How To Find Out If A Septic Tank Is On Record? (Solution)

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.

• 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.

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.

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 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 can I find out when my septic was last pumped?

Here are the most common: Time between services: On average, a residential septic tank needs pumping service every three to five years. If you’ve lost track of how long it’s been since your system was last pumped, call the technician you used last and request a records check.

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.

Does a septic tank have to be registered?

A septic tank discharges water into the ground, and the quantity of such is important so as to avoid damage to the environment. If your septic tank discharges two cubic metres or less above ground, then you don’t need to register it. If it releases five cubic metres, or less, below ground level then it is also exempt.

Will metal detector find septic tank?

If it’s Concrete or Steel, Use a Metal Detector. Based on your conclusions in Step 3, if your septic tank is likely made from concrete or steel, a metal detector can make the task of locating it much easier. But not just any metal detector will do.

How do septic tanks look?

Septic tanks are typically rectangular in shape and measure approximately 5 feet by 8 feet. In most cases, septic tank components including the lid, are buried between 4 inches and 4 feet underground. You can use a metal probe to locate its edges and mark the perimeter.

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 often should a septic tank be pumped?

Inspect and Pump Frequently The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.

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.

How much does it cost to pump a septic tank?

How much does it cost to pump out a septic tank? The average cost is $300, but can run up to $500, depending on your location. The tank should be pumped out every three to five years.

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 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.

“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.

1. 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.
2. A septic system is likely to be installed in your home if you reside in a rather rural location.
3. Septic systems are likely to be installed in all of these buildings, which means your home is likely to be as well.
4. 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.
5. 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

If you intend to build an addition to your home or perform some landscaping around your property, you must first determine the position of your septic tank. On top of, or in the area of, your tank, you should avoid planting anything with deep or lengthy roots. If roots are allowed to grow into the pipes of your septic system, it is conceivable that the system will get clogged. You may arrange your landscaping such that only shallow-rooted plants, such as grass, are in close proximity to the tank once you know where it is.

For starters, the tank’s weight might cause it to collapse due to the weight of the surrounding building.

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.

• 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.

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.

1. A four-inch-diameter pipe that exits your home via a basement wall is generally what you’re searching for, but specifics vary.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. An alternative method of locating the septic tank using the sewage pipe is to pass through it.
5. Instead, use a drain snake, which is similar to what you would use to unclog a toilet or drain.
6. Most likely, the snake has reached the tank by the time it pauses.
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 along its length.
8. 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 pros should be contacted as soon as you’ve discovered your tank. a. Don’t kid yourself, draining and cleaning a septic tank is not something that just anybody wants to undertake. A special lifting equipment is required to remove concrete septic tank lids since they are quite heavy. Because of the contents, the gases can be poisonous; thus, please respect our warning and do not attempt to open the tank on your own own. An exposed septic tank can be hazardous to anybody wandering around your property’s perimeter, and if someone were to fall into it, the toxicity of the waste might be lethal.

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

Taking proper care of your tank may save you thousands of dollars over the course of its useful life span. 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 in most cases. 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 in general.

Solid meals, cooking oil, and pharmaceuticals should not be flushed down the sink drain in your kitchen.

The usage of water-intensive equipment should be avoided wherever possible, according to another proposal.

How to Find Septic Tanks

Every septic tank will eventually get clogged with solid waste and will need to be drained and cleaned. Pumping out the septic system on a regular basis is essential to maintaining it in excellent functioning order. But what can you do if you don’t know where the septic tank is? What are your options? How to locate and locate your septic tank will be covered in this section. Septic tanks should not be installed in any one location because each property is unique. Septic tanks are difficult to detect, but there are several principles and indicators that might assist you.

How to Locate Septic Tanks: Using Public Records:

1. Inquire with the previous owner of the property. This may be the quickest and most convenient method of locating a septic tank. Simply contact the previous owner and inquire as to the whereabouts of his or her septic tank. In spite of the fact that the previous owner should have shared this information with you when selling the home, it is easy to forget normal maintenance data. If you are unable to contact the previous owner or if the previous owner does not know the location of the septic tank, do not give up hope just yet. There are several alternative methods of locating a septic tank
2. However, Consult the County Records for more information. The county should have a copy of the septic tank installation permit documents for your property on file. This file should include a schematic or map of the property that shows the location of the septic tank. If the septic tank was erected more than a decade ago, the information may or may not be on file. Call a few different septic tank pumping companies in your area. It’s conceivable that your septic tank was installed by a local business or contractor. Check with several businesses to check whether they have your address on file.

How to Identify Septic Tanks on Your Own Septic tanks are hardly the most visually appealing or pleasurable of systems to see. They are installed in such a way that they are hardly visible and are not visually highlighted or exhibited. In the event that your septic tank is actively being concealed, you will have to figure out how to locate it. One method of locating the septic tank is to trace the waste line from the house to the septic tank’s location. Identify where the sewage line departs the home, which is usually in the basement, and then travel to the same location outside the property.

Consider the area where a septic tank is most likely to be found.

• Usually between 10 and 20 feet away from the structure. It should not be too near for reasons of health and safety. When it comes to building costs, it is preferable to keep excavating to a minimum by not locating it too far away. From the house, it’s all downhill. Gravity is used to transfer waste in the majority of plumbing systems. This is not always the case, however, because certain systems make use of pumps. Is there a well, a stream, or any other site feature on your property that might have an impact on the installation of a septic tank? There cannot be a septic tank in close proximity to wells or the property line. Seek out bald places where there is no grass growth, which might indicate the presence of a shallow-buried septic tank top. Locate any green grass, which may be indicative of a septic tank that is overflowing or leaking
• Assuming you already know where to go, here’s what you should be looking for now:

How to Locate Septic Tanks Using Visual Indications

• Visual Clues to Help You Locate Septic Tanks

If you are still unable to locate the septic tank, it is likely that you should contact a professional. A professional sewer tank plumber will locate and service septic systems on a regular basis and will be equipped with the required equipment and knowledge to locate your home’s septic tank swiftly and efficiently. Don’t be tempted to lift the lid or conduct any other work on your septic tank now that you know where to look. Septic tank lids are extremely heavy, and septic tanks emit harmful vapors.

Always get your septic tank serviced by a licensed and insured septic tank plumber.

After you’ve discovered your septic tank, mark the location with a marker and draw a map of the area around it so that you and any future owners will know exactly where it is in case it has to be repaired or replaced.

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• 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, understanding where the drainfield is may be difficult because they are often underground systems. Finding the drainfield can be difficult because they are usually hidden. Because haphazard excavation by hand is extremely time-consuming and because haphazard excavation by backhoe can cause unnecessarily extensive damage to both a septic system and a homesite, drawing a sketch of the location of a septic tank, distribution box, and drainfield trenches or pits is a valuable document to prepare and keep with a home.

1. Ask the owner if they have any sketches to leave with you; if they don’t have any sketches but know where the septic components are, walk the property with them and produce your own sketch of the septic components.
2. Because anybody seeking for the system in the future is likely to start by locating the point where the sewage line exits the building, a former service worker or contractor understood it was a dependable location to leave a sketch.
3. In certain cases, even though septic system and drainfield layout drawings have been submitted, it is possible that the “as built” drain field will not be identical to the plan filed since blockages might be identified during the drain field installation process.
4. The septic tank’s center may be located using the simple but accurate measurement triangle depicted in the diagram below.
5. It is not need to be visually appealing, to scale, or costly.
6. Never rely on the local health agency or the building department to have drawings that show where the fields are located precisely.
7. During our investigation, we discovered that one municipality had purposefully destroyed 50 years’ worth of septic and other construction plan records because they were tired of being pestered by residents who wanted that information and then complained when it turned out to be incorrect.
8. Speak with contractors who are listed under the categories of Excavation, Plumbing, and Septic System Service since the excavator who has installed or worked on the property of your concern may be classified under one of those categories but not all of them.
9. This article series, as well as our accompanyingSEPTIC LOCATION VIDEO, demonstrates how to locate the leach field or drainfield section of a septic system by going around a site with a camera.

(Septic drain fields are sometimes referred to as soil absorption systems or seepage beds in some circles.)

Reader CommentsQ A

@Joseph Coburn, please display the records 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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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

Having trouble getting this? We can help. 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 use. – Perhaps you will be shocked to learn that there are several ways to obtain information on your property without ever leaving the comfort of your own residence. Structure permits, for example, are frequently found in county records, and they may include schematics with specifications on how far away from a septic tank a building should be, as well as other valuable information such as the size of the tank.

Yet the majority of counties continue to keep track of septic tank installations at all locations.

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. If you do not have a meter installed, it is likely that you are connected to a private well rather than the public sewage network.

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.

All of the heavy lifting has been delegated to our team of professionals.

Where’s my septic tank?

Once you’ve located your septic tank, there are a few things you should do. It’s critical to mark the position of your septic tank. Using our inspection, pumping, and repair services, you can save time if you ever require a sewer line cleanout or septic tank maintenance. Clearly mark the location of your tank so that you can easily locate it again. In windy conditions, it should be heavy enough to prevent it from blowing away. It is possible to accomplish this without having an unattractive flag or marking in your yard by utilizing garden décor or a potted plant.

As a result, you’ll have it for future reference and will be able to locate the specific area more readily in the future.

To keep your sewage system in good working order, contact The Original Plumber.

All of the heavy lifting has been delegated to our team of experts.

• 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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How to Locate Your Septic Tank

It may seem impossible to imagine that one of the largest and most visible elements of your whole plumbing system is also one of the most difficult to locate, but when your property is served by a septic system, this is perfectly true. A strong explanation for this is because septic tanks are huge, unattractive, stink horrible and give off an unwarranted impression of dirt. Not only does burying them underground assist to prevent them from harm, but it also provides you with additional useable space on your property and conceals what would otherwise be a blight on your landscape.

This site is dedicated to assisting you in locating your septic system without the need for any time-consuming digging.

How To Find A Septic Tank: Step By Step

It is critical to maintain the health of your septic tank since it is responsible for securely storing and handling the wastewater that drains from your house. It is necessary to pump your septic tank once every 1-3 years, depending on the number of people living in your household and the size of your tank, in order to avoid septic tank repairs or early failure, which means you must be familiar with the location of your tank. It’s not often simple to identify your septic tank, and many plumbers charge extra for this service, which is especially true if your tank’s lid is buried beneath.

1. Gather Some Helpful Tools

Septic tank location may be made much easier with the use of several simple instruments and techniques. To locate your septic tank, you only need to know the following information: A soil probe is one of the most useful instruments for locating a septic tank. It is a tiny piece of metal that is used to puncture through the earth and detect anything that could be buried underneath. Start at the point where your sewage line exits your home and work your way straight out, inserting your soil probe every two feet along the way.

Using this method, you may also locate the cover for your septic tank.

While we highly advise keeping your cover clean and exposed in the event that you require emergency septic service, we recognize that this is not always the case.

2. Use a Septic Tank Map

If you are a new homeowner who is trying to figure out where your septic tank is, a septic tank map should be included in your inspection documentation. You can use this information to assist you in pinpointing the exact position of your storage tank. If you don’t have access to this map, there are a few of additional strategies you might employ.

3. Start Ruling Areas Out

The location of a septic tank cannot be constructed in specific areas due to the risk of causing major damage to your property or tank, as specified by local rules. Your septic tank will not be affected by the following:

• Immediately adjacent to your well
• Beneath your home
• Directly against your home
• For example, underneath your driveway
• Under trees
• And other locations. Structures like a patio or deck are good examples of this.

4. Inspect Your Property

If you take a hard look around your land, there’s a high possibility you’ll be able to locate your septic tank without having to do any probing whatsoever. In many circumstances, a septic tank may be identified by a slight dip or slope on your land that cannot be explained by any other means. Due to the fact that the hole that your contractors excavated for your septic tank may not have been exactly the proper size, they proceeded to install the tank anyhow. This is a rather regular occurrence.

When there is a minor divot or depression, it indicates that the hole was too large and that your contractors simply did not fill the depression to level the hole.

The likelihood of your septic tank being discovered in a few specific locations is quite high. Because of code issues or just because it doesn’t make sense, it’s highly unlikely that your septic tank will be located near any of the following locations:

• If you take a hard look around your land, there’s a high possibility you’ll be able to locate your septic tank without having to do any probing or excavation. Most of the time, a septic tank may be identified by a little dip or slope on your land that can’t be explained by anything else. Due to the fact that the hole that your builders excavated for your septic tank may not have been exactly the proper size, they proceeded to install the tank anyhow. Why? Something like this is not unheard of. If the hole was too small, the top of the tank will protrude above ground level, and the rest of the tank will be filled with extra dirt, resulting in a little mound on your land that is usually covered with grass, soil, or other natural vegetation. When there is a minor divot or depression, it indicates that the hole was too large and that your builders simply did not fill the depression to level the hole out. During rainstorms, this is often a location that becomes highly wet or even floods. The likelihood of your septic tank being discovered in a few specific locations is quite high. You will almost certainly not locate your septic tank in any of the following locations, either because of code issues or just because it doesn’t make sense:

5. Inspect Your Yard

A comprehensive investigation of your yard may be necessary to discover your septic tank considerably more quickly in some cases. The following are important items to check for in your yard:

• If your septic tank is overfilled, sewage can leak out into the ground and function as fertilizer for your lawn, resulting in lush green grass. A area of grass that is very lush and green is a good sign that your septic tank is just beneath it
• Puddles that don’t make sense: If your septic tank is seriously overfilled, it is possible that water will pool on your grass. Another telltale indicator that your septic tank is below ground level is an unexplainable pool of water. Ground that is uneven: When installing septic tanks, it is possible that the contractors will mistakenly create high or low patches on your grass. If you come across any uneven terrain, it’s possible that your septic tank is right there.

If your septic tank is overfilled, sewage can leak out into the ground and function as fertilizer for your lawn, resulting in lusher grass. It’s a good clue that your septic tank is directly below the surface of the ground if you see an unusually lush area of grass. Water puddles that aren’t supposed to be there: If your septic tank is severely overfilled, it may cause water to pool on your grass. Another telltale indicator that your septic tank is failing is an odd pool of water. Land with a lot of variation: Septic tank technicians may inadvertently produce high or low patches on your grass when installing the tanks.

6. Follow Your Sewer Main/Sewer Pipes

Following your sewage lines is one of the most straightforward methods of locating your septic tank. These pipes have a diameter of roughly 4 inches and are commonly found in the basement or crawlspace of your house. They are not dangerous. Following the pipes from your house out into your yard, using your metal soil probe every 2 feet or so until you reach the tank, is a simple process once they are located. Aside from that, every drain in your home is connected to your sewage main, which in turn is connected to your septic tank.

The likelihood that one of your major sewer lines is located in your basement or crawlspace is high if you have exposed plumbing lines in your basement or crawlspace.

If the line is labeled, it is usually made of plastic or rubber.

7. Check Your Property Records

Lastly, if all else fails, a search of your property’s public records will almost certainly reveal the location of the tank you’re looking for. Your builders most likely secured a permit for your property because septic systems are required to be installed by law in every state. In order to do so, they had to develop a thorough plan that depicted your property as well as the exact location where they intended to construct the tank. This is done to ensure that the local health department is aware of the tank and is prepared to deal with any issues that may arise as a result of its presence.

If you look hard enough, you may be able to locate the original building records for your home without ever having to get in your car or visit your local records center. Some localities make these records public on the internet, whereas others do not.

What to Do Once You Find Your Septic Tank

Upon discovering the position of your septic tank, you should mark its location on a map of your property. Use something to indicate the location of your lid, such as an attractive garden item that can’t be changed, to help you locate it. A birdbath, a rock, or a potted plant are just a few of the possibilities. You are now ready to arrange your septic tank inspection and pumping service. Contact us now! If you have any more concerns regarding how to locate your septic tank, or if you want septic tank servicing, please contact The Plumbing Experts at (864) 210-3127 right now!

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.

1. You should keep track of the following: well and septic system installation, permits, maintenance, inspections, pumping, repairs, and water testing.
2. Keep records of service visits if you have water treatment equipment and follow a maintenance plan.
3. Also, keep the manufacturer’s information for any water treatment equipment you use with your well file on hand for reference.
4. Copies of all water quality test results should be maintained on hand in order to track any changes that may occur over time.
5. 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.
6. Locate the location of your well head on your property and mark it.
7. If you do not have access to blueprints, locate the point at which your sewer line exits your home.
8. 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 protecting 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.