How to Accurately Locate Your Septic Tank

Finding your septic tank may seem straightforward, but if the tank's lid is buried underground, as is often the case, locating it can be more challenging than you'd expect. Identifying the septic tank's precise location is crucial whether you've recently become a homeowner or are dealing with a vast property. In this guide, we'll provide you with practical tips to help you locate your septic tank lids accurately.

Utilize Sewer Pipes as Your Guide

Your septic tank and drainfield are typically parallel to the sewer line extending from your home into the yard. To begin your search, look in your home's basement or crawl space for a 4-inch sewer pipe that exits the house - this pipe can serve as a starting point. Follow the pipe across your yard, probing every 2 feet or so. It's important to note that septic tanks are generally required to be at least 5 feet away from the house, although they often fall within the 10 to 25 feet range.

Check County Records

Many counties maintain records of building permits, including details about the installation of septic systems on specific properties. These records, often referred to as "As-builts," typically contain diagrams with dimensions that can aid in locating your septic tank. If your property is located in Forsyth, Fulton, Cobb, Cherokee or Gwinnett Counties, check for information on obtaining your home's as-built drawings.

You may also have received a septic system diagram during your home inspection when you purchased the property. When examining the as-built drawing, pay attention to the tank's orientation relative to your house and its distance from the side of the house where the sewer exits. Remember that landmarks may have changed over time since the tank's installation.

Dig for the Lids

The as-built drawing should specify how many lids your septic tank has. Depending on your septic tank setup, you may have two or three lids. Septic tanks are typically rectangular and measure approximately 5 feet by 8 feet.

How Deep Are Septic Tanks Buried?

Most septic tanks, including the lid, are buried between 12 inches and 4 feet underground. To locate the edges of the tank, use a metal probe and mark the perimeter. If probing doesn't lead you to the lid, consider shallow excavation along the tank's perimeter using a shovel - this should reveal the lid.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Once you've successfully located the tank and its lids, it's time to contact a professional service like RooterPLUS! to schedule your maintenance. It's essential to avoid attempting to open the tank on your own. Concrete septic tank lids are heavy, often requiring specific lifting tools for removal. More importantly, an open tank can pose significant dangers due to its hazardous wastewater and toxic fumes. Leave this task to experienced professionals. If you're unable to locate your septic system in Atlanta or prefer professional assistance, give RooterPLUS! a call. They can also install risers for easy access in the future.

Conceal the Lids

Now that you've gone through the effort of finding your tank, uncovering the lids, and adding risers, it's important to maintain visibility of the area to avoid repeating the process during future septic tank maintenance. However, septic tank lids can be unsightly. You can disguise them in plain sight by covering them with objects like lightweight plastic rocks, bird baths, or planter boxes.

By following these steps, you can accurately locate your septic tank and ensure it remains accessible for necessary maintenance, all while maintaining the aesthetics of your property.