Finding Your Septic Tank is the First Step in Maintaining it
Doing maintenance on your septic system can be impossible when you can’t find your tank! There are a few ways to locate it that range from free to paying for specialized equipment.
Let’s take a look all the ways you can search for your tank.
Regulatory Records
Most localities require all septic systems have a permit and part of this process is filing an as-built drawing with the final.
You can request a copy of this paperwork from the local authority (start with your health department) or it may be available from the installer.
Satellite Images
If your property isn’t wooded, you may be able to identify parts of your septic system from satellite images.
In the example here, the septic tank is the lighter colored circle behind the middle of the house. The lateral lines are the darker stripes below it.
You may not even need satellite images to notice an area where the grass grows better or worse during certain times of the year.
Based on this image, it can be seen the septic lines for this home aren’t receiving an equal amount of water. The first two on the left are darker meaning they are receiving a larger amount of the water flow.
Using a Probe
If your soil isn’t too hard or too rocky, you may be able to locate your septic tank using a probe.
This can be done two ways. You can use it to confirm the location you’ve identified using the previous two methods or you can follow the sewer line from the cleanout until you find the tank.
The T&T Tools Mighty Probe is the probe our technicians use. You may want to use the rounded tip so you don’t puncture the sewer lines or other underground items.
Follow the Plumbing
This may sound obvious and you may be thinking ‘if I could follow the sewer line, I wouldn’t be here’. But there may be other clues you’re missing. If your home has a sewer cleanout look for your tank 5-10′ from it. They can be further but that’s the most common area.
Older homes may not have a cleanout or it’s gotten buried over the years. So, look up. You should find a vent pipe on your roof. There is typically a vent near where the sewer line exits the home. By locating the roof vent, you may be able to identify what side of the house the tank is on and often the septic tank is in line with the vent.
You may have several vents on your roof. You are looking for a 2″ vent above an exterior wall. Typically above the kitchen or master bath.
Hire an Expert
I can’t stress how much time & headache this can save you.
I don’t know how many times I’ve found a tank or distribution box in minutes without any digging, even when it can’t be located on satellite.
After looking at hundreds of systems, a septic professional knows that low spot you hadn’t noticed is probably a distribution box or where your tank is just by looking at the home and the property around it.
If it can’t be identified by visual inspection, our technicians can also use a camera or flushable locator to find your tank.
Call your local septic installer today if you need help finding your septic tank!
Learn More
You can learn more about your septic system by purchasing Living With an Onsite Wastewater System on Amazon.
This post is adapted from one that originally appeared on The Reading Room by Cyclone Septics
