expensive repercussions if you do not properly maintain your septic system.

Tips for Determining Your Septic Tank Size

In accordance with the size of your home, septic tanks are available in a number of different capacities. Nevertheless, most homeowners are unaware of the size of their tank, particularly if it was not built by a professional company. In order to determine how frequently a septic tank should be maintained, the size of the tank is critical information to have on hand. It is possible to incur unpleasant and costly repercussions if you do not properly maintain your septic system.

Find Accurate Information

While the size of your property and the documents you uncover may offer you with valuable information that will allow you to make an educated approximation regarding the size of your tank, it is still only a guess. An experienced plumbing technician will need to service your system before you can be sure. An skilled plumbing firm can provide you with exact information regarding the size and condition of your tank by pumping and examining it for you. Once you’ve determined the size of your septic tank, you should determine whether or not it’s large enough to meet the demands of your household.

Aside from that, additional home modifications may lead the house to become too large for the tank that is now in place.

The Pink Plumber can help you schedule tank maintenance and get answers to your inquiries regarding septic systems and other plumbing-related issues.

Our skilled plumbers have a combined 50 years of expertise, and we are ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergencies.

How to Add to an Existing Septic Tank

The size of your septic tank is often determined by estimating the amount of water used by your property. It is possible, though, that you may need to upgrade your septic tank as you make changes to your property. To accommodate an additional bathroom, for example, modifications to your current septic system may be required. How to Install a New Septic Tank in an Existing Septic Tank Calum Redgrave is the photographer that captured this image. -close/iStock/GettyImages

What Is a Septic Tank?

Septic tank size is often determined by estimating the amount of water used by your residence. As you make modifications to your property, you may discover that you need to upgrade your septic tank.

To accommodate an additional bathroom, for example, modifications to your current septic tank could be required. Instructions on how to add to an existing septic tank are provided. callum redgrave is the photographer that took this image -close/iStock/GettyImages

Septic Tank Usage When Adding a Bathroom

One of the most common reasons for updating a septic tank is the addition of a bathroom, which is sometimes located in a basement or crawlspace. This increases the value of your home while also allowing you to make greater use of your basement space. You’ll need to connect the excess wastewater to your septic tank in order for it to be properly treated. If you’re adding a basement bathroom that will be connected to a septic tank, you should examine whether your home’s septic lines are sufficiently deep.

You’ll need to think about what kind of toilet you want to put in before you start.

It is critical that you consult with your local government before making any alterations to your septic tank.

Adding a Septic Tank and Connecting to Existing Sewer Lines

The most straightforward method of increasing the capacity of your septic tank while keeping connected to current sewer lines is to simply add another septic tank. This increases the wastewater capacity of your house while also providing your septic system with extra time to process the wastewater before it is drained. For those who are planning to install an additional septic tank, first establish the best location, which should be between your existing tank and your drain field (sometimes called a septic field line).

• A hole of appropriate size should be dug with an excavator.
• Connect the two septic tanks together using a 4-inch pipe.
• Insert the opposite end of the pipe into the outlet hole of your old septic tank once you’ve lowered your new septic tank to the ground.
• Filling the hole surrounding your new septic tank with earth will then be an option for you.

Locating Existing Septic Systems

Currently, the Porter County Health Department is in the process of digitizing septic system records, with the goal of providing internet access to these information by 2018.

Determine the Year Your Septic Was Installed

• Prior to 1974, the Porter County Health Department did not have any septic permit data on file. As a result, residences constructed before to 1974 will not have any documentation on file.

• Porter County Health Department will want the following information in order to locate a sketch of your septic system on your property:

• The address of the property
• The name of the subdivision and the lot number, if applicable
• The name of the property owner at the time the septic system was built, or the name of the permit application

• PCHDwill require the following information in order to locate a drawing of your septic system:

Locating Your Septic System Without a Drawing

Discover where your main sewer line exits your home; this will give you a good idea of where your tank could be hidden beneath your home. A typical tank is around ten feet away from the home and is five by eight feet across. The lateral lines are typically constructed down slope from the septic tank unless the laterals are particularly deep or unless there is a dosing chamber to pump the effluent upslope. When running from one edge of the trench to the other, the lateral lines are typically 3 feet broad and 4–5 feet apart on average.

In addition to purchasing a probe, any long solid rod may be used as a probe, which can be found at any hardware shop.

It is advised that, once a septic tank has been discovered, a riser be constructed above the access ports of the tank to provide for simple access to the tank in the event that it has to be pumped later on.

How Close Can My Septic System Be to a Pool, Pole Barn, Garage, Etc.?

Septic systems must be located at least 10 feet away from any structure, including pools, patios, and fences, among other things. Decks must be erected at least 10 feet away from lateral lines and cannot be built over a septic tank.

How Do I Get a Septic Location Report for a Building Permit?

Provide a design to the Porter County Health Department that depicts the location of your house, septic system, and any structures you want to build on the site, among other things. The drawing must either be drawn to scale or depict the distance between the structure you intend to develop on your land and the septic system, whichever is the greater. If the Porter County Health Department already has a drawing of your septic system, they would gladly give you with a copy of it at no additional cost.

How Can I Find out Who Originally Owned My Property?

Provide the Porter County Health Department with a drawing depicting the location of your house, septic system, and any structures you want to erect on your land. If you are planning on building something on your land, the drawing must either be scaled or show the distance between it and the septic system. A free copy of your septic system will be provided to you if the Porter County Health Department already has a drawing of it. It is your responsibility to find the septic system yourself or pay someone to do it if the Porter County Health Department does not have a drawing.

How Often Should I Get My Septic Tank Pumped?

A septic tank should be pumped once every three to five years, on average. The greater the number of people that live in your home, the more frequently your septic tank should be drained. Pumping your septic tank on a regular basis prevents sediments from accumulating in your septic tank, which can lead to clogging of your lateral lines and the failure of your septic tank system. It is recommended by the Porter County Health Department that a riser be constructed over the tank’s access ports in order to provide simple access for pumping the septic tank at a later date.

HOW TO SAFELY ABANDON AN OLD SEPTIC TANK ON YOUR PROPERTY

If you’ve recently purchased an older house, it’s possible that a septic tank is located on the property. This is true even if your home is currently linked to the municipal water and sewer systems. A prior owner may have abandoned the ancient septic system and connected to the city sewage system when it became accessible at some time in the past. Despite the fact that there are standards in place today for properly leaving a septic tank, it was typical practice years ago to just leave the tanks in place and forget about them.

• The old tank may either be demolished or filled with water to solve the problem.
• It is possible that permits and inspections will be required.
• They are dangerous because curious children may pry open the lid and fall into the container.
• Falls into a septic tank can be lethal owing to the toxicity of the contents and the fact that concrete can collapse on top of you while falling into a tank.
• Eventually, this approach was phased out due to the fact that the steel would corrode and leave the tank susceptible to collapse.
• When it comes to ancient septic tanks, they are similar to little caves with a lid that might collapse at any time.
• The old tank is crushed and buried, or it is removed from the site.

If it is built of steel, it will very certainly be crushed and buried in its current location.

After that, the tank can be completely filled with sand, gravel, or any other form of rubble and buried.

Tanks can either be entirely dismantled or destroyed and buried in their original location.

The abandonment has been documented and plotted on a map.

It’s possible that you’ll forget about the tank once it’s been abandoned.

As a result, you might wish to sketch a map of the area where the old tank used to stand.

If you can demonstrate that an old septic tank was properly decommissioned, you may be able to increase the value of your property, and the new owners will enjoy knowing that large chunks of concrete are buried underground before they start digging in the yard to put something in it.

It may take some detective work to discover about the history of your land and what may be lying beneath the surface of the earth.

Upon discovering an old septic tank on your property that is no longer in service, contact Total Enviro Services for propertank abandonment procedures that meet with local standards and protect your family, pets, and farm animals from harm or death.

Department of Environmental Quality : About Septic Systems : Residential Resources : State of Oregon

In areas where houses and businesses are not linked to a municipal sewage system, a septic system is the most popular type of sewage treatment for those areas. When simplified to its most basic form, a septic system is comprised of two parts: a septic tank in which solids settle and decay and a drainfield in which liquid drained from the tank is treated by bacteria in the soil. Septic systems that are more sophisticated are constructed in places with high groundwater levels and/or poor soils.

Septic systems that are properly operating treat sewage in order to reduce groundwater and surface water contamination.

Learn more about how septic systems function by reading this article.

Before you buy

If the land is undeveloped, inquire as to whether the property has been examined for appropriateness for septic systems by either the Department of Environmental Quality or a local government contract agent, and if so, request a copy of the site evaluation report. The following are the questions you should ask:Has the site changed since it was last evaluated?

• For undeveloped land, inquire whether the property has been examined for appropriateness of septic systems by either the DEQ or a local government contract agency, and obtain a copy of the site evaluation report in this case. Inquire about the site’s evolution since it was last inspected:Has anything changed since it was last inspected?

If the property has not yet been examined, you may choose to request that the present owner arrange for an evaluation to be done. Application for a site review can be made through either the Department of Environmental Quality or a local government contract agent. Before deciding to acquire the land, you must determine what sort of septic system will be necessary, as well as whether or not the permitted system site will fit your development requirements. Existing sewage treatment systems- If you are considering acquiring a home with an existing septic system, you should engage a trained inspector to assess the system before making the purchase.

• Is it true that the system was implemented without a permit? If not, it is possible that the system is very old (permits have been necessary since 1972, and in certain counties even earlier), or that it was unlawfully built. Systems that have been illegally developed may pose a threat to public health or produce pollution. In the future, you may be forced to upgrade or replace the system, and you may be held accountable and penalized if the system malfunctions or poses a concern to public health and safety. If your family or business has a large number of members, is the system the correct size to meet their needs? Permit documents often include information on the system’s capacity in gallons per day. Typical household water use is 450 gallons per day for a four-bedroom home. How old is the system, and has it been adequately maintained over its lifetime? Is there documentation demonstrating that the septic tank was pumped on a regular basis? Have there been any difficulties or complaints that have been brought to your attention in the past? It is possible that your local permitting agency has records of complaints or infractions that have not been addressed yet. Before you moved here, how many people lived in the house? Perhaps the approach works well with a single person but not so well with four individuals. Is the septic tank connected to all of the plumbing fittings
• And Is there evidence of a septic system failure, such as puddles over the septic tank or flooded drainfields? If the property is next to surface waterways, check to see that there are no direct discharges from the property. When it comes to septic system replacement, is there a suitable location if the existing system fails? In the event that there are any septic permit documents, they will show the replacement area that should still be “laid aside” for this purpose. What is the role of a qualified inspector? Some septic installers and pumpers have received training in the inspection of existing systems, while others specialize in the installation of new septic systems or pump tanks, as appropriate. Certified maintenance providers may also have the qualifications of a qualified inspector. The goal is to find out what their credentials are in septic system assessments (as opposed to only septic tank evaluations), as well as to obtain some recommendations. Verify the credentials of the references before hiring a contractor.

Signs of septic system failure

• What kind of permission was used to install the system? The system may be extremely ancient (permits have been necessary since 1972, and in certain counties even earlier), or it may have been unlawfully constructed if it is not in compliance. Environmental contamination and public health risks are possible consequences of illegally designed systems. When your system fails or poses a concern to public health, you may be obliged to upgrade or replace it in the future, and you may be held accountable and penalized. If your family or business has a large number of members, is the system the right size for them? Ordinarily, permit documents will state how many gallons of water are being used each day by the system. Typical household water use is 450 gallons per day for a four-bedroom house. In what condition is the system now in, and how long has it been in use? Whether or not there are documents demonstrating that the septic tank was regularly pumped
• Have there been any difficulties or complaints that have been brought to your attention in recent years? Complaints or violations that haven’t been resolved by your local permitting office may be on file at the office. Before you moved there, how many people were living in the house. Perhaps the approach works well with a single individual but not so well with four persons in a group setting. Has the septic tank been hooked up to all of the plumbing fixtures? Exist symptoms of a failing septic system, such as puddles over the septic tank or sludge in the drainfield? When a property is near to a body of water, be certain there are no direct emissions. When it comes to septic system replacement, is there a suitable location if the present system fails? In the event that there are any septic permit documents, they will show the replacement area that should still be “laid aside” for that purpose
• And Is it possible to become a certified inspector? Some septic installers and pumpers have received training in the inspection of existing systems, while others specialize in the installation of new septic systems or pump tanks. Qualified inspectors may be used by certified maintenance providers as well. The goal is to find out what their credentials are in septic system assessments (as opposed to merely septic tank evaluations), as well as to ask for some recommendations from previous customers. Verify the credentials of the references before hiring a contractor
• And

Installing a new system

In order to have a new septic system installed, a two-step procedure must be followed. 1. Submit an application for a site review. The tests pits you give on your property will be evaluated by a DEQ or county agent, who will decide the size and kind of septic system that will be required, as well as the placement. 2. Submit an application for a building permit. For application forms, contact your local DEQ office or county agent, or you can obtain DEQ application forms from this website. There is a cost for both the site appraisal and the issuance of the building permit.

Maintaining septic systems

By having your septic tank tested for solids accumulation on a regular basis, you may prevent having to pay for expensive repairs. When the solids buildup in your septic tank exceeds 40%, you should have it pumped by a pumper who is licensed by the DEQ. For advice on how often to get your septic tank examined, contact the Department of Environmental Quality. Maintaining the condition of your septic tank on a regular basis (every 5 to 7 years) and checking for solids accumulation will save you money on costly repairs.

When the solids buildup in your septic tank exceeds 40%, you should have it pumped by a pumper who is licensed by the DEQ. If you follow the basic septic system DO’s and DON’Ts, a properly designed and maintained system may survive for a very long period.

Can You Relocate a Septic System

Maintaining the condition of your septic tank on a regular basis (every 5 to 7 years) and checking for solids accumulation will save you money on expensive repairs. A DEQ-licensed pumper should be called to pump your septic tank if the solids buildup has reached more than 40%. If you follow the basic septic system DO’s and DON’Ts, a properly designed and maintained system may survive for a very long time!