Who Would Have Records Of Your Septic Tank? (Solution found)

One is your county health department. County health departments often maintain records of septic systems. You can also check to see if there is a property survey map available from your municipality or county. A survey map might contain the location of a septic tank.

• Contact Your Local City Government If you’ve recently purchased the property, it should have included records about your septic system. If you didn’t receive these records, contact your local city government. They’ll be able to provide more information on where public records indicate a septic tank should be installed.

Are septic tank locations public record?

Contact your local health department for public records. These permits should come with a diagram of the location where the septic system is buried. Depending on the age of your septic system, you may be able to find information regarding the location of your septic system by making a public records request.

How do I find out if my septic tank is registered?

Check if your septic tank is already registered You can check if your tank has already been registered by contacting your environmental regulator. If you are unsure then it is best to check and avoid making an unnecessary payment. The NIEA and SEPA have records of all registered septic tanks.

Where can I get a diagram of my septic system?

The contractor who designed and installed the septic tank on your property should have filed an as-built diagram at the local health authority. If you have the contact information of the contractor, you can request them for the diagram and then you can use it to locate your septic tank.

Do septic tanks have to be registered?

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

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

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

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

6 Steps to Locate a Septic Tank

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

Are septic tanks still legal?

Septic Tanks Explained… Septic tanks cannot discharge to surface water drains, rivers, canals, ditches, streams or any other type of waterway. you are required to upgrade or replace your septic tank treatment system to a full sewage treatment plant by 2020, or when you sell a property, if it’s prior to this date.

Do I need consent to discharge septic tank?

You will require a ‘Permit to Discharge’, however you may qualify for an exempt status if your system meets certain requirements such as amount of discharge, septic tank or sewage treatment plant model (only EN 12566-3 2005 Certified plants accepted), plant location, intended discharge point, installation and

What are the new rules on septic tanks?

According to new regulations passed in 2015, if your septic tank discharges to surface water such as a ditch, stream, canal or river, you will have to upgrade your system to a sewage treatment plant or install a soakaway system by 1 January 2020.

Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?

The waste from most septic tanks flows to a soakaway system or a drainage field. If your septic tank doesn’t have a drainage field or soakaway system, the waste water will instead flow through a sealed pipe and empty straight into a ditch or a local water course.

Can you walk on a leach field?

Your family can walk on a well-maintained drain field without fear of encountering puddles of affluent and dangerous bacteria. Bicycles and tricycles are also acceptable because they are not heavy enough to compress or disturb the soil.

Can I sell my house with an old septic tank?

If you’re selling a property with a septic tank, then you must be transparent with buyers about the fact the property uses a one and provide a detailed specification of the system. In fact, You are required by law to inform a buyer in writing about the presence of a septic tank. The age of the system.

What are the general binding rules for septic tanks?

The general binding rules stipulate that where properties with septic tanks that discharge directly to surface water are sold, responsibility for the replacement or upgrade of the existing treatment system should be addressed between the buyer and seller as a condition of sale.

When did septic tank regulations come in?

The General Binding Rules Regulations for small sewage discharges from Septic Tanks and Sewage Treatment Plants. New septic tank rules for small sewage discharges came into force on 1 January 2015. If your septic tank system was installed and in use before 31 December 2014, it is classed as an ‘existing discharge’.

Keeping Well and Septic System Records

It’s critical to keep track of your own well and septic data. Photograph courtesy of George Hurd of Penn State Extension Being prepared with a “Well File” and a “Septic File,” or other written documents including information on your water system, is a crucial step in safeguarding the health of your family and your water resources. In addition to making it simpler to arrange well, water treatment system, or septic system maintenance, good records may also aid in identifying the root causes of water quality variations.

You should keep track of the following: well and septic system installation, permits, maintenance, inspections, pumping, repairs, and water testing.

Keep records of service visits if you have water treatment equipment and follow a maintenance plan.

Also, keep the manufacturer’s information for any water treatment equipment you use with your well file on hand for reference.

1. Copies of all water quality test results should be maintained on hand in order to track any changes that may occur over time.
2. Your records must also contain a map indicating the position of your well as well as the location of your septic system, which should include the septic tank and drainfield.
3. Locate the location of your well head on your property and mark it.
4. If you do not have access to blueprints, locate the point at which your sewer line exits your home.
5. Your septic tank pumper may also be able to assist you in locating all of the components of your system.

Create several plot plan diagrams with measurements that include a rough sketch of your house, a rough sketch of your septic tank cover, a rough sketch of your drainfield area, a rough sketch of your well, and any other permanent reference points such as trees or large rocks and keep them with your well and septic system records.

It is important to note that a well log is an important source of information for documenting the building of a water supply well, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

In-depth well logs contain information such as the types and thickness of each geological sequence encountered, the types of materials used in the well’s construction, the construction techniques employed during the well’s installation, and the water levels of the aquifer(s) while at rest and when pumping.

1. The well log is a valuable tool for the well owner, since it may be used to troubleshoot any difficulties that may arise with the well in the future.
2. Individual water well and spring reports, as well as data package downloads, are available online through the PaGWIS.
3. Beginning in 1966, drillers have been obliged to report water well completion information, which includes the location of water wells drilled in Pennsylvania as well as the criteria used in their construction.
4. Go to the PaGWIS website and look for the link that says “Groundwater Records Online” to see if your well records are available on the internet.
5. Records of your well and septic system are essential for maintaining and safeguarding both the health of your home’s water system as well as the health of your family.

If the quality of your water deteriorates, you can take steps to improve it. Your well’s historical water quality data can be used to illustrate the water quality of your well in the past. Having this information will be useful if you ever decide to sell or transfer your property.

Find Septic soakaway / drainfield location using documents

• Send in your question or comment regarding septic tank and drainfield records, sketches, or diagrams that demonstrate component placement – utilizing documented information to locate the septic system
• And

InspectAPedia does not allow any form of conflict of interest. The sponsors, goods, and services described on this website are not affiliated with us in any way. Using records to locate a septic drainfield or soakbed is described as follows: How to get records and revew papers in order to locate a septic tank, drainfield, or soakaway bed in a home or business. How to request paperwork that can document the septic system design “as approved” as well as that which was “as built” is explained in detail.

We also have anARTICLE INDEX for this topic, and you can use the SEARCH BOXes at the top and bottom of the page to obtain the information you need quickly and easily.

How to Use Septic System Records to Find the Drainfield – Whom to Ask – How to Find the Septic Leach Fields – Part 3

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

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

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

Reader CommentsQ A

@Joseph Coburn, please display the records regarding your septic system. Yes, Joseph, I’d be delighted to assist you in locating the leach bed on your property: Simply follow the “how to identify the drainfield” techniques and procedures outlined in the articles listed above under “Recommended Articles” labeled “How to Find the Drainfield.” LOCATION OF THE SEPTIC DRAINFIELD – BEGIN HERE PRECISE DRAINFIELD PIPE LOCATION – follow these procedures if you need to be precise with your drainage pipe location.

1. More drainfield choices and approaches are available, including: It is necessary to excavate in order to locate drainage fields.
2. REMARKING DRAINFIELD LOCATIONS OUT OF THE BOUNDS OF THE POSSIBLY UNLIKELY CLUES FROM THE VISUAL WORLD LOCATE THE DRAINFIELD VIA VISUAL INSTRUCTIONS LOCATE THE SEPTIC TANK IN ORDER TO FIND THE LEACH BEDS LOCATE @Dan Dyer, thank you for your comment.
3. also have a look at the comments on your identical post at The location of my drain field has been discovered, and I need to figure out where the rest of it is before I can proceed to complete the task on time.
4. As well as this, see THE LOCATION OF THE SEPTIC TANK AND THE LOCATION OF THE SEPTIC D-BOX Attempting to locate a septic system Septic drain field is located at 13368 East 49th Drive in Yuma.
5. I’m looking to discover if there is any public information on a septic tank located at 5391 Hollis Goodwin rd.
6. Continue reading at an SURPRISING DRAINFIELD LOCATIONALITY Select a topic from the closely-related articles listed below, or browse the entireARTICLE INDEX for more information.

Septic Drainfield Location Articles

• Clearance Disturbances, Septic System
• Odors, Septic or Sewer
• Locations of Septic Components
• Septic Drainfield Inspection Test at Home
• Septic Drainfield Location
• Septic Drainfield Inspection Test at Work

• LOCATION OF THE DRAINFIELD PIPE, EXACT
• EXCAVATE TO LOCATE THE DRAINFIELD
• REASONS FOR LOCATION OF THE DRAINFIELD
• Recordings to LOCATE the DRAINFIELD
• SURPRISING DRAINFIELD LOCATIONS
• UNLIKELY DRAINFIELD LOCATIONS
• VISUAL CLUES LOCATE the DRAINFIELD
• VISUAL CLUES LOCATE the SEPTIC TANK

• SEPTIC DRAINFIELD RESTORERS
• SEPTIC DRAINFIELD SIZE
• SEPTIC DRAINFIELD SHAPE
• SEPTIC TANK, HOW TO FINDfor information on locating the septic tank, chamber, drywell, or seepage pit
• SEPTIC DRAINFIELD RESTORERS
• SEPTIC TAN SEPTIC VIDEOSon the location of the septic system

Suggested citation for this web page

It is necessary to keep records in order to locate the drainfieldDatInspect A pedia.com- online encyclopedia of building environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair and guidance on issue avoidance. Alternatively, have a look at this.

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 a septic tank

A home’s construction year and whether a copy of the septic permit is accessible determine the procedure for locating a septic tank on a property, which might take many weeks or months. Please choose one of the scenarios listed below and follow the instructions.

For homes built in the last five (5) years or less

A home’s construction year and if a copy of the septic permit is accessible determine the method for locating a septic tank on a property. If you would want to proceed with the scenario below, please do so.

• Number of the tax map
• Lot number
• Block number
• Address in the physical world
• When the system was installed or when the house was built (if this information is available)
• Name of the original permit holder (if any information is available)
• Name of the subdivision (if the property is located within a subdivision)

Lot and block numbers, as well as the tax map number address on a physical map (If known) When the system was installed or when the house was built the first permission holder’s name (if any information is available); If the property is located within a subdivision, the subdivision name should be included here as well.

For homes older than five (5) years or if a copy of the septic permit was not able to be located.

It is recommended that you call an experienced septic contractor who will come to the site and assist you with the identification of the current septic system. You may find a list of licensed septic installers by clicking here.

Tags

Septic Tank Alerts Septic Tank Alerts

How To Find My Septic Tank

1. What is a septic tank
2. How do I know if I have a septic tank
3. And how do I know if I have a septic tank Identifying the location of your septic tank is critical for several reasons. The Best Way to Find a Septic Tank
4. What to Do Once You’ve Discovered Your Septic Tank

You may have fallen in love with your new house because of its appealing good looks and characteristics, but there is almost certainly more to your new home than meets the eye. In many cases, the characteristics that make your house run more effectively and allow you to live a pleasant, contemporary life are not readily apparent. Septic tanks, for example, are an important part of your home’s infrastructure. A septic system is responsible for regulating and managing the wastewater generated by your home.

• “How can I locate my septic tank?” is one of the most often requested inquiries we receive.
• When your tank’s lid is difficult to locate – especially if you are not the original homeowner – you may be at a loss for what to do or where to look for the lid when you need it.
• The majority of the time, all of the components of the septic tank are buried between four inches and four feet below ground level.
• In order to do so, it is necessary to first comprehend the functions of septic tanks and septic systems and why it is important to know where yours is located.

How to Locate Your Septic Tank

Your septic tank’s location is not a closely guarded secret. There will be a method for you to locate it and make a note of its position for future reference, and below are a few examples of such methods.

What Is a Septic Tank?

Having a functioning septic tank is an important aspect of having an effective septic system. In the United States, around 20% of households utilize a septic system to handle their wastewater. Houses in rural parts of New England are the most likely to have a septic system, with residences in the Eastern United States being the most prevalent location for septic systems. When there are few and far between residences, it is typically more efficient and cost-effective to employ a septic system to manage wastewater rather than relying on a public sewage system to handle waste water.

Typically, a septic tank is a container that is waterproof and composed of a material such as concrete, polyethylene, fiberglass, or a combination of these.

An important function of a septic tank is to hold on to wastewater until any particulates in the water separate themselves from the water.

Any liquid that remains in the tank eventually drains into a leach field or a drainfield, where it is known as “effluent.” The dirt in the leach field aids in the filtering of the water and the removal of bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants that may be present in it.

Septic tanks erected in Onondaga County must contain input and outlet baffles, as well as an effluent filter or sanitary tees, in order to effectively separate particles from liquids during the treatment process.

How Do I Know If I Have a Septic Tank?

What is the best way to tell if your home has a septic tank? There are generally a few of different methods to tell. Examining your water bill might help you identify whether or not your house is served by a septic system or is part of the public sewage system in your neighborhood. If you have a septic system for wastewater management, you are likely to receive a charge from the utility provider for wastewater or sewer services of zero dollars. In the case of those who are fortunate enough to have a septic system, it is likely that they may not receive any water bills at all.

1. A lack of a meter on the water line that enters your property is typically indicative of the fact that you are utilizing well water rather than public utility water, according to the National Association of Realtors.
2. A septic system is likely to be installed in your home if you reside in a rather rural location.
3. Septic systems are likely to be installed in all of these buildings, which means your home is likely to be as well.
4. When a septic tank is present, it is common to find a mound or tiny hill on the property that is not a natural structure.
5. Checking your property records is a foolproof method of determining whether or not your home is equipped with a septic system.

Why It’s Important to Know the Location of Your Septic Tank

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

1. To Be Able to Care for It Properly

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

2. If You Want to Landscape or Remodel Your Property

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

For starters, the tank’s weight might lead it to collapse due to the weight of the construction. A second issue is that getting access to the tank becomes more difficult if a permanent building has been constructed on top of it.

3. If a Problem With Your Tank Occurs

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.

1. 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.
2. The county health department is responsible for keeping track of septic systems.
3. A septic tank’s position could be depicted on a survey map, for example.
4. The creation of your own map and documentation may be worthwhile if you cannot locate a map or blueprint of your property and nothing appears to be on file regarding it at the county health department or another municipal agency.

2. Follow the Pipes to Find Your Septic Tank

Whether or not there is an existing map of your septic tank on file, or whether or not you choose to develop one for future reference or for future homeowners, you will still need to track down and find the tank. One method of accomplishing this is to follow the sewer lines that lead away from your residence. The septic tank is situated along the sewage line that goes from your home and into the yard, as we’re sure you’re aware. Find a four-inch sewer pipe in your basement or crawl space. This is the line that will lead to your septic system and should be accessible from the ground level.

1. In general, though, you’re searching for a pipe with a diameter of four inches or more that leaves your home via a basement wall or ceiling.
2. By inserting a thin metal probe (also known as a soil probe) into the earth near the sewage line, you can track the pipe’s location.
3. The majority of septic tanks are located between 10 and 25 feet away from your home, and they cannot be any closer than five feet.
4. Going via the sewage line itself is another method of locating the septic tank utilizing it.
5. Drain snakes are typically used to unclog clogs in toilets and drains, and they may be used to do the same thing.
6. When the snake comes to a complete halt, it has almost certainly reached the tank.
7. While drawing the snake back, make a note of how far it has been extended and whether it has made any bends or turns.
8. When looking for your septic tank, you may use a transmitter that you flush down the toilet and it will direct you straight to the tank.

If you only want to keep an eye on the condition of your tank and don’t need to dig it up and inspect it, you may thread a pipe camera into the sewer pipe to see what’s happening.

3. Inspect Your Yard

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

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

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

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

4. Talk to Your Neighbors

If your neighbors have septic systems as well, they may be able to assist you in locating your tank. Inquire of your neighbors about the location of their septic tanks in relation to their residences. Having a polite conversation with your neighbors regarding septic systems not only provides you with a means to figure out where yours is, but it may also serve as a friendly introduction to the other residents of your community.

5. Look for Your Septic Tank Lid

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

The tank itself is likely to be filled with foul-smelling vapors, if not potentially hazardous ones.

What to Do After You Find Your Septic Tank

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

However, before you send in a team of experienced plumbers, there are a few things you can do to ensure that others do not experience the same difficulty locating the tank and to make locating the tank in the future easier.

1. Mark Its Location

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

2. Take Care of Your Septic Tank

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

Taking proper care of your tank may save you thousands of dollars over the course of its useful life span. The expense of maintaining your system could be a few hundred dollars every few years, but that’s a lot less than the thousands of dollars it might cost to repair or replace a damaged tank or a malfunctioning septic system in most cases. Two strategies to take better care of your septic tank and system are to avoid utilizing your drain pipes or toilets as garbage cans and to use less water in general.

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

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

How to Find Septic Tanks

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

First, we’ll go through how to identify your septic tank using records, and then we’ll go over visual cues that may be used to physically locate a septic tank. How to Locate Septic Tanks: Using Public Records:

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

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

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

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

How to Locate Septic Tanks Using Visual Indications

• What is the appearance of a septic tank? Septic tanks are rectangular in shape and measure around 4ft x 8ft. Knowing this, seek for a rectangular depression or a rectangular region of sparse grass growth in a rectangle area of sparse vegetation. When septic tanks are placed shallowly and close to the surface, the outcome is often sparse or uneven grass growth
• This is due to the fact that they are buried shallowly and close to the surface. Pipes that are unexplained. Air vents and cleanouts are common features of septic systems. If you notice pipes jutting out of the ground, it is possible that they are for the septic system. Copper is not used in the construction of these pipes, which are typically 4 to 6 inches in diameter and composed of cast iron or white or black plastic. Detecting an unpleasant odor implies that you have located the drainfield and that it is failing
• Wet places that haven’t been explained. if there is an area of your land that is perpetually wet or moist for no apparent reason, it is possible that this is the location of your septic tank. Most of the time, it is accompanied by disagreeable smells. Look for markers such as a stake, stones, or other sorts of objects. In order to indicate the position of the septic tank’s pumpout access, it is customary practice to post a marker. Boxes for electrical equipment. Pumps and grinders are commonly seen in septic tanks that are powered by electricity. If you have an electrical connection or box protruding from the ground distant from the home and are unsure what it is for, it is possible that it is for the septic system
• Lush green grass
• Or irrigation system. This might be the case if your property has a single patch with especially lush green grass and you have not watered or fertilized it. If this is the case, the septic tank may be positioned in this location. Unfortunately, that lush green grass indicates that you are experiencing seepage from your septic tank
• Nonetheless, Random dirt depressions in the earth, each measuring around 2 square feet, which may indicate a former excavation for tank pumping

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

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

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Q: When I bought my home, I was told the house’s septic system needs to be cleaned out every three to five years. I recently tried to locate my septic tank, but I can’t remember where the previous homeowner said it was buried. Is there a way to find my septic tank without knowing its general location?

A:A septic tank should be pumped on a regular basis, otherwise it can create backups throughout your entire home’s wastewater system. Identifying and repairing leaks or floods might be tough if you don’t know where your septic tank is located. This can lead to more expensive problems down the road. It is possible to locate your septic tank utilizing one or more of these probable options, even if you do not know the exact location of your septic tank.

Inspect your yard for signs of the septic tank.

Going on a stroll around your property is one of the most straightforward methods of locating a septic tank. In most cases, septic tanks may be identified by checking for traces of a huge hidden item in the ground in your yard. A significant divot or hill, which frequently appears when the first hole drilled for a septic tank is either too large or too little, would be a likely clue. Examine the lawn in general, looking for areas that are spotty and difficult to grow grass or plants on. Because of the lack of a considerable amount of earth covering the tank, it is probable that the region will have minimal plant growth in the near future.

There are a few places where you don’t have to look for anything.

You can also exclude locations near any large landscaping or yard elements, such as a pool, from consideration. istockphoto.com

Look for the septic tank lid using a soil probe.

There are either one or two lids on a septic tank, depending on whether it has a single compartment or two compartments for filtering and decomposing wastewater particles. Because these lids tend to protrude from the main tank, they may frequently be located using a soil probe (which makes for a highly effective septic tank locator tool). You may also use a piece of rebar or any other long, thin item that is firm enough to break up the dirt without exerting too much effort to break up the soil.

1. While probing, take careful not to drive the probe too far into the earth, since this might cause damage to the septic tank lid.
2. Septic tank installation companies do not all bury tanks at the same depth, so your septic tank might be put as little as a foot underground or as much as 4 feet underground, depending on the company you use.
3. Ametal detectors may also be used to discover septic tanks, and they may also detect the metal handles on the lids of the tanks, which can help you limit down your probing options even more.
4. Associated: How Much Does a Septic Tank Cost in the U.S.?

Follow the main sewer line from your home to your septic tank.

Because septic tanks are connected to the main sewer line or waste pipe of a property, you may use the direction of the pipe to assist you locate where your tank is buried in order to locate it. Look down your basement, cellar, or crawl space to locate the main sewer line that comes into your property from the street. This pipe will typically be around 4 inches in diameter and built of cast iron or strong PVC pipe, depending on the use. When you’ve located the pipe, make a note of the location where it exits your residence.

The majority of drain pipes are built in a straight line, so you can be certain that the septic tank is buried someplace around where the main waste pipe exits the house.

A probe can assist you in confirming that you have located the tank’s position, and it is also a good idea to use a shovel to lift the lid of the tank.

Make a note of this information and put it somewhere secure so you can refer to it in the future.

Consult local county records for your home’s septic system permit.

Because the location of a septic tank might have an influence on neighboring water sources, installers are frequently required to apply for septic system licenses in order to reduce the danger of environmental harm or drinking water contamination. Your local county should have a record of where your septic tank is buried as a result of this process. This document may have been supplied with your home’s purchase, in which case you may check the septic system diagram to identify the size of your tank and the number of lids it has, which can aid in narrowing down where your tank is located.

Some older properties, on the other hand, may not have these documents. Associated with: The Most Effective Septic Tank Treatments

Check with local septic maintenance companies.

If your local government does not have any records of your septic tank, it’s conceivable that it was erected without a permit or that it is an older system that predates the necessity for a permit. If you have any questions, contact your local government. However, any septic system would have required pumping at least once every three to five years to keep it in proper operating condition. You might reach out to local plumbing firms that provide septic maintenance services to determine if the tank has been previously pumped by them and if they are aware of where the tank is located.

Ask your neighbors or contact a professional.

While septic tank placement varies from neighborhood to neighborhood, it’s likely that your property’s septic tank was buried in a spot that was comparable to the location of your neighbor’s tank on their property. By just asking them, you may be able to find out where your septic tank is located. Even if the septic tanks of adjacent systems were not installed in the same locations in respect to their homes, your neighbors may still be aware of the location of your septic tank and its location.

You might be able to find out whether they have seen your septic tank getting serviced in the recent five years, in which case they could be able to send you in the proper way.

Related:Solved!

Online Septic Research

The Environmental Services Department of Maricopa County maintains a database that contains all of the county’s existing approved septic systems for the purpose of preservation. Please bear in mind that property owners are responsible for maintaining accurate records of the location and maintenance of their septic system for the duration of the system’s life.

Alteration Permit

An Alteration Permit will be required for onsite systems that have a failing tank or disposal field.

Abandonment Permit

An Abandonment Permit will be required for any onsite systems that are to be abandoned in order to connect to the municipal sewage system or that are to be taken out of operation.

Research

Option 1: You may perform your own study at no cost by using the Online Septic Search Tool (available at no expense). Option 2: You can call the Environmental Services Department and ask for a more in-depth search to be undertaken (fees will apply for research conducted by the department for each parcel).

• Researchers charge a cost of $30 for research requests that take 3 to 7 business days. Expedited researchers charge a $60 price for research requests that take 1 to 2 business days. Septic Research Request Form.

How To Find Septic Tank Location: A Guide for Property Owners

Researchers charge a price of $30 for research requests that take 3 to 7 business days. Expedited researchers charge a fee of $60 for research requests that take 1 to 2 business days. Septic Research Request Form

Follow the Main Sewer Line

Purchase a soil probe that you may use to probe into the earth in order to locate the underground sewage line and septic tank in your property. Find the main sewage line that leads to your septic tank by going to your basement or crawl space and digging about down there. Look for a pipe with a diameter of around four inches that is leading away from your home or building. Keep a note of the position of the sewer pipe and the point at which the line exits your home so that you can locate it outdoors.

If you have a drain snake, you may use it to try to follow the approximate course of the pipes in your home.

Since the majority of states require at least five feet between a home’s septic tank and its foundation, with many tanks located between 10 and 25 feet away, you may have to probe a bit further out before striking the tank.

Inspect Your Property

Purchase a soil probe that you may use to probe into the earth in order to locate the underground sewage line and septic tank in your yard. Find the main sewage line that leads to your septic tank by going to your basement or crawl space and digging about in it. Look for a pipe with a diameter of around four inches that is leading away from your home or business. Recall where your sewer pipe is located, as well as where it exits your home, in order to locate it while you are out in the field.

If you have a drain snake, you may use it to try to follow the approximate course of the pipes in your house.

Since the majority of states require at least five feet between a home’s septic tank and its foundation, with many tanks located between 10 and 25 feet away, you may need to probe a bit further out before striking the tank.

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

If you are still having trouble locating your septic system, you might inquire of your neighbors about the location of their septic tank on their land. Finding out how far away their septic systems are will help you figure out where yours might be hidden in your yard or garden.

Check the Property Records

Are you unsure about how to obtain this? Simply contact your county’s health department for further information. Check with your local health agency to see if they have a property survey map and a septic tank map that you can borrow. Perhaps you will be shocked to learn that there are a variety of options to obtain information about your property without ever leaving the comfort of your own residence. Building permits, for example, are frequently found in county records, and they may provide schematics with specifications on how far away from a septic tank a home should be, as well as other important information such as the size of the tank.

Most counties, on the other hand, keep records of septic tank installations for every address.

Don’t Try to Fix Septic Tank Issues Yourself

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

Yet the majority of counties continue to keep track of septic tank installations at all locations. For more information on the location of your septic tank, you can consult your home inspection documents or the deed to the property.

Schedule Septic Tank Maintenance

The maintenance of your septic tank on a regular basis helps to avoid sewer backups and costly repairs to your sewer system. You should plan to have your septic tank pumped out every three to five years, depending on the size of your tank and the number of people that reside in your home. The Original Plumber offers skilled septic tank and drain field maintenance and repair services at competitive prices. While it is useful to know where the septic tank is located, it is not required. Our team of skilled plumbers is equipped with all of the tools and equipment necessary to locate your tank, even if you have a vast property.

We are open seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day.

Frequently Asked Questions

A septic system is a system for the management of wastewater. Simply said, wastewater will exit your home through pipes until it reaches your septic tank, which is located outside your home. Septic tanks are normally located beneath the surface of the earth. Solids and liquids will separate in the septic tank as a result of the separation process. Eventually, the solids will fall to the bottom of the tank and the liquids will run out onto your leach field.

How do I know if I have a septic tank?

Even if there are no obvious signs of a septic tank in your yard – such as uneven landscaping – there are a few techniques to assess whether or not your home is equipped with an onsite sewage system. Checking your property records is the most reliable technique to ensure that you are utilizing the correct system. When you acquired your house, you should have received a copy of the septic system map with the property documents as well. Checking your electricity statement is another way to determine this.

If you’re also using well water, it’s possible that you won’t receive one at all.

What do I do once I locate my septic tank?

Once you’ve discovered where your septic tank is, there are a few things you should do. It is critical to clearly mark the position of your septic tank. With our inspection, pumping, and repair services, you can save time whether you need a sewer line cleanout or a septic tank maintenance job completed quickly. Make a note of the location of your tank so that you can find it again if necessary. It should be heavy enough so that it does not fly away in windy conditions. A creative approach to accomplish this without having an unattractive flag or marking in your yard is to use garden décor or a potted plant.

This way, you’ll have it for future reference and will be able to quickly locate the exact position if necessary.

Then contact The Original Plumber to have your septic system maintained on a regular basis. Preventing worse problems and the need for costly repairs down the line may be accomplished via proper septic system maintenance. All of the heavy lifting has been delegated to our team of professionals.