Around 20% of American households rely on a septic system. Responsible for managing wastewater, this system comprises the plumbing, the drain field, and the septic tank — which is located somewhere underneath your yard. Though the proper excavation of septic tank is needed to help prolong your system’s lifespan — you should also be proactive in maintaining your tank. And to maintain your tank, you should be able to locate it first.

But what if you can’t find your septic tank? Here are some things you can do:

Look for your property’s diagram. The contractor who built your house should have a diagram of your property — and through this document, you can identify where your septic tank is located.

Obtain public records. In any case, your contractor doesn’t have it, you should look into the permits you’ve submitted for the excavation of septic tank in your house. These records typically include a diagram of your septic system.

Detect the main sewer line. Many septic tanks are installed 10 to 20 feet from your home and buried one to three feet underground. If you can determine your main sewer line, you can use it as a reference to locate your tank. Use a thin metal probe for this one, but be careful not to push too hard to avoid damaging your plumbing lines.

Try locating the lid. Generally, septic tanks have a 5 feet-by-8 feet measurement. You can try locating the lid by looking for visual clues across your yard (e.g. Lower portions in your garden or a harder surface).

Get help from the pros. After exhausting your options, you should seek assistance from the experts. They have special equipment they can use to easily identify your tank’s location.

You’ve Located Your Septic Tank, What’s Next?

From the excavation of septic tank systems to months after homeowners begin using the system, a lot can happen in your yard. Grasses can grow rapidly and cause the installation site to blend in with other parts of your garden.

Once you’ve located it using any of the measures we’ve discussed above, make it a point to mark its location for easier reference in the future.

You can also invest in a riser to lift your septic lid and provide you and your contractor easier access to your tank.

Other Benefits of Locating Your Septic Tank

Apart from maintaining your tank more efficiently, there are other reasons why you should be able to locate this septic system component.

To avoid damaging it during a home improvement project. If you’re planning to do a landscape or add a deck in your garden, you should avoid damaging your septic tank’s site.

To make it easier for you to identify signs of a failing septic tank. Location-related symptoms of a damaged tank include a significantly greener lawn area and the presence of a standing pool of water near your tank.

To help you sell your property more conveniently. Many meticulous home buyers also want to know if your property’s septic system is in good condition. One of doing so is checking the site of your septic tank.

Proper excavation of septic tank is crucial prior to its installation and you need to find the best pros to do the job. Contact us today at Smith’s Sanitary Septic Service and we’ll get the job done right for you!