How to Find Your Septic Tank: A Guide for Every Homeowner

Your septic tank is the underlying hero of your home. It’s responsible for keeping you safe from disease-causing bacteria and does its job silently. But if you’re like most people, you’ve probably never even thought about what your septic tank looks like or how it works until you have a problem.

Whether you’re having drainage issues or just want to be a proactive homeowner, it’s time to acquaint yourself with this system by finding your septic location and getting it inspected.

Introduction to Your Septic System

First things first, let’s get to know your septic system. A septic system treats household wastewater (sewage), so it can be safely released into the environment. It consists of a containment tank and a leach field.

A septic tank is a large concrete or plastic tank buried underground. The septic tank collects wastewater from the house. The bacteria in the tank digest most of the organic material in the wastewater before it flows through a pipe to a leach field.

The leach field consists of perforated pipes buried in trenches filled with gravel. The liquid then filters slowly through the rock, allowing further exposure to bacteria that clean up any remaining food particles, grease, and other contaminants before it percolates out of the soil into groundwater or surface water bodies such as lakes and streams through infiltration basins or tile drains.

How Often Should You Have Your Septic Tank Pumped?

The answer to this question depends on several factors: how many people live in your home, how much water flows into your home, how often you use appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, and how often you have guests visit your home.

It’s recommended that homeowners have their septic tanks inspected every three years by a licensed professional who can determine if there are any problems with the tank itself or if it needs emptying sooner than expected due to overuse or misuse of the system by homeowners.

Before you can begin the search, you’ll need to know where to look for your septic tank. The location of the tank is indicated by several clues that appear on the surface of your property.

Inspect Your Yard for Signs

The first thing to do is look around your yard. The tank is generally located near the structure that uses most of the water in your home, such as a kitchen or bathroom. It’s also important to remember that septic tanks are buried several feet underground and may be covered with dirt or leaves from time to time.

Here is what to look for:

A depression in the ground. This could be a buried septic tank or drain field, especially if it’s covered with rocks or other debris (to prevent animals from digging into it). A mound above ground level. This could also be a buried septic tank or drain field (if there are no rocks) or even a mound of dirt that was moved when the trench was dug and covered with grass seed afterward. A small pipe coming out of the ground near your home and leading into it (usually near a floor drain) that’s capped with cement or otherwise hidden from view.

Ask a Friend or Neighbor for Help

If you’re not sure where your septic tank is located, ask a friend or neighbor for help. If they have had their tank pumped, they may know where the tank should be and can help guide you to it. It also helps to have a second pair of eyes in case you overlook something.

Follow the Direction of the Waste Pipe

If you’re not sure about the exact location, another method is to follow the drainpipes leading away from your home. The pipe that carries wastewater from your home to your septic tank has two ends. One end attaches to a sewage ejector pump, which pumps wastewater into a sewer system. The other end attaches to your septic tank itself.

To find the septic tank, go outside to the spot where the pipe appears and walk directly away from the house. Drainpipes are usually laid in straight lines. Look around this area for signs of the septic tank.

Use a Metal Detector

A metal detector can detect buried objects as deep as 6 feet below ground level and can detect items several feet away from its location.

To locate your septic tank with a metal detector, carefully sweep the area with the device while listening for any sounds of change in pitch or volume. If you hear a loud signal when sweeping over one spot, it means there’s something buried there. Digging up this spot should reveal the lid to your septic tank.

Consult Local County Records

If you’re lucky enough to have access to local country records, they may hold the answer. Check the deeds of your property or any associated land in the area, as well as survey maps from when it was first built. You can also look up any permits that have been granted for alterations or additions.

Check With Your Contractor

If you’re having work done on your home, it’s worth asking the contractor if they know where your septic tank is located. They may be able to point you in the right direction or have records of where it was installed.

Call a Septic Maintenance Service

Septic tanks can last up to 20 years if they’re properly maintained. If you have questions about how long your septic system has been in place or where to find it, contact a professional septic service in the area. If you purchased an older home, a company might have records if they have serviced the tank previously.

If you’re searching for your septic tank, it’s likely because you’re experiencing problems with your plumbing or drainage (sinks with slow drains, toilet backing up, or water pooling up in your yard).

If you’ve been experiencing these problems and suspect that your septic tank may be the source of the issue, contact a septic service immediately. A licensed contractor will be able to locate and inspect your septic system and determine if it needs to be serviced or replaced, even if it is a newer home that was never serviced before.

Save Time By Calling a Local Pro

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