What Do I Need Acces To In My Septic Tank? (Solved)

• Your Septic Tank Access port or pump-out port needs to be accessed anytime your tank needs to be emptied. Depending on the size of your tank, the number of people in the house, and the demand put onto the system, you will need to pump your tank about every 3 years. Advertisements

What are the components of a septic system?

A typical septic system has four main components: a pipe from the home, a septic tank, a drainfield, and the soil.

Should bath water go into septic tank?

In MOST household septic systems, yes. Probably 98%+ of septic systems receive all of the waste water from the house – tub, shower, sinks, washing machine, dishwasher, etc.

Do I need to vent my septic tank?

The bacteria active in a septic tank are anaerobic. Anaerobic means the bacteria operate without oxygen from the air. There is not a great deal of gas generated in a septic tank, but the gas must be released so pressure does not build up in the tank. If the septic tank has inlet and outlet baffles, they must be vented.

Do all septic tanks have filters?

First, not all septic tanks have a filter, especially the older septic tanks. Now many government agencies require or recommend a filter when a septic tank is installed. Cleaning a septic tank filter is different than pumping out a septic tank and cleaning it.

What to do after septic is pumped?

After you have had your septic tank pumped by a trusted septic company, there are some things you can and should do as the septic system owner.

1. 1) Get on a Schedule.
2. 2) Take Care of the System.
3. 3) Know the Parts of Your System.
4. 4) Check Other Possible Issues.

What are the five main parts to a septic system?

Septic Components: Septic Tank

• Tank Components:
• Inlet Sanitary “T” = All septic tanks have an opening for the waste to enter the tank and another one for the waste to exit the tank.
• Outlet Sanitary “T”
• Effluent Filter.
• Scum Layer.
• Liquid Effluent Layer.
• Sludge Layer.
• Tank Maintenance.

Can heavy rain affect septic tank?

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

How do I prepare my septic tank for pumping?

3 Ways to Prepare for Septic Tank Pumping

1. Keep a Record of Septic Tank Maintenance. We recommend you keep track of all septic tank maintenance, service, and repairs that have been conducted since you’ve lived in the home.
2. Locate System Components.
3. Clear Away All Debris.
4. Choose Curt & Jerry for Septic Tank Pumping.

How do you know if septic tank is full?

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

1. Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
2. Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
3. Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
4. You Hear Gurgling Water.
5. You Have A Sewage Backup.
6. How often should you empty your septic tank?

What are the do’s and don’ts of a septic tank?

DON’T flush material that will not easily decompose, such as hair, diapers, cigarette butts, matches, or feminine hygiene products. DO conserve water to avoid overloading the system. They kill the bacteria needed to decompose wastes in the septic tank and drain field. DO use substitutes for household hazardous waste.

What are signs of septic tank problems?

7 Warning Signs Your Septic System Is Failing

• Gurgling Pipes. They would occur when you run water in the house (e.g. when using the sink or shower) or flush the toilet.
• Bad Odours. It’s never a pleasant experience when this occurs.
• Water At Ground Level.
• Green Grass.
• Slow Drainage.
• Blocked Pipes.

Can I cut my septic vent pipe in yard?

They shouldn’t be removed but they can be cut down, level with the ground. Other white pipes may be standing above your septic tank, pump tank or close to your foundation. Those are available for maintenance, if needed, and shouldn’t be removed. Again, they can all be cut down close to the ground surface and recapped.

How far away can vent be from toilet?

According to the UPC, the distance between your trap and the vent should be no more than 6 feet. In other words, for the vent to work properly, it needs to feed into the drain line within 6 feet of the trapways that connect to it.

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Modern septic tanks are complex mechanisms, even though they may appear to be as basic as an ordinary concrete block from the exterior. As water rushes out of your home’s pipes, it flows via pipes and into the first compartment of your tank’s first section. You may expect your wastewater to interact with the complex chemical ecology and spontaneously split into three basic sections when it is stored here for an extended period of time. In the tank, solid waste collects at the bottom and settles there.

As any septic system owner will tell you, your septic system will require frequent inspections to check on the chemical balance in your tank as well as complete routine evacuation of your solid waste from time to time, as well as regular cleaning of your tank.

This access point is the manhole lid, and the other is the inspection pipe that you have installed.

When it comes time to have your solid waste collected, there should be no debate about whether septic tank pumping manholes or inspection access points in Prior Lake, MN should be used instead of each other.

Meet your access points

The majority of modern septic systems will feature at least one inspection point as well as at least one manhole cover. The inspection point is normally positioned above the second compartment of your septic tank, which is the section that deals with grease, oils, and other liquid waste. Meanwhile, the manhole cover is positioned above the primary compartment, which is responsible for storing the majority of the tank’s solid waste. Solid waste is often prevented from passing from one compartment to the other by a filter, which is typically installed between these two compartments.

So, what’s the big deal?

When your Prior Lake, MN septic tank repair staff disputes the merits of manholes against access points for septic pumping, you should take note and be worried. The reason for this is straightforward: if you pump solid waste from your tank using the inspection point, you run the risk of causing serious damage to your effluent filter, which might lead to it failing prematurely and enabling solid waste to freely flow between compartments. Additionally, you run the danger of creating an imbalance in the general environment of your tank.

Stay on the right side of the law

That last sentence proved to be a source of contention for both state and federal officials alike. In order to prevent this from happening in the future, numerous states passed legislation years ago that made pumping a septic system via an inspection point rather than a manhole cover criminal by steep fines.

To put it another way, pumping your septic system through an inspection point is not only harmful, but it is also possibly unlawful.

Your trustworthy team

When you deal with Mike’s SepticMcKinley Sewer Services, you won’t have to be concerned about septic tank pumping manholes vs. inspection access points in Prior Lake, Minnesota. We take great pleasure in providing immaculate, dependable septic servicing that will ensure that your system continues to operate properly for many years to come. Since 1956, this has been the method through which we have maintained the doors open. Learn more about what makes Mike’s SepticMcKinley Sewer Services stand out from the competition.

Procedure for Opening Septic Tanks

• ASK a question or make a comment about how to open a septic tank safely and properly for inspection or cleaning.

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. Instructions on how to open the septic tank. The location of the septic tank cleanout or cover, as well as the access and opening processes. We discuss some of the things to look for before opening the septic tank, such as subsidence, indications of recent work, and septic tank coverings that are not suitable to use. Then we demonstrate how to remove the septic tank lid or the access port cover from the tank.

For this topic, we also have anARTICLE INDEX available, or you may check the top or bottom of the page.

Procedures for Safe Opening of a Septic Tank, Cesspool, or Drywall for Inspection or Cleaning

The following are the contents of the article:

• How to remove the lid from a septic tank
• When it comes to pumping out the septic tank, which septic tank entrance should be used? Why

In this septic tank pumpout article series, you’ll learn how to locate, open, pump out, clean, and inspect conventional septic tanks, as well as how to locate, open, pump out, clean, and inspect conventional septic tanks using photos. In addition to septic pumping tank truck operators, this guideline is meant to provide basic information to homeowners and septic service providers that are concerned about septic system maintenance.

• There is a risk of dangerous, perhaps deadly collapse due to subsidence (depressions or low regions in the earth) near the location of the septic tank. Evidence of recent construction activity that may necessitate further investigation in order to determine the status of the septic system
• Backup or effluent breakout at the surface of the ground in the septic tank region.

• There is a risk of hazardous, perhaps fatal collapse due to subsidence (depressions or low regions in the earth) at the site of the septic tank. It may be necessary to do more investigation to determine the status of the septic system in order to determine its condition. The presence of backlog or effluent breakout at the surface of the septic tank area.

Procedure for Opening the Septic Tank Pumping Access Port

It is necessary to clean the septic tank using a cleanout port, which is normally positioned in the center of the tank. A small access opening, such as one over an intake or outlet baffle, does not provide enough space for adequate sludge removal from the septic tank bottom, and it increases the likelihood of future clogging of the tank’s inlet or outlet due to partially removed floating scum that has not been completely removed from the tank bottom. In this particular scenario, we already had the measurements to the exact placement of the septic tank cleanout cover due to previous work.

A wrecking bar is set to be used to remove the cover from the vehicle.

Reader CommentsQ A

@Ron, In order for a concrete septic tank lid to be correctly erected, it must feature both access openings and cast in iron loops to which a hoist may be attached. Alternatively, if your septic tank cover does not have those points of purchase for lifting, you will require a flat bar and a larger wrecking bar to pry up the excavated lid from the septic tank sufficiently to allow you to put a chain around the lid, most likely two Chainz, and lift the lid with a hoist and tripod mechanism or you will use an on-site motorized hoist.

1. 1/2 x 27/4 removing the top of a septic tank @Phil, Although what you describe is theoretically doable, it may be less expensive and more rational to do so in a different way.
2. This is due to the fact that just stitching a circular hole does not ensure that I am creating a hole through which the lid will not be dropped.
3. Edge My concrete septic tank, which was constructed when the home was built in 1979 and does not have any manholes or openings for pumping out, is in poor condition.
4. Is it feasible to cut two manholes using a concrete saw that are 20″/24″ in diameter and then build risers and a cover on top of them?
5. Could you please share a picture of the tank top?
6. It is common for the concrete top to be tapered; nevertheless, it may just be trapped by effloresent salts and filth.
7. I have a feeling that simply tugging will not be effective.

This would have stopped leaks but would have made it extremely difficult to open the tank for the next person who needed to open the tank.

Repeat this process many times all around the cover’s perimeter.

For me, this has worked almost every time in the past.

It is recommended that you build a septic tank riser that is sealed to the tank top, as well as a new secure cover on top of the riser if your septic tank lid is not near to the ground level.

Never work on your own.

I’ve erected two wood 4x4s on top of the lifting ring to provide additional support.

All I’ve done three times is shattered those 4x4s.

Do you have any recommendations?

A septic tank pumping provider can remove plastic bags, tiny pebbles, and other debris from your tank, as well as the sediments, scum, and sludge that has accumulated there.

What is the best way to get them out?

When the septic tank is drained out, would it make sense to place a plastic bag over the top hole of the tank to keep the odors contained?

Gerard A plastic bag as a sewer line cap doesn’t seem right to me – it’s not durable, it’s the incorrect material if a cover is required, and if it’s a vent rather than an access pipe, the vent must be open to the atmosphere and protected from animal intrusion.

What is the function of this item?

A typical septic tank is equipped with clean out access covers that are strategically placed.

Maybe something as basic as a flat piece of concrete or stone will be sufficient, or maybe something more complex.

To be quite honest, I would have expected the contractor who dug the hole to be accountable for ensuring that the system was repaired and safe.

What should I do to solve it?

What store would I go to in order to acquire septic tank covers?

A few years ago, I had a beautiful new house built for me.

I have three plastic polylok lids, one of which is above ground and is for the pump.

I’d like to purchase risers so that I may build all three at a depth of around 6 inches below ground level.

What are the advantages and disadvantages.

Do you have any other suggestions?

I apologize for the lengthy post.

Sorry, but “True Bolt” isn’t a phrase I’m familiar with or associate with septic tank lids in any way.

Although this is not always the case, Mary, as the pumper may be able to access the entire tank bottom from a single opening depending on the tank’s size and shape; however, if your pumper is unable to do so from a single opening, you may want both openings opened to inspect the condition of the tank baffles.

There are two holes in my septic tank. Is it necessary to open both doors for a pump out?

Question:cannot find the manhole cover of the septic tank

(8th of August, 2014) “We’ve located the cesspool concrete lid (about 12 foot diameter), but after digging a 2 foot perimeter, we were unable to locate the manhole cover, which was required for an inspection.” vicki levin stated Help? My husband is becoming increasingly upset with the digging!

Reply:

If it’s a cesspool, rather than a septic tank, and it’s spherical, the access lid is normally located in the center of the container.

Question: how do i remove septic tank lid that is stuck

The entrance lid would normally be in the center of the cesspool, if it is in fact a cesspool rather than a septic tank, and it is spherical.

Reply:

Anon:WARNING: If the septic tank cover, lid, or access aperture has partially caved in or sank into the tank, the condition is extremely dangerous – an unsecure cover implies that someone might fall into the tank, which is generally lethal very quickly. Please keep everyone away from the septic tank area until such time as you have had the tank inspected and opened for additional inspection by a professional. Depending on the tank type and condition, lifting the lid may necessitate the use of a pry bar or wrecking bar, as well as a small portable winch (which is unusual).

Alternatively, consider the following:

Septic Pumping ProcedurePumper Truck Operation Articles

• PROCEDURE FOR SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION
• MISTAKES MADE IN SEPTIC TANK PUMPING
• PROCEDURE FOR SEPTIC TANK PUMPING

• HOW TO CLEAN A SEPTIC TANK
• WHEN TO CLEAN A SEPTIC TANK
• WHEN NOT TO PUMP A SEPTIC TANK
• HOW TO FIND A SEPTIC TANK
• HOW TO OPEN A SEPTIC TANK
• INSPECT THE SEPTIC TANK BEFORE PUMPING
• SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE
• SEPTIC TANK LEVELS OF SEWAGE
• PUMPER TRU

Suggested citation for this web page

HOW TO OPEN A SEPTIC TANK at Inspect a Tank An online encyclopedia of building environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, and issue preventive information is available at Apedia.com. Alternatively, have a look at this.

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES:ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

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The Anatomy of a Septic Tank

Many homeowners in the United States possess septic systems, which include tanks, pipes, and leach fields. However, far too few of them are aware of what is happening beneath the surface of their yard. However, regardless of how discrete your septic tank and leach field are, you must be aware of their specs and standards in order to ensure that they function properly and for as long as possible. The compartments, baffles (both inlet and exit), and tank cover are some of the most important components of the tank itself.

• Compartments for holding tanks You may think of your septic tank as the place where the wastewater from your house drains after it has been put down the sink or flushed down the toilet.
• The tank doesn’t do much to clean the wastewater; all it does is serve as a home for bacteria, sort out the particles, and transport the liquids to the wastewater treatment field.
• This is a rather passive process.
• Tanks with two compartments are often the most recent and bigger models.
• Baffles and Baffle Filters are two types of baffles.
• The outflow baffle has a distinctive problem: it is susceptible to crumbling as a result of the gases located within the tank.
• Blocked airflow via the inlet baffle is a common issue that happens.
• An extremely strong possibility exists if the inlet was placed with the sewage line protruding just a bit too far into the inlet.
• The use of access points and rippers It is typical for an untreated septic tank to include at least one access point the size of a manhole as well as one or more smaller inspection ports (the number might vary depending on tank form and how the manufacturer designed the tank).
• Installing a riser raises the access point closer to the ground level, which can assist you avoid any additional expenses that may be incurred as a result of the additional labor that your pumping employees must perform when excavating.
• A motor will almost certainly be required if your system is not entirely gravity-fed, making it far more intricate.

Walters Environmental Services, on the other hand, will work with you no matter what sort of septic system you have in place. To address any septic difficulties or maintenance requirements, please contact us as soon as possible.

Everything You Need to Know About Your Septic Tank

What is a septic tank, and how does it work? A septic tank is a water-tight container that is often constructed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene to prevent flooding (plastic). In fact, it is only one component of the entire septic system, which includes several other components such as a distribution box, pumps, float switches, aerators, filters, and other accessories. Septic systems are used to treat wastewater on-site in many rural and suburban areas that do not have access to centralized sewage systems.

The components of a conventional septic tank are depicted in the diagram below.

These are:

1. The Tank: This is the water-tight tank into which wastewater from your house is sent once it has been collected. A hole, fracture, or any other structural damage should not be present. Access Ports: When a trained pumper comes to clean up your tank, they will utilize an access port. When it comes to tank cleaning, it is critical that the access port be large enough to allow the pumper to move the hose about within the tank properly. A common application for risers is to elevate septic tank access above ground level, eliminating the need to dig up your septic tank every time it has to be pumped. Last but not least, the access port should be securely secured with a child-resistant lid. It is vital for the protection of your family that septic tank lids are securely fastened with screws and that they are not cracked or damaged. Pipes for entering and exiting the septic tank: Wastewater from your house enters the septic tank through the intake pipe. After the particles have settled out, the effluent is discharged from the septic tank through the exit pipe and into the drainage field. There should be roughly 3 inches between the output pipe and the intake pipe. A baffle is fitted on the intake pipe within the tank, and it serves to keep the water out. It provides a variety of functions. Additionally, it helps to avoid the build-up of scum and its backup into the intake pipe It is also important for solids to settle in the tank that the input baffle be properly installed. When wastewater enters the septic tank, it should hit the entrance baffle, which will reduce the flow and prevent the tank from becoming agitated. This permits the contents of the septic tank to remain at rest, allowing the solids to sink to the bottom of the tank. The intake baffle can also prevent odorous odors from entering the sewage line and spreading throughout the home or business
2. And It is even more crucial than the inlet baffle to have an exit baffle in place because it helps to prevent scum and other particles from flowing directly into the outflow pipe and eventually into the drain field. Gas Deflector/Effluent Filter: As gas bubbles climb to the top of a septic tank, they may bring sediments with them. This is why an effluent filter is used. A gas deflector prevents these solid-carrying gases from entering the output line by preventing them from entering. However, while not every septic tank is equipped with an effluent filter, it is strongly suggested as an additional safety to prevent particulates from entering your drain field.

Any of the above-mentioned components in your septic tank should be checked for damage or missing parts as soon as possible, and the problem should be resolved by a septic system specialist. What is the operation of a septic tank? Each and every drop of wastewater from your home is channeled via a main drainage pipe and into your septic tank. Solids are prevented from entering your drain field by using the septic tank, which is just a settling tank that serves as a filter. Ideally, the water should be kept in the tank for at least one day in order to enable time for the solids to settle.

• Heavy materials, such as dirt and digested waste, will sink to the bottom of the tank and form a sludge layer at the bottom of the tank.
• Effluent is the term used to describe the liquid that exists between the sludge and scum layers.
• It is critical that solids are given adequate time and space to settle before being used.
• In fact, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection mandates a minimum capacity of 900 gallons for any new septic tank installations in the state (the table below shows recommended septic tank capacities for different sized homes).
• Ideally, you should have your septic tank emptied every two to three years, according to the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association (PSMA).
• If a drain field has been ruined by a buildup of sediments, it might cost tens of thousands of dollars to rebuild it.
• It is crucial to understand that your septic tank must be completely filled with liquid in order to function effectively.
• The septic tank diagram shown above depicts the correct operating level of a septic tank in a residential setting.
• The result is that whenever more wastewater is added to the tank, an equal volume of effluent will be discharged from the tank and drain into the drain field.
• The opposite is true if the liquid level is higher than the outlet line, which may indicate a blockage in a line downstream from the septic tank or in the drain field.

If you’re wondering if your septic tank is full, a qualified pumper will consider it “full” once solids have filled one-third of the tank’s capacity. This is the time of year when your septic tank will need to be pumped.

Proper Access Opening for Septic Tank Pumping

Pumping of the septic tank must take place through the septic tank lid ports in order to be effective. The only method to completely remove all of the waste from the tank is to thoroughly agitate the tank, which will remove both the water and the solids that have accumulated inside the tank. This is done in order to eliminate anything and everything from the tank! If someone is pumping through a clean-out or inspection port, they are not conducting a full cleaning job, according to industry standards.

Pumping vs. Cleaning Your Septic Tank

The sale of a pumping service and a cleaning service is offered by several businesses. BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL. The pumping service will only remove water from the ground; no solids will be removed. The fact that many people feel they only require that servicing every few years makes this a terrible waste of money, and it really causes more harm to the system than good. When the solids compress and pour into the disposal field, it might result in the field failing or requiring very expensive repairs.

Only through the septic tank’s lid holes can a proper cleaning service be conducted, according to the manufacturer.

There is just one service that you will ever require: a complete pumping and cleaning service.

Priority Pumping’s septic tank pumping service will ALWAYS include the removal of all of the liquid and sediments that have accumulated inside the tank.

How Many Lids Does My Septic Tank Have?

Most of the time, these lids are situated beneath the surface of the earth, and excavation is necessary to discover and expose those lids. Some tanks will only have one lid opening, while others will have two or three. How do you know what you have in your tank? The answer to this question is based on the year in which your septic tank was installed. From 1960 to 1970, the coffin lid was the most common type of lid. This will need further excavation in order to move the lid and pump. 1970s through the 1990s*: These septic tanks are normally one-compartment tanks with a manhole in the center that is 18 inches in diameter.

Years 2000–present: These tanks MIGHT additionally include a filter in the back chamber that has to be cleaned.

What If My Septic Tank Has Risers?

Septic tank “risers” come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The correct risers from which we may pump are composed of a polymer or concrete, depending on the use. Their mounting will be done immediately on the lids of the septic tanks, which is a good idea. The green and tan lids seen in the illustration above correspond to the correct pumping ports on the device. Because we will have to excavate and expose the septic tank lids if you do not have these types of risers, we will be forced to pump your septic tank.

• We’re going to be as cautious as we possibly can.
• It is possible for Priority Pumping to assist you with installing septic tank risers if your tank does not presently include any, but you would want to have them installed in your septic tank during the pumping service.
• You may either indicate this while arranging your appointment, or you can always chat with our professionals when they arrive at your home to do your service if you have any questions.
• Do you still have questions about pumping your septic tank?
• Call or text our office at 602.601.5751 if you have any questions.

It is more than a pump job when you hire Priority Pumping as your contractor! We like educating our customers about their systems and assisting them in developing a good maintenance plan that will keep their systems happy and healthy for years to come.

Solving Septic Tank Access Issues

Receive articles, stories, and videos about septic tanks delivered directly to your email! Now is the time to sign up. Septic Tanks and More Receive Notifications Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of access issues with sewage tanks, including septic, pump, and aerobic tanks, and I’ve seen a variety of solutions. Tank maintenance must be undertaken on a regular basis as part of any management program. Some regulatory authorities mandate either a periodic inspection or a regular disposal of solid waste.

• To thoroughly clean a septic tank, access must be gained by a manhole or through a series of manholes that provide access to all corners or compartments of the tank.
• Additionally, the option to access and check tank baffles should be available to the user.
• I’ve had the opportunity to work with service providers on a number of occasions where we discovered that the outlet baffle and effluent screen were located beneath the lid, and that the only way to clean the screen was to remove the lid completely.
• As an installer, it is critical that you collaborate with tank manufacturers to ensure that the tanks have access to the baffles during installation.
• Providing access to tanks also eliminates the need for the service provider to spend an hour searching for the tank and its access points.
• It is crucial to remember, however, that although the purpose is to enable access to service providers, it is also necessary that the lids be safe and prevent entry by unauthorized parties such as children and residents.

When it comes to plastic items, securing the lids entails making sure that all of the lid screws are in place, including the one “safety screw that is distinct from the other ones.” The weight of concrete lids serves as a deterrent to some extent, but not sufficiently; they should be chained and secured to prevent entrance inside the building.

There are a variety of solutions available on the market that will prevent persons or objects from falling into the actual tank.

For the purpose of servicing or replacing an in-system pump or control floats, it is critical that they are easily accessible.

This also implies that the piping includes fast disconnect connections, which eliminates the requirement for the service provider to cut the supply line in order to remove the pump.

Send him your questions on septic system maintenance and operation by email to [email protected]. He will respond as soon as possible.

This article is part of a series about designing and installing onsite septic systems with future management in mind:

• Septic systems should be built with management in mind
• On-site system management should begin with the homeowner. It all comes down to the soil when it comes to sizing an onsite treatment area. Concerns about the soil that an installer can control
• Keep accessibility at the forefront of your mind while designing your onsite system. Solving the problem of septic tank access
• Drainfield Inspection Ports Should Be Secured Using These Tips

How To Find My Septic Tank

1. Septic systems should be constructed with management in mind
2. On-site system management should begin with the home owner
3. And It all comes down to the soil when it comes to sizing an onsite treatment area
4. Installers have some control over soil concerns. When designing onsite systems, keep accessibility in mind at all times. Repairing Problems with Septic Tank Access Drainfield Inspection Ports Should Be Secured Using These Guidelines

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

Knowing where your tank is buried might also assist you in identifying problems as soon as they arise. Consider the following scenario: you wake up one morning and see that there is flooding or ponding water in the region surrounding your septic tank – a sign that your system is overwhelmed and that an excessive amount of water is being utilized all at once.

4. Ease of Getting It Fixed

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

1. Use a Septic Tank Map

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

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

2. Follow the Pipes to Find Your Septic Tank

First and foremost, make use of a map to navigate your way. Using a map is frequently the quickest and most convenient method. Most counties keep records of the installation of septic tanks at all of its constituents’ addresses. They should contain schematics that show you where the tank will be located in relation to the rest of the land, as well as dimensions that allow you to measure and locate the tank. Also, keep in mind that landmarks may shift over time depending on when the tank was built, so even when there are some additional shrubs or a tree close, you shouldn’t rule out that location.

• 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 copy of a map for free.
• A septic system’s records are kept by the county’s health departmentsoften.
• The position of a septic tank may be included on a survey map for convenience purposes.
• The creation of your own map and documentation may be worthwhile if you cannot locate a map or blueprint of your property and nothing appears to be on file about it with the county health department or another municipal agency.

In this way, if you ever decide to sell your property, you will be able to supply the new owner with everything they will need to locate the tank and manage their septic system on their own.

3. Inspect Your Yard

Septic tanks are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible when they are erected. With the passage of time, and the growth of the grass, it might be difficult to discern the visual indications that indicated the exact location of your septic tank’s installation. However, this does not rule out the possibility of finding evidence that will take you to the location of your septic tank in the future. First and foremost, you want to rule out any potential locations for your septic tank, such as:

• Under a road or similar paved surface, for example. Right up against the house (the tank must be at least five feet away)
• Directly in front of the home Immediately adjacent to your well (if you have one)
• In close proximity to trees or densely planted regions
• In the shadow of a patio, deck, or other building

Once you’ve ruled out any potential locations for your tank, it’s time to start hunting for indications as to where it may be hiding in plain sight. Keep your eyes peeled as you go about your property, looking for any inexplicable high or low points that might suggest the presence of an underground tank. When looking at your property, you could see a hill or mound on the ground, which is frequently an indication that there is a septic tank nearby. One further item to consider while searching for the right septic tank for your home is the amount of grass or other foliage in your yard.

Alternatively, if the tank was not adequately buried, you may observe a “bald patch,” which is an area where the grass is struggling to grow in the vicinity.

4. Talk to Your Neighbors

Following the elimination of potential locations for your tank, it is time to begin searching for hints as to its whereabouts. Continue to 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 storage tank. When looking at your property, you could see a hill or mound on the ground, which is usually an indication that there is a septic tank nearby. In addition, the presence of grass or other plants in your yard should be taken into consideration when selecting a septic tank installation.

A “bald patch,” or an area where the grass is having a difficult time growing, may be seen if the tank was not correctly installed.

5. Look for Your Septic Tank Lid

It is only the first step in the process to discover where your septic tank is located. After you’ve located your tank, the following step is to locate the lid. You can locate it with the help of your soil probe. The majority of septic tanks are rectangular in shape and measure around five feet by eight feet. The perimeter of the tank should be marked with a probe once it has been probed around. A shallow excavation with a shovel within the tank’s perimeter and near the center (or broken into halves for a two compartment tank) should show the position of the lid or lids if you are unable to feel them by probing.

The tank itself is likely to be filled with foul-smelling vapors, if not potentially hazardous ones. Keep your joy at having located your tank, but leave any maintenance or repair work on it to a team of experienced plumbers instead.

What to Do After You Find Your Septic Tank

Once you’ve determined where your tank is, it’s time to bring in the specialists. Trust us when we say that opening a septic tank is not something that just anybody wants to undertake. Concrete septic tank lids are extremely heavy and must be lifted using special lifting gear in order to be removed. Since the vapors are potentially dangerous due to the contents of the tank, please respect our advice and refrain from attempting to open the tank yourself. An exposed septic tank can be hazardous to anybody wandering around your property’s perimeter, and if someone were to fall into it, it might be lethal owing to the toxicity of the sewage in the tank.

1. Mark Its Location

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

2. Take Care of Your Septic Tank

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

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

For example, you don’t want to be washing load after load of laundry or running your clothes washer at the same time as your dishwasher all at the same time.

Call a Professional Plumber

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

Whether you’re having plumbing issues right now or want to be more proactive about your home’s plumbing requirements, we encourage you to get in touch with us right away. Request an Estimate for the Job

How to Find the Lid on a Septic System

All septic tanks eventually fill with sediments and must be pumped out on a regular basis in order to remain in excellent functioning order. If the tank’s lid is not on a riser at ground level and you are not the home’s original owner, you may be unable to determine where the lid is located. A typical septic tank is 4 inches to 4 feet underground, with all of its components, including the cover, buried between 4 inches and 4 feet underneath. This is true regardless of whether the septic tank is equipped with special risers that keep the lid flush with the surface of the ground.

Consult A Map

First, choose with the most straightforward choice. The installation of septic tanks at all locations is recorded in most counties’ permission records, which are kept on file for future reference. Typically, this will include a schematic indicating the placement of the tank on the land, as well as certain dimensions that will allow you to measure to the precise site of the tank. If your tank was placed before your county made it a requirement to record the location of such tanks, you may find yourself with nothing to show for your efforts.

Search For A Sign

Septic tanks are placed in such a way that they are as unnoticeable as possible on the land. After the grass has grown back after installation and some time has passed, it is possible that just a few visual indications will remain. Pay particular attention to the contours of your yard for any inexplicable high or low points that might suggest the presence of an underground storage tank.

Follow The Pipe

Installation of the septic tank takes place along the sewage line that runs from the house into the front yard. Locate the 4-inch sewage pipe at the point where it exits the home in the basement or crawl space, if it is there. Locate the same spot outside and make a note of it. Insert a thin metal probe into the earth, identify the 4-inch sewage line, and follow it across the yard, probing every 2 feet, until you reach the end of the property. Septic tanks are required to be at least 5 feet apart from the home in all states except Alaska.

Whenever the probe makes contact with flat concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene it indicates that the tank has been located.

Locate The Lid

The majority of septic tanks are rectangular in shape and measure around 5 feet by 8 feet. Investigate the tank’s circumference to determine its boundaries and outline the rectangle’s boundary using a pencil. A septic tank that was built before 1975 will have a single concrete lid that is 24 inches in diameter in the center of the rectangle. If the tank was built after 1975, it will have two covers made of fiberglass or polyethylene, centered at the ends of the rectangle and centered at the ends of the rectangle.

It should be possible to uncover the lid or lids by digging with a spade in specific spots, depending on when year the tank was constructed.

Call A Professional

Opening a septic tank is a job best left to the pros once the lid has been discovered. Concrete septic tank lids are extremely heavy, and many require the use of lifting tools to remove them completely. An open tank has the potential to release toxic gases. Anyone going around on the property who comes into contact with an exposed septic tank might be in risk. Because of the noxious vapors present in an open tank, falling into one can be lethal.

Mark The Spot

Make a note on the ground near where the tank was pumped by a professional and the lid was buried to serve as a reference in the future. In order to keep track of where you are, you should choose a hefty circular patio tile that is embedded in the ground. Additionally, draw your own map of the area and store it with your other important papers.