Homeowners who purchased a home with a septic system sometimes do not know how to find the septic tank, since they are usually buried underground and not visible. “I can’t find my septic tank,” is a very common query that any septic company hears.
However, it is important not to dig until you are sure where exactly your septic tank is located. Doing so risks damaging the tank or other elements of your property’s drainage system.
If you are struggling to locate your septic tank, there are a few steps that can help you narrow down the search.
- First, look for any visible signs of pipes or other connections leading away from your home. This could be a tell-tale sign of where the septic tank is located.
- It is also useful to check whether a neighbor has a similar setup as yours. If your property is like theirs and they have recently had their septic tank pumped out, this can give you some insight as to your tank’s location.
- If available, consult a site-specific plan of your property’s drainage system for any hints about where the septic tank is located. Permits are required for the installation of a septic system, so your local government may have records that show the location of your septic tank and your septic drain field.
- If the septic tank is not buried deeply, you may be able to locate it by checking for bare spots or spotty patches in the lawn.
- You can use a probe to locate the septic tank cover. You can use any long, thin object that is at least four feet long. Push it into the ground in the areas where you think the tank could be located, but use caution so that you don’t cause damage if you hit the tank or cover.
- Some areas can be ruled out, since septic tanks cannot be located there. Tanks should never be against the house and are unlikely to be found under a paved surface, patio, or deck, or against the house.
If you are unable to locate the tank on your own, contact a reliable and certified septic professional in your area who can accurately determine the exact location of your septic tank and help you with any further actions that may need to be taken. They have the necessary tools, expertise, and experience to quickly identify it so you do not waste time looking in the wrong spot.
How Do Septic Installers Decide Where to Put a Septic Tank?
Typically, a septic tank is installed when a home or business is being built and the exact location will be marked on the building plans, which must be approved by the local building authority.
Generally, a septic tank should be located between 10 to 100 feet from a dwelling. It should also be positioned away from any water sources such as creeks or rivers to minimize the possibility of contamination if a septic problem arises.
The location of the septic tank should also allow for easy access for pumping and maintenance purposes. Additionally, if you are in an area with soil that has poor drainage characteristics, then your septic system may need to be set up at higher elevation than normal. If this is the case, then it could possibly affect where the tank can be placed.
Prior to construction of the property, it is important to check local zoning regulations related to septic tank installation. In some locations, there may be restrictions on where a septic system can be installed and they may require the local health department to inspect the system before it is operational.
What Is the Process for Installing a Septic Tank?
The process of installing a septic tank includes several steps.
- First, a septic professional should map out exactly where on the property the components (tank, drain field, pipes) of the septic system will be located.
- A percolation test (commonly known as a PERC test) may be conducted to evaluate how well water drains in the proposed location and whether it is suitable for a septic system.
- The local health department, zoning department, or other governmental agency may need to inspect the site to confirm that it is suitable for a septic system and approve the plans.
- Once this step is complete, then an excavation company can begin digging out the area where the septic tank will be placed. The size of the tank will vary depending on the number of bedrooms in your home or business and other factors such as soil type and drainage characteristics.
- After excavating the hole large enough to accommodate the tank, a professional installer will place it in its designated spot according to the septic map and the code requirements.
- Additionally, they will also install any piping needed for connecting drains, the leach field (drainfield), pipes, and any other components of the system.
- They will then make sure everything is properly sealed and backfill the hole with soil so that the septic tank stays secure. It is important that the excavation is filled properly to ensure that the septic tank does not move after installation.
Once installed, a professional will need to inspect the tank and all connected systems to make sure that it is operational. With proper installation and ongoing maintenance, your septic tank should last for many years before needing to be replaced.
The Best Septic Company In and Near Lakeland
When you need septic service in and near Lakeland, contact the best – Septic and Drainfield Depot. From installation of a septic system for a new home or business to septic tank services like pumping, cleaning, inspections, and repairs, our team of septic professionals is ready to help.
We are available 24/7, 365 days a year because we know that septic emergencies can happen – and that they need to be addressed as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Contact us for free septic estimate.
