You know that your property has a septic tank, but you don’t know where it is. The problem is that they are underground and can’t be seen with the naked eye.
However, there are some things to look for, like bucket-shaped depressions in the soil. Other clues include dark areas on the ground near the house or any foul-smelling odors coming from this area.
Normally septic tanks are buried between 2 and 4 feet underground, and their lid is visible and located at ground level for easy access by a vacuum truck or pump truck.
If for some reason, the lid got buried, the best way to find a septic tank other than looking for the signs we talked about before is to use a metal probe and probe the ground near the house.
If there is a septic tank, then you will get a hollow sound when you hit it.
After finding the location of your septic tank, you can start digging until you find the lid of the septic tank. It can be a concrete or plastic lid that covers your tank, and its size can vary a little bit, but you will see it easily if you found it.
5 ways to find out where the septic tank is?
Have you ever wondered how to find a septic tank in your yard? With all the landscaping and other ground coverings, it can be hard to tell where a septic tank is located. But here are 5 ways to find out where your septic tank is located:
1 – Check the property records
You should first check property records and see if the septic tank is labeled within the legal description of your land.
You can also check with the township or county to see if any permits were given to have one installed there. It shouldn’t be too hard to find out this way.
2 – Use a metal probe and probe the ground near your house.
A metal probe is a great way to find where your septic tank is.
You take it out, stick it into the soil near your house and then start feeling around with it to see if you can feel the tank underground.
Do this around the entire perimeter of your house.
3 – Follow the main sewer line.
When you want to find out if your property has a septic tank on it, the first place you should look is at the main sewer line that comes onto your property.
If you find the line breaks and it looks like the main sewer pipe was connected somewhere else, there’s a good chance that a septic tank is on your land.
4 – Ask the previous owner
If you can contact the previous property owner, ask them where they think the septic tank is located. They might have a general idea of where it’s at and be willing to help you find it.
5 – Ask your neighbors
Like the property previous owner, your neighbors might have an idea of where the septic tank is located on your property or at least have a general idea. They may have had experiences with septic tanks before that they’re willing to share with you.
6 – Smell foul odors coming from this area.
The septic tank is a device that digests and collects the solids from wastewater, so it can be treated and disposed of safely, and the smell is not very pleasant.
If you’re able to smell the stench of wastewater, this could be a sign there is a septic tank in that area.
If you start smelling foul odors coming from the ground on your property, it’s probably because it’s an indication your septic tank needs attention or is failing.
How many lids does a septic tank have?
Septic tanks can have either one or two lids. But, most septic tanks have two lids, and both of them should be closed to seal the tank.
If you have any problems with the lid or gasket, call a professional for repairs.
How long is a septic tank?
The length of a septic tank varies with the size of the tank. Septic tanks can range from 500 gallons to 20,000 gallons and even up to 45,000 gallons in some larger homes. However, the standard septic tank is 1000 gallons.
How thick is a septic tank?
A standard septic tank has a thickness of about 12 inches. Again, the thickness can vary depending on the size of the septic tanks; the larger it is, the thicker it will be. Septic tanks with diameters ranging
How far away can a septic tank be from the house?
There is a misconception that they should be placed as close to the house as possible.
The truth is that you can put your septic tank anywhere from 25 to 150 feet away from the house, and there will still be enough room for wastewater flow. If your yard slopes, then this distance may need to be increased by an additional 10 feet. This will allow gravity time to pull water downhill instead of forcing it uphill.
Septic tanks should also not have any trees or other obstacles in the way because roots could interfere with its operation and eventually break open pipes or damage pumps.
Otherwise, there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to determining the proper distance from your house.
Can a septic tank be under the house?
A septic tank should never be placed under the house due to the risk of failure due to corrosion or punctures.
A septic tank will normally be out in the yard away from the house, although some older homes may have a septic tank under their slab inside the home.
How deep are septic tanks typically buried?
In most cases, septic tanks are buried at least 18 inches deep with a minimum distance of 500 feet between the tank and any water sources such as wells, springs, lakes, streams, etc.
It should also be away from buildings and any obstructions, such as large trees in your yard. The general rule is the septic tank should be kept at least 10 feet away from wells and springs.
Septic tanks must be installed in a well-drained, level ground if you’re putting it on a concrete floor or base. If not, the septic tank will settle over time, leading to issues such as sludge pumping problems or any other type of maintenance issue.
Can I find a septic tank with a metal detector?
If the septic tank lid is made of metal, then a metal detector can be used to locate it. Many septic lids are made of concrete but may have a metal handle.
If this is the case, your metal detector will find the lid.
What does a septic tank look like?
A septic tank looks like a big concrete tank with a metal lid. The first step in finding a septic tank is to look for an area of your yard that has this appearance.
The septic tank is usually hidden below ground, but the lid may stick up a few inches. You can tell if this is an issue by walking around your yard and looking for dirt that doesn’t quite match the rest of it.
You found your septic tank, now what?
Now that you have found your septic tank, you need to decide if the tank is in working order or needs to be replaced.
Before attempting to remove your septic tank, it’s best to call a professional who has experience with septic tanks. They will be able to tell if your tank needs replacing or just simple maintenance.
The septic tank is an important part of your property’s infrastructure. It can hold up to 1,000 gallons of wastewater before it needs to be pumped out and dumped regularly.