Roughly a quarter of American homes use a septic tank to process waste. In many cases, these tanks are used in older homes with strange layouts. This makes actually finding the septic tank a guessing game. While newer systems may have visible lids, risers, or clear records, older systems may be covered by soil, grass, landscaping, or renovations.

These hidden septic tanks can become a problem when you want to mow, dig, build, or simply schedule maintenance service. Septic systems treat household wastewater underground, so hidden parts need protection. A wrong move can damage the tank, pipe, or drainfield.

Why It’s Important to Be Aware of Your Septic Tank’s Location

It’s vital to have an easy-to-access septic tank for inspection and pumping. If no one knows its location, having it serviced becomes quite the ordeal. You also need to protect the drainfield from vehicles and deep digging. Extra weight can compact soil or damage buried parts.

Furthermore, you should know where your septic tank lives before starting any landscaping work. Trees, patios, and driveways should not be placed over septic areas. Once you find the tank, note its location and keep it with your home records.

The Sewer Line Leads to the Tank

Since a home’s sewer pipe drains into the septic tank, if you find one, you can find the other. Common spots to spot a sewer line include crawl spaces and basements. A sewer line will generally exit out of a foundation wall and lead toward the septic tank in the yard. If you are looking for the sewer line in your house, do not try to remove any flooring or walls. This often leads to damage, especially for inexperienced DIYers.

Identifying Visual Clues in Your Yard

It’s hardly an exaggeration to say that searching for a septic tank is often more like a Sherlock Holmes mystery than a standard process. But we’ll do our best to make it easier. Begin your quest to find your lost septic tank by walking slowly around your yard. Here are some common clues that show where the plumbing exits into the septic tank:

• Sunken or uneven grass
• Square or rectangular lawn outlines
• Raised soil or old fill areas
• Visible lids, risers, or ports
• Grass that grows differently nearby

However, older homes don’t always have the septic tank as close to the house as it should be. It might be farther away if the original builder felt it could damage the foundation or seep into your living areas.

Read Through Property and Permit Records

Finding property records can be even more like finding a needle in a haystack. However, if you know where any of your home’s property or permit records are located, these will most likely include the septic tank location. Try checking the closing papers or inspection documents if you still have them from when you purchased the house. Your local health department or environmental office might also keep septic permits or drawings on file.

A Professional Can Help You Find the Tank

Once you’ve exhausted all other options, or if you don’t want to waste time embarking on a futile search, you can always connect with a professional plumbing company for assistance. If you have concerns or require septic locating services, contact Billingsley & Brooks in Greensboro, NC.