How to Locate Your Septic Tank

Septic tanks have become a popular option when it comes to sewage systems in rural houses and commercial properties. This is because septic tanks have a lot of advantages, especially for those that live in rural areas. One problem that some people have with these tanks, however, is that they move into a new home and have no idea where their septic tank is located. If you can relate, there are 3 methods that you can use to find your septic tank.

 

Method #1: Request Information

The best case scenario is that you can ask the previous owner where the tank is located. If you can’t get a hold of them, however, you may have to ask around. For instance, you can ask your neighbors where their tanks are located; if their yard and house are structured similarly to yours, then it will give you an idea of where yours could be located. If that doesn’t work, you can try to contact the contractor of the house. You can find the contractor’s name by looking at old blueprints or other documents that you acquired when you bought the property.

 

Method #2: Follow the Sewer Line

To do this, you’ll need to find where the sewer line exits your home; you can do this by looking through your basement or the lowest level of your house. Once you locate it, you’ll know more or less where the tank is, since sewer lines are in a straight line, and septic tanks are located about 10 feet away from your home. When you follow this line, you should look for a settled or depressed location in your yard.

 

Method #3: Inspect Your Yard

There are different ways to inspect your yard. The first way is to use a metal detector. Although there are different materials to build tanks with, they are often reinforced with steel, meaning that the metal detector will detect it. The second way is to look for an arrow symbol on your home’s foundation. This is because many homeowners leave clues as to where the tank is located. One of these clues includes the shape of an arrow drawn on the foundation of the house. This will give you an idea of where it’s located.

 

It’s important to know where your tank is located because every couple of years you should get septic services to maintain the condition of your tank. If it’s time for your septic services, give us a call at Jones Septic Services.

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