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If your home has its own septic system, you’ll need to know how to find it when it comes time to pump the septic tank or if it needs emergency repairs. If you’re lucky, you might have a septic system map that will tell you where the tank and access points are. Fortunately, most septic systems have a predictable layout and are relatively easy to find if you know what to look for. Here are a few tips that will help you.
Look for Basic Clues
In most cases, the easiest way to find your septic system is to look for the main sewer line leaving your house. This is usually in the basement or crawlspace. Look for a large pipe that goes straight through the foundation. Make a note of which direction it goes, step outside, and use it as your starting point.
You might also find a small capped pipe near your home’s foundation. This is the cleanout pipe, and it generally points toward your septic tank. Use it to give you a general sense of direction along with your main sewer line.
Check Where Septic Tanks Are Commonly Installed
Septic tanks are usually installed between 5 and 25 feet away from a house and away from high-traffic areas or large trees. Follow the direction of your main sewer line or cleanout pipe and look for signs such as depressions in your yard, raised mounds, grass that’s greener than most of the rest of your lawn, and open areas without any trees or shrubs. There’s no guarantee that you’ll find your septic tank in such an area, but it’s a good place to look.
Look for the Septic Tank Lid
Once you’re reasonably sure you’ve found your septic tank, it’s time to look for the lid. The lid will be circular and made out of either concrete or plastic, depending on the age of the tank. If you have a newer tank, the lid should be at or near the surface of the ground with visible risers. If you have an older tank, the lid might be buried a few inches underground. You can usually find it and your tank by probing the ground with a long metal pole. Be careful when doing this, as older tanks may have fragile components.
Call a Septic Service for Assistance
If you can’t find your septic system or aren’t comfortable looking for it yourself, you can always call a septic service for assistance. Most services work with septic systems of all kinds, and they’ll be more than happy to help you. If you live in Greensboro, NC or a surrounding area and need septic locating services, make your first call to Billingsley & Brooks Septic Tank Co.