How To Find Where Metal Septic Tank Is Located? (Solution)

In most cases, septic tank components including the lid, are buried between 4 inches and 4 feet underground. You can use a metal probe to locate its edges and mark the perimeter. If you do not find the lid by probing, shallow excavation with a shovel along the tank’s perimeter should reveal the lid.

How do you locate your septic tank?

Follow the pipe by sticking a thin metal probe into the ground near the sewer line. Probe about every two feet. Most septic tanks are around 10-25 feet away from your home, and cannot be closer than 5ft. Once you feel the probe striking flat concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene you will have located your 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.

Can 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.

Where are most septic tanks located?

Toe the Line. Your septic tank will most certainly be installed along the main sewer line that runs out of your home. 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.

What are the signs that your septic tank is full?

Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:

Your Drains Are Taking Forever.

Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
You Hear Gurgling Water.

You Have A Sewage Backup.
How often should you empty your septic tank?

How do I find my septic lateral lines?

Call your local electric utility provider or gas company to locate buried gas or utility lines before digging. A septic tank probe can also help you find the location. Stick the long, thin metal probe into the ground until you feel it hit the tank and feel the edges of the tank.

Do I have to change my septic tank?

Under the new rules, if you have a specific septic tank that discharges to surface water (river, stream, ditch, etc.) 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.

How do you dig a septic tank lid?

You can locate the lid of your septic tank by poking the ground every few feet with a metal probe. Lids can be buried up to a foot deep on average, so be sure to investigate any bumps that may indicate something is buried underneath.

Can I drive over my leach field?

Can You Drive on a Septic Drain Field? No, driving over your septic drain field is similarly never ever recommended. As much as you are able to help it, prevent cars or heavy equipment (such as oil delivery trucks, swimming pool water trucks, cement mixers, and also the like) to drive straight over the field.

Are septic tanks made of metal?

The majority of septic tanks are constructed out of concrete, fiberglass, polyethylene or coated steel. Typically, septic tanks with a capacity smaller than 6,000 gallons are pre-manufactured. Larger septic tanks are constructed in place or assembled on-site from pre-manufactured sections.

Can you use a metal detector to find sewer lines?

Using a Plumbing Pipe Detector to Locate Underground Pipes. As a property owner there will be times when, for a variety of reasons, you will need to locate underground metal objects. For example, using a pipe locator metal detector you can easily pinpoint leaking underground pipes quickly.

How deep should a septic tank be buried?

In most cases, septic tank components including the lid, are buried between 4 inches and 4 feet underground. You can use a metal probe to locate its edges and mark the perimeter. If you do not find the lid by probing, shallow excavation with a shovel along the tank’s perimeter should reveal the lid.

How often should a septic tank be pumped?

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

How To Find 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.

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

Professionals should handle septic tank difficulties. The Original Plumber can do routine maintenance on your septic tank or examine any problems you may have once you’ve located the tank. Opening the septic tank lid might result in major health consequences due to the noxious vapors that are expelled. It is possible to sustain serious harm or even death if one falls into an open septic tank. Knowing where your septic tank is and how to locate it is beneficial, but it is also important to be aware of the potential health dangers associated with opening the tank.

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 to Find a Septic Tank With a Metal Detector

For sewage treatment in the United States, around 48% of households in rural and outlying regions depend on septic tanks or septic systems. Many of these systems have been operating without regular maintenance for many years. It is necessary to locate your septic tank in the event that sewage is backing up into your home or if your main drain line has become obstructed. Throughout this post, we’ll go over the basics of how septic systems function before showing you how to identify your septic tank in six simple stages.

How do septic systems work?

A septic system is made up of two parts: the septic tank and the drain field (or leach field).

Septic Tank

Waste from toilets, sinks, and showers is sent down a main sewage line and into a holding tank known as the septic tank. A septic tank is a large, subterranean container that acts as the initial stage of a home’s sewage treatment system by collecting and treating sewage. Watertight containers such as concrete, steel, plastic, and fiberglass are used to construct the tank. Until the particles and liquids separate into three different layers, sewage is allowed to remain in the septic tank. This picture shows how sewage from the home drains into a two-compartment underground septic tank.

The liquid wastes are subsequently discharged into the drain field.

The bacteria produce a sludge that is “digested” and stays in the tank until it is drained.

This stratum is referred to as effluent in most circles.

Drain Field

Drain fields are composed of layers of gravel and dirt that allow liquid sewage to flow down. It eventually becomes part of the groundwater supply. Aerobic bacteria (bacteria that require oxygen to survive) and other microbes decompose the organic debris that remains.

What happens if a septic tank gets too full?

In the event that your septic tank becomes overflowing, sewage may back up into your home. It is more difficult to breakdown sludge than it is to collect it. If the sludge isn’t cleaned, the solids will build up until they overflow into the drain field, causing the drain to back up. This has the potential to clog pipes and produce a backup. The sludge must be cleared on a regular basis in order to avoid this.

Many households only get their tanks emptied after the system malfunctions. Waiting until that stage can result in repair expenses in the tens of thousands of dollars. Every three to five years, we suggest that you have your septic tank pumped.

6 Steps to Locate a Septic Tank

Water from your toilets, sinks, and showers is collected in a main drain pipe and disposed of properly. This line departs your home and enters your septic tank through the basement or crawl area where it was installed. Find the line in question. Afterwards, walk outside and look for the identical location on the opposite side of the wall. Make a note of this spot since you’ll need it in a moment.

2. Check Permits and Public Records

The majority of county health agencies keep public records of septic system installation permits on their websites. These permits must be accompanied by a schematic or design depicting the proposed location of the septic tank and drainage field systems. They also give a description of the tank’s dimensions and construction material. Having this information can be quite beneficial when trying to locate a submerged tank lid. In some cases, depending on the age of your septic system and the digitization efforts of your county’s health department, you may be able to do a public records search online.

If you live in Colorado, we’ve provided links below that will allow you to check septic records in a few different areas.

Colorado’s counties of Adams, Arapahoe, and Douglas Colorado Septic Records Search
Colorado Permits Search

El Paso County Records Search
Jefferson County Septic Records Search
Jefferson County Records Search

Mesa County Septic Systems Search
Pueblo County Records Search. Colorado Septic Records Search
Pueblo County Records Search

3. Determine Septic Tank Material

If you’ve located your septic permit, you’ll find information about the size, shape, and material of your septic tank there as well. But don’t be concerned if your septic data aren’t readily available. We can perform some basic detective work to determine what material your septic system is built of. Let’s start with a look at the materials.

Types of Septic Tank Materials

Construction of septic tanks is mostly done using four types of materials: concrete, steel, fiberglass, and polyethylene plastic. Until the 1880s, the most extensively used septic tank material was concrete, which was then replaced by steel. These tanks have a lifespan of around 40 years and are built to last. They are susceptible to cracking, however, in locations where temperature variations are strong and frequent. Concrete tanks are frequently required by municipalities that have strict requirements on septic system construction.

Steel septic tanks begin to corrode within 20 to 25 years of installation in most regions.

If a human or animal walks across the weakened tank, it may collapse under the weight of the person or animal.
They will not break or corrode, however, in contrast to concrete or steel tanks.
PlasticSeptic tanks made of polyethylene have been in use since the 1980s.

They are not susceptible to rusting and are less prone to break when compared to concrete. They are, however, not quite as long-lasting. Because of the weight of the earth above them, or because a vehicle passes over the area where they are buried, plastic tanks are susceptible to collapse.

How Old is Your House?

Next, let’s determine the approximate age of your home. In some cases, all you need to do is take a glance at the house’s façade to get an idea of how old it really is. However, you may examine the tax assessor’s records in your county to get a more precise assessment. Similarly to searching for septic records, your mileage may vary depending on which county’s digitized documents you are searching for. Let’s go over an example search utilizing Boulder County’s Property Search tool so that you can have a better sense of what you should be looking for.

Look up your home address on the internet. When searching for a home, some programs provide separate areas for your address and street name, while others (such as Boulder County) merge the two into a single search box. Look for information on Deeds and/or Sales Records in the public domain. You’ll find a list of transactions here, with dates showing when the property was purchased and sold. Find the transaction that occurred on the earliest possible date. This is most likely the year in which your home was constructed.

This information allows you to make an informed guess regarding the sort of material that your septic tank is built of.

4A. If it’s Concrete or Steel, Use a Metal Detector

After coming to the conclusion that the tank is most likely built of concrete or steel in Step 3, a metal detector may be used to make the work of locating it much simpler. But not just any metal detector will do. It must be the right one. Standard metal detectors have a depth range of 6 – 8″ (15 – 20 cm) below the surface of the ground. As previously stated, the majority of septic tanks are placed 1′ to 3′ (0.3 m to 1 m) underground, putting them outside of the acceptable range. An advanced sort of metal detector known as a Magnetic Locator, which can detect objects as deep as 16′ (4.8 m), is available for purchase.

How to Use a Metal Detector to Search for a Septic Tank

If you have a septic permit record, you may refer to it to figure out how far you need to go to install a septic tank. Start at the point where the drain line meets the home and work your way out to where the septic tank is shown on the diagram. Keep in mind that this graphic depicts the proposed installation area and may not accurately depict the actual ground conditions on the site. We’ll have a look at the illustration below. One inch (2.5 centimeters) is equivalent to fifty feet (50 meters).

By using a ruler to measure the design, we’ve determined that the septic tank should be roughly 13′ (3.96 m) away from the home.

To begin, start at the location you highlighted in Step 1 where the sewage drain line leaves the home. From here, you may switch on the locator and adjust the gain to a high setting. Walking over the search area, sweep the locator from left to right, as if looking for anything. As you go, make a note of the regions with the strongest signal strength. It is most likely that the tank-iron lid’s handles will be located in one of these positions
As soon as you’ve exhausted the search region in one direction, sweep over it perpendicularly and make note of the spots with the strongest signal strength. Continue on to Step 5

4B. If it’s Plastic or Fiberglass, Probe Gently

Septic tanks made of plastic or fiberglass are typically buried one to two feet (0.3 to 0.91 m) below ground level. They feature circular covers made of green or black plastic that are roughly two feet (0.91 m) wide and have a diameter of around two feet (0.91 m). Due to the fact that these tanks are totally made of plastic, a metal detector will not be of use in locating them. In this situation, a soil probe is really useful. An inexpensive soil sampling instrument, soil probes are comprised of a 4′ (1.2 m) metal rod with a pointed tip on one end and are used for soil sample.

Gently poke the earth with a soil probe every 2 to 3 feet, using a light touch (0.61 to 0.91 m).

Make a note of any areas where you encounter resistance and continue exploring around in your search area. The use of a soft touch is essential here, since the metal tip of the probe can cause damage to plastic septic tanks (and sewage lines) if too much force is used.

5. Time to Dig

Following the placement of an amagnetic locator (or the probing of the ground) to record the places with the highest signal strength, you are ready to begin digging. Septic tank lids can be located anywhere from 4″ (10 cm) to 4′ (1.2 m) below the surface of the ground.

6. Mark the Location for Future Maintenance

Having discovered your septic tank, you’ll want to ensure that it can be readily detected and accessed in the event that it has to be repaired or replaced. You may accomplish this by installing a septic tank riser. Sewage Tank Risers are devices that provide for easy access to the septic tank from the ground. They are shafts made of plastic or concrete that link the top of the tank to the surface of the ground below the tank. The tank lid will no longer require you to dig to access it whenever maintenance is required.

How to Find Your Septic Tank

Many folks have contacted me through e-mail (typically from across the nation) to inquire about the location of their septic tank. “I have no idea,” I generally say as a helpful response to the question. I really want to add something like, “It’s just off your driveway, near that bushy thing,” or anything along those lines. But, truly, even for the most experienced searchers, septic tanks are difficult to come by. The following are some strategies you might employ to assist you in locating your tank.

Precaution should be exercised before you get started.
So, proceed with caution!
Please let me know if you have any queries or need assistance.

Get to know the beast!
tanks are normally buried 4 inches to 4 feet below the surface of the ground.
You might be astonished to hear that someone knows exactly where it is hidden in plain sight.

It is against the law to dig or probe in your own yard without first locating and marking the underground services.

You will receive the following tools to aid you in your search: Measurement tape, tile probe, and a shovel (if you are ambitious) The following tools are required: a metal detector (borrow or rent one since septic tanks often include iron steel rebar in the lids), and a hoagie sandwich (because locating sewage tanks makes you hungry.trust me on this).

Examine the basement wall to see where all of the pipes join together and exit through the basement ceiling.

If you don’t have a basement, walk outdoors and check for the roof vents on your house.
Ordinarily, the sewage line that leads to the septic tank will exit the home right below this ventilation opening.
On sometimes, the ancient proverb “The grass is always greener on the other side of the septic tank” is true.

Your tank may be located by probing or digging for it, and with luck, you will locate it. Keep in mind that not everything that seems to be a septic tank actually is! It’s possible that you came upon one of the following instead:

Rubble buried in the ground (not to be confused with Barney Ruble)
SepticDrywell
An old foundation

In case you happen to live in a cemetery (which is spooky), you may use a grave vault to keep your belongings safe.

After a few hours of hopelessly digging about in your yard, it will be time to eat your hoagie and take a little sleep. Following that, it will be necessary to rent or borrow a metal detector. In the event that your next-door neighbor loves Star Wars action figures or has more than three unidentified antennae on his roof, there is a significant probability that you can borrow his metal detector. If you’re lucky, the metal detector will really assist you in finding your septic tank, rather than simply a bunch of old buried automobile parts.

According to local legend, a pumper known as “Zarzar The Incredible” can locate sewage tanks using a metal measuring tape spanning 30 feet in length.

Continue to press your commode (“commode” sounds sophisticated) tape deeper and farther down the pipes until he “feels” the bottom of the tank with his tape.
I recently acquired locate equipment that can be used to locate septic tanks, and I’m excited about it.
For further information, please contact me at 574-533-1470.

After that, you may have a movie of the inside of your sewer pipes created!
Related: Visit our Septic System Maintenance page for more information.
Services provided by Meade Septic Design Inc.

Both Clients and Projects are included.
Send me an email!

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

When looking for a septic tank, one of the most useful instruments is a soil probe, which is a small piece of metal that pierces into the earth and rapidly locates any subterranean structures that could be there. Begin at the area where your sewer line exits your home and work your way straight out, inserting your soil probe every two feet. Ideally, your septic tank should be located between 5 and 25 feet away from your house. Using this method, you can easily identify the cover for your septic tank.

Keeping your cover clean and exposed in the case of an emergency septic service is highly recommended, and yet not everyone follows this recommendation.

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:

There are some restrictions that state exactly where a septic tank cannot be built in order to prevent major harm to your property or tank from taking place. The following will not be true of your septic tank:

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:

Your water well, if you have one (for a variety of reasons that are rather clear)

Any paved surfaces (it won’t be under a patio, sidewalk, or driveway unless they were added after the home was built and no one performed a proper inspection before it was built)
Any paved surfaces (it won’t be under a driveway, sidewalk, or patio unless they were added after the home was built and no one conducted a proper inspection before it was built)
Any paved surfaces (it won’t be under a patio, sidewalk, or driveway unless they were added after the home was built If there is any particular landscaping

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.

The metal soil probe can let you find out for certain whether or not your septic tank is located in a certain area of your yard or not. As soon as your metal soil probe makes contact with the tank, you may use your shovel to dig out the grass surrounding it and discover the septic tank lid.

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.

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!

How To Locate a Septic Tank

Customers frequently inquire about the location of a septic tank. Unless your septic tank is equipped with special risers that elevate the lids above ground level, you may need to enlist the assistance of a qualified professional. However, there are a number of things you may do to prepare yourself before calling for assistance. When it comes time to have your septic system repaired, being how to find your own septic system will save you money. Public health records can be obtained by contacting your local health department.

These permits should be accompanied by a graphic depicting the location of the septic system’s burying spot.

Public Records Request for the County of Nevada Request for Public Records from the County of Placer Examine the findings of your inspection report.
Make contact with the construction company that built your home.
Find the location of the main sewer line.

Locate the 4 inch sewer pipe that runs through your basement or crawlspace and take a measurement of the point at which it leaves the home.
By carefully probing the yard every few feet and following the septic pipe across your yard, you should be able to detect any problems.
The majority of septic tanks are placed 1 to 3 feet below and are located roughly 10 to 20 feet away from the house.

An electronic metal detector can find the reinforcing bars in a concrete tank if it is built out of concrete.

Please contact us.

We have specialized technology that we can use to pinpoint the location of your tank.

You should make a note of the position of your tank for future reference if you were successful in discovering it.

A riser elevates the septic lid above the ground, making it easier to find and access your septic tank and its contents.

As a result, you will not have to pay a professional to identify and dig up the lids every time your septic system is repaired, which will help to protect your landscape and save you money.

3 Tricks to Locating Your Septic

Believe it or not, discovering your septic tank is not always straightforward—especially if you’re purchasing a property that hasn’t been well cared for in the past. Not to be concerned, though! Sherlock, put down your metal detector and follow these three easy steps to unravel the mystery behind your sewage system. Verify the status of the property records Assuming you’ve previously searched your land for any visible signs of a septic system (such as a huge mound, bald place in your grass, or a clearly visible tank lid), it’s time to start digging!

The majority of town offices in New Hampshire keep records of all building permits, including those for the installation of septic tanks.
Additionally, you may have gotten a septic system diagram as part of the home inspection process when you acquired your house or apartment building.
Follow the Pipes to their destination.

It is customary to construct the septic tank and drainfield parallel to the sewage pipe that runs from your home to the yard.
The fact that the pipe is oriented in the direction of your yard serves as an excellent signal.
This is the normal distance most septic tanks are positioned from most homes.

Inquire of Your New Neighbors What happened to the last two recommendations that didn’t work out?
Seriously, though, if you feel safe approaching them, they may genuinely be able to assist you in this situation.
As a result, if your neighbor knows where their septic tank is, there is a good possibility that yours is in a location that is quite similar to theirs.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require assistance with your septic investigation and maintenance needs. Felix Septic Service is a company that provides septic service. 2020-08-20T16:51:27-04:00

How to Use Special Equipment to Find The Septic Tank or Septic Waste Lines

POSTPONE a QUESTION or COMMENTabout how to locate a septic tank using basic tools or more complex electronic equipment or cameras for locating septic tank pipes

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. Equipment for finding septic tanks: A septic tank may be located with the use of several basic instruments and technologies, which are described in this paper. This article explains how to locate a septic tank when the position of the tank is not previously known or when the location of the septic tank is not readily apparent from the surrounding area.

ToolsEquipmentto Find theSeptic Tank

The following section discusses sewage tank finding tools and equipment. If you have not already done so, please read our more basic method to locating your septic tank by visual inspection: SEPTIC TANK, HOW TO FIND. Remember to use caution while probing or excavating a septic tank, drywell, or cesspool, especially if you are not convinced that the installation has a safe and secure cover. Probing or excavating over a failing septic tank or cesspool, or even drywall, can cause the system to collapse, which is potentially lethal.

Some inspectors or septic service firms use a basic septic tank finding probesuch, instrument as a 1/4″ steel rod or a heavier steel wrecking bar, to probe the earth around a suspected septic tank site. Keep an eye out for: An oversized wrecking bar driven into the ground can perforate a steel septic tank lid or shatter a terra cotta septic drain line
OrORANGEBURG PIPEseptic drain line. These approaches, on the other hand, can be beneficial if applied with caution in soft or moist soils. A wrecking bar was used in a similar septic application, the inspection of septic fields, to make holes in a drainfield, but not directly across a drain line, in order to examine soil conditions. A failed septic system may cause wastewater to rise to the surface through an opening of this nature.)
Using a shovel is a low-tech and high-sweat technique of locating any buried thing, provided that you have a basic concept of where the object is hidden. Our contractor utilized a backhoe to “discover” the sewage tank when we conducted our first septic tank search in 1969. He “discovered” it by driving over and collapsing an old steel septic tank, which he had been looking for. I wished we’d begun with a shovel a little more slowly
Using a metal detector, you may locate certain septic tanks that have steel tank tops or manhole covers that have been utilized to cover the entry port to the tank. Drain Pipe with Electronics To locate the septic tank, use your senses: The septic tank may be pinpointed with pinpoint accuracy using technological means: Some plumbing contractors can locate the precise position of the septic tank at this stage by inserting a special plumbing snake into the main home drain pipe and running it through the house. In either case, the plumbing snake is placed into the drain line from a suitable point and then stretched until it encounters an impediment, which might be an obstruction in the drain line or it could be that the snake has extended into the septic tank and struck it. The metal plumbing snake receives an electrical signal that is supplied into it. The signal from the plumbing snake may be detected by a receiver located outside. The precise course of the snake in the underground drain line may be traced all the way to the tank by passing the receiver, which functions as a type of electronic metal detector, over the surface of the land. More information may be found atDRAINFIELD PIPE LOCATION, PRECISE
For the purpose of locating the septic tank, ground scanning radar was used: Hidden septic tanks, underground oil tanks, and other items beneath the surface of the earth can be detected using radar. Many of the companies who provide underground oil tank finding services are also capable of delivering this (more expensive) service.

Warning about using metal detectors or electronic pipe sensors to find Septic Tanks

Metal detectors or probes that indicate the course of an underground pipe are great and quick methods of locating buried drain and septic system components, as well as other buried infrastructure. However, on an older property, we’ve had an odd problem that may have been quite disastrous. If your property is old, it may contain numerous generations of underground cables and pipes, which can cause errors in the readings from sensors such as those for buried pipe or buried septic tank monitoring.

After attaching a transmitting unit to a pipe at the gas meter, the technician proceeded to paint a yellow line over our (at the time frozen) earth with a paintbrush.

We started digging 18 inches deep using a jackhammer to break through frozen earth in order to locate a water pipe “a safe distance away from the yellow line indicating the gas line As one might expect, we came across the gas line itself while we were excavating!

Keep an eye out for: Excavation equipment such as backhoes, wrecking bars, and jackhammers should not be used in areas where potentially dangerous utilities are underground.

SEPTIC LOCATION VIDEOS includes videos that demonstrate how to locate a septic system, septic tank, and septic drainfield, among other things.

Reader CommentsQ A

Please accept my apologies, but I am not familiar with the term “dry tank.” I know where the septic tank is, but I can’t seem to locate the dry tank. My home was constructed in the 1960s. I’m trying to locate the health department because I want to put up a vehicle awning for my camper. In order to determine the *exact* position of the entrance and exit of a septic tank, you must first locate the tank. 2. Remove the cover from the risers or cleanout apertures depending on the tank type and size, there may be two, three, or more of these openings.

I normally take measurements from the building’s nearest corners and develop a diagram for future reference.
Those measuring methodologies are described in greater depth in the preceding article.
It is reasonable to assume that the septic hookup would be near to the edge of the actual RV rectangle if the location where the RV was parked can be identified and identified.
A plumber can install a buried drain tracing wire at the septic tank and use an above-ground detector to trace the course of the plumbing.
There were two RVs here a few years ago, but no hookups can be discovered now.
The ground is quite difficult!
How can I locate the septic tank if a septic line runs down into a cement pad and is not visible?
Alternatively, choose a topic from the closely related articles listed below, or browse the entireARTICLE INDEX.

Suggested citation for this web page

DISTANCE TO SEPTIC TANK; FIND MAIN WASTE LINE EXIT; POSSIBLE SEPTIC TANK LOCATIONS; SEPTIC TANK COVERS; SEPTIC TANK DEPTH; SEPTIC TANK DESIGN DEPTH; SEPTIC TANK LOCATING EQUIPMENT; SEPTIC TANK LOCATION SKETCH; SEPTIC TANK RISERS; SEPTIC TANK GRASS

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES:ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

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Citations can be shown or hidden by selecting Show or Hide Citations. InspectApedia.com is a publisher that provides references. Daniel Friedman is an American journalist and author.

How to locate your septic tank and your drainfield

Septic systems on-site are used for accepting and treating wastewater in homes that are not linked to the municipal wastewater management system. A septic system is comprised of three components: a septic tank, a drain field, and piping. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to properly operate and maintain your septic system in order to avoid system failure. For example, depending on the legislation in your area, you may be compelled to pump it on a regular basis. It is impossible to perform maintenance operations, however, if you do not know where the tank is located.

Steps to follow to locate your septic tank and drain field

The contractor that designed and constructed the septic tank on your property should have submitted an as-built diagram with the local health authority before starting work on the project. In the event that you have the contractor’s contact information, you can ask them for a schematic, which you can then use to pinpoint the location of your septic tank. If you do not have a copy of the schematic, you can request one from the local authorities. Depending on whether the installed system included electrical components, the schematic may be available at the regional building department offices.

If you are unable to locate the tank using this diagram, you will need to do more research on the land in order to determine its position.
This pipe is commonly found in the basement of a home, and it is a 4″ black pipe with a cleanout at the bottom.
Simply look for possible access coverings or a structure that might be concealing it.
These pumps are used to remove waste from the building.
It is supposed to be connected to the sewage output pipe.
As soon as you’ve discovered the sewer outlet in your basement, you may use it to figure out where the sewer line departs your home through an outside wall.

As a result, it is probable that the tank will be positioned around the corner from the building. Work your way around the home in a circle, starting at an electrical outlet and continuing until you find the septic tank.

Tips for locating your septic tank

Using the sewer outlet in your basement as a guide, you may establish where the sewer line departs your home through an outside wall. The septic tank will be located a few meters away from the home, and the outflow pipe may be at an angle of 30 or 45 degrees to the ground. As a result, it is conceivable that the tank will be positioned around the corner from where the tank is currently. Start from the outlet and make your way around the house in a circle until you find the septic tank.

It may be possible to discover the septic tank lid underneath using a metal detector if it is buried. Prevent wearing footwear that contains steel or any other metal in order to avoid interfering with the readings of the detector
Instead, you can use a flushable transmitter that is flushed down the toilet and then tracked with a receiver. When it comes to septic tanks, the strongest signal will be seen close to the intake region of the tank.

It may be possible to discover the septic tank lid underground using a metal detector. Steel or any other metal-containing footwear should not be worn while using the detector in order to prevent interfering with the readings. A flushable transmitter may be used to track a transmitter that has been flushed down the toilet and then tracked with a receiver. When it comes to septic tanks, the most powerful signal will be seen in the inlet region of the tank.

Inspecting the tank

It is critical to thoroughly inspect and evaluate your septic tank and its contents when it has been identified. First and foremost, you may unscrew the lid to inspect the scum and sludge layer beneath it. In addition, the use of tracer dye tablets allows you to check the septic tank without having to dig it up. If you use tracer dye pills, all you have to do is flush them down the toilet and wait for a maximum of two days. Because of the way the tablets dissolve in water, if there is a problem with the septic system, you will see that the leach field has a glowing green hue surrounding it.

It is possible that someone will fall into the tank, causing significant damage or possibly death.

Conclusion

You can identify your septic tank without assistance from a professional, but it is a good idea to have someone who is properly educated in septic tank maintenance examine and maintain your septic tank on your behalf. The effluent filter in your tank should be washed into the open septic tank rather than on the ground in your yard if your tank has one. It may also be a good idea to make a note of the position of the septic tank when it has been discovered. This will be beneficial to anyone else who may require access to the septic tank in the future.

Septic tanks release combustible and hazardous gases, and as a result, they must be located in an open area.