Three Methods To Help Find Your Septic Tank
If your home is own a septic system, it is vital that you know the location of the tank. This help when it is time to have it serviced, and you also need to know the location so you don't inadvertently damage it by driving over it or disturbing it in another way. The following guide can help you locate the tank so that, going forward, you will always know its location.
Method #1: Check the records
Most often finding the tank location is as easy as visiting the county clerk's office. Your home's plans and property layout should be on file with the county. This is supposed to include the location of the septic tank. If the latest land survey occurred relatively recently, then chances are it will have the correct location of the tank -- or at least a location that is close enough to reality to help you find the tank.
Of course, this method isn't foolproof. Tanks could have been replaced and moved since the last survey, or the tank may not have been placed in the location listed on the last permit issued. In this case, you will have to continue your search to find the tank.
Method #2: Locate the drain field
Generally, a septic tank will be located just upslope from its drain field. On some properties, the drain field location is obvious -- it is the one location where there are no buildings or trees. Of course, if your property is pretty much open field or meadow, it may not be as obvious. If you have a sprinkler system, try turning it on. Often, sprinklers aren't installed over the drain field as the excess water could flood the septic system, so this technique can help you find it. Once you have an area you suspect of being the drain field, carefully inspect the area upslope to see if you can find the tank access port.
Method #3: Contact a professional
A septic service will have several methods they can utilize to find the tank. They may be able to follow the pipes to the tank using a device that picks up on the underground location of the pipe. Modern sewer cameras can also make the job easy. Some of these cameras come equipped with a GPS device. The service tech simply snakes the camera through the pipe to the tank and then hones in on the GPS location to locate the camera and the tank.
For more help, contact a septic tank inspection service in your area.
