How to Locate Your Septic Tank?

How to Locate Your Septic Tank?

If you have recently purchased a home that is not connected to the centralized sewer system, then chances are you have a septic tank somewhere in your property which handles the wastewater from your building. It is important to know where your septic tank is located for a few reasons. Metro Septic Pumping is happy to help for any type of septic tank cleaning and pumping and other services in your area.

Reasons to Locate Your Septic Tank

Because your septic system is not connected to a centralized sewer system managed by the municipality, you are responsible for maintaining it. Regular maintenance is a must. Inspecting your septic tank’s sludge levels and pumping the tank when it is full are primary ways of making sure your septic system stays operational.
Second, your septic system is a vital and sensitive system, so it is important that it is not damaged. Avoid driving over, installing large structures or swimming pools near, or planting trees around your septic system. These are all hazards that can damage the pipes or septic tank.

Finally, knowing where your septic tank is located will help you identify any damage. If you notice pooling of water or disgusting odor coming from around your septic tank, then you likely have an issue that should be addressed by a professional.
So, how can you find where your septic tank is located? The good news is that there are a few ways to locate your septic tank.
Inspect County Records

The best way to find anything is a map, right? Fortunately, most counties retain records of the property in their jurisdiction. Because septic system installations require authorization, your county likely has a record of where the septic tank is located. Head over to your county health department to get a copy of your property’s map. You can also ask your municipality or county for a property survey map.

Ask the Septic Tank Pumping Company

Even if the prior homeowner does not know the exact location of the septic tank, you can ask for the septic tank pumping company that they had hired. Call that company and see if they are familiar with your property and if they can help you trace it down.

Inspect Your Yard and Track It Down

If a map does not exist and you cannot reach the previous homeowner, then you will have to take things into your own hands. Fortunately, a septic system is a simply designed mechanism. Your septic tank should be installed along the sewer line that extends from your home into the yard. 
Look for a four-inch pipe in your crawlspace or basement and note where that pipe leaves your house and find the corresponding area in your yard. Most septic tanks are about ten to twenty-five feet away from the building. Using a thin metal probe, probe about every two feet until you strike a flat, hard surface (likely concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene). That is your septic tank.

What to Do Once You Have Found Your Septic Tank

As mentioned earlier, it is important to know the location of your septic tank so that you can properly maintain it. Once you have found the location of your septic tank, mark the location for future reference. Consider a marker that is heavy and decorative such as a garden gnome or potted plant. Also create a map or diagram in case the marker is moved or damaged.
If you need help or have any questions or concerns, call the local professionals at Metro Septic Pumping. We offer a range of services for septic tank maintenance.