Knowing where your septic tank is located on your property is an important part of regular maintenance. Eventually, all septic tanks will fill up and need to be pumped. When your tanks lid is not easy to find, you might not have a clue on how or where to find the lid. Most septic tanks are installed to be as inconspicuous as possible, so it is typically very difficult to find it on your own.
There are certain dangers associated with locating your septic tank, which is why this task is best left to the professionals. Old septic systems can collapse, and leaking systems can spread bacterial or viral infections from unsanitary conditions if you remove the lids yourself.
If you are confident that there are no issues, then the following tips will help you locate your tank lid:
Check the Map
The easiest way to find your tank lid is to consult the records. If you recently purchased the property, this map should be included with your home inspection paperwork. If not, you can request the map from the county. Most septic installations include a detailed map that will help you pinpoint the lid. The records are typically so detailed that you can measure your way to the exact location.
Pipes Lead the Way
Every septic tank is attached to the main sewage line from your home. You can trace this line from its base at the house to the tank’s location. Luckily for those choosing this method, no digging is required! Simply use a metal rod to probe the ground for the line, then follow it. In most cases, the tank is located 10 to 25 feet from the house and will be constructed of concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene.
Look For Signs
If, for some reason, you do not have access to a map or you have the map but are still having trouble following the sewage line, you can look for signs in the ground. Small hills or pits that seem at all out of place can be an indicator. Septic tanks are generally about 40 square feet, so even in the presence of grass or other vegetation, such a large tank will leave even a slight deformity in the ground.
If the above methods still leave you searching for your tank lid, you can always enlist the aid of a seasoned professional. You will ultimately need their services to pump or repair the tank anyway, and opening the lid yourself can be extremely dangerous. In any case, once you determine where your septic system is located, be sure to keep the location in your records or mark the area clearly and permanently to save yourself future headaches.
Contact Us Today
At West Coast Sanitation, we know that you do not have time to deal with septic problems. One of the ways you can maintain this balance and keep your septic system working like it should is to have your tank pumped regularly.
If you need help locating or servicing your septic system, don’t wait to take action. Call us at (951) 780-5922 right away. We have professionals ready to answer your questions and get your system working properly again.