How to Find a Septic Tank

I have a Septic System and How do I know where it is?

A septic tank is large, and it is easy to think it is an easy task to keep track of.  However, if your septic tank lid is buried underground, which is often the case, then it could be a little more difficult than imagined locating.  In some cases, especially if you’re not the original owner of the home or property.  If you’re not, then you may not have any idea where to begin looking.

If you have a rather large property, then things just got a little more complicated.  Brantley Septic understands the difficulties surrounding owning a septic system, especially when you are not sure where the tank is located.  Through our experiences, we have put together some tips that may assist in the endeavor and hopefully making it a little easier.  The best option is to contact Brantley Septic and we will do the work for you. (252) 478-3721

Follow the Sewer System Pipes

The most common septic tank installation method is to install the tank and drainfield parallel to the sewer line extending from your home.  In the basement or crawl space of your home, look for a 4-inch sewer pipe denoting the point where the septic system leaves the house.   Slowly and carefully follow the pipe across the yard through the process of probing the ground every 2 feet or more.  The septic tank should not be closer than 5 feet from the house due to regulations.  However, it can be anywhere between 10 and 25 feet away.

Check and Review County Records

Checking with county records is helpful, especially if you’re not the original owner.  Most counties keep records of building permits, including the installation of septic systems for every property.  Typically, the records will contain a diagram with dimensions showing the location of the septic tank on the property.

Additionally, before purchasing the property, a home inspection was done, and it may contain a diagram of the septic system.  What you are looking for, in the drawing is the relative orientations of the tank and your house, and the distance from the tank to the side of the house from the point of exit.  Take special note of landmarks, because they tend to change over time.

Schedule Maintenance

Whether or not you have been successful in locating your septic tank, contact Brantley Septic to schedule a complete maintenance and inspection.  The one thing to remember is to not attempt to open the tank yourself. Due to the weight of concrete septic tank lids, specific lifting tools may be required for removal.  Most importantly, an open tank can be very dangerous due to the potentially hazardous wastewater and toxic fumes.  Leave the dirty part to us.

If you are unable to find your septic system lids or prefer Brantley Septic finds them, skip the tips provided above and give us a call. Also, if you’d like to add risers to your septic tank for easy access in the future, it’s an option with Brantley Septic.

When the Work is Done, Disguise the Lids

Now that you have gone through the trouble of locating your tank, digging up the lids, and adding risers, you should keep that area clear and visible, so you don’t have to go through the same process next time you are due for septic tank maintenance. However, septic tank lids can be a bit of an eyesore! Some ways that you can hide your lids in plain sight are to cover them with an object like a lightweight plastic rock, a birdbath or a planter box.

Brantley Septic has been locating lids and servicing septic tanks for years and our trained professionals are ready to help with all of your septic tank needs. Schedule service online or call us today at  (252) 478-3721