To millions of homeowners, the septic tank is an unseen part of the property that performs a cleaner’s work without much public acclaim. So, what do you do when your septic system is not in order, and you want to trace the tank for maintenance/repair? Paying attention to locating the septic tank can suddenly become an extremely challenging venture.
In this blog post, we’ll demystify the process of finding your septic tank. Whether you’re a new homeowner in Molalla, Newberg, Sherwood, Wilsonville, and surrounding areas or have lived in your house for years, knowing the location of your septic tank is crucial for timely maintenance and avoiding potential health hazards. We’ll provide you with expert tips and step-by-step guidance to ensure you can locate your septic tank safely and swiftly.
The Importance of Septic Tank Maintenance
A septic system is an important structure in every home that uses on-site sewage disposal. It is an intricate but simple concept. The first stage of a septic system involves a septic tank that treats wastewater originating from your home by separating the solid and liquid phases. Such water is then discharged to a drain field, where it undergoes further treatment to be absorbed by the soil. The general well-being of a septic system requires a regular, proper maintenance plan.
That’s because minor sewage backing up is not only inconvenient but also rather expensive. Sewage overflows cause pollution, and many property owners do not know that your septic system requires occasional pumping. However, most homeowners do not know the position of their septic tank, let alone where the first chamber, second chamber, and filter are in the first place, so how would they maintain the septic system properly?
The Challenges of Finding a Septic Tank
While other utilities, such as water, can shut off with a valve or electrical meters, commonly visible on homes’ exteriors, septic tanks are usually hidden beneath the ground. The tank can be placed almost anywhere on the property, and the endless rows can make it impossible to remember where a particular tank is, especially for second or third homeowners.
Besides, it is uncommon to set a universal standard for septic tank locations since the setting of the septic system and its design will inform the size, entrance, inlet, and outlet of the septic tank. There are various styles, sizes, and positioning of the septic tank that can vary with your property size, the type of soil, and local regulations.
Your Guide to Septic Tank Discovery
Fear not, fellow homeowner! This blog post guides you in uncovering the secrets of your septic tank’s location. Here are some expert tips to help you find your septic tank safely and swiftly:
How To Find Your Septic Tank?
1. Check the Paper Trail
House Plans and As-Built Drawings: If you can access your home’s original construction plans or as-built drawings, these documents might be the golden ticket to finding your septic tank. Septic tank location is often clearly marked on these blueprints.
Previous Septic Tank Service Records: Have you had your septic tank pumped or inspected before? If so, inquire with the service company if they have any records indicating the tank’s location on your property. In some instances, they may even have marked the location with paint or flags for future reference.
2. Follow the Drain Line
The Drainage Path: The drain line from your house typically leads directly to the septic tank. Locate the main drainage pipe exiting your home’s foundation. By following this pipe underground, you might be able to trace its path to the tank. This method, however, is not always foolproof, as the drainage line may not always lead straight to the tank.
3. Look for Visible Clues
The Vent Pipe: Some septic tanks have a vent pipe that extends above ground. This pipe helps regulate air pressure within the tank. If you spot a pipe protruding from the ground in your yard, particularly near the house or in a low-lying area, it could be the vent pipe for your septic tank.
The Cleanout: Some septic tanks have cleanouts, which are capped access points that allow for inspections and maintenance. If present, the cleanout might be visible above ground and serve as a marker for the tank’s location. However, cleanouts are not universally present in all septic systems.
4. Metal Probe Technique
Probing with Caution: If the above methods fail, you can carefully use a metal probe to try to locate your septic tank. A long, thin metal rod can be slowly inserted into the ground in a grid-like pattern. The presence of a solid object beneath the surface, accompanied by a hollow thumping sound, could indicate the location of your septic tank. Caution is essential with this method, as you could accidentally puncture pipes or electrical lines buried underground. It’s recommended to use this technique only as a last resort and with extreme care.
5. Find the Lid
When you are sure of the possible area of the septic tank, the next step is to locate the septic tank lid. Septic tank lids generally come in concrete, plastic, or fiberglass and can be level with the ground or slightly above it. Here’s how to proceed safely:
Start Shallow: Start the examination process by gently removing any contamination from the suspected region. Then, use a hand rake or your hands to level the surface.
Dig with Care: Gently introduce a shovel and start digging around the area assumed to be the body. One should be very careful, especially where the lids are buried, and this depends on the depth; the depth varies from one septic tank to another and can go up to a record high of four feet, but most of the lids are lying approximately a foot deep.
Look for Edges: Remember that, when you do the digging, ensure that you look out for any edges or corners that may suggest the location of the lid. A metal detector can be useful in this stage as well as many lids have areas of metal such as handles or screws.
Identify the Lid: Presumably, the first item you will discover when you get to the surface is the septic tank lid. Depending on the system, the lid may be round, approximately two feet in diameter, or square. Caution: This is why attempting to force the lid up straight away should not be done.
When to Call a Pro
While the methods outlined above can be helpful for repair enthusiasts, -there are situations where seeking professional help is the wisest course of action. Here are some indicators that it’s time to call a septic tank service company like American On-Site Septic:
1. Safety Concerns
While the metal probe technique could be beneficial, it can be dangerous if there is no way of telling where underground utilities are present. Professional septic tank locators are in a position to determine the location of the septic tank through training to avoid digging on buried lines.
2. Time Constraints
If the methods mentioned are ineffective, digging up your septic tank might take time, depending on its location. Of course, if you do not have the time or energy or want to avoid complications, a professional can easily find your tank quickly.
3. Accuracy is Paramount
Pinpoint accuracy is crucial if you plan excavation work near your septic system. A professional septic tank locator can use specialized equipment to determine the tank’s exact location and dimensions.
4. Suspected System Issues
When you experience symptoms that indicate that your septic might be having an issue, such as slow drains, sewage backup, or a septic tank smell around your property, identifying the tank’s location becomes crucial. A reputed septic tank service company like American On-Site Septic can locate the tank and determine whether your septic system has any problems that need to be fixed. Contact us at 503-782-8658 for an accurate estimate.
Final Takeaway
Knowing the location of your septic tank empowers you to take proactive steps toward its maintenance and ensures a smoothly functioning wastewater treatment system for your home. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can attempt to locate your septic tank yourself. However, if you encounter any difficulties or prioritize safety and efficiency, don’t hesitate to contact a professional septic tank service company.
American On-Site Septic, serving communities in Molalla, Newberg, Sherwood, Wilsonville, Oregon, and surrounding areas, boasts a team of experienced and licensed septic tank professionals. We use high-technology locating tools to easily locate your septic tank, hence reaching the accurate point within a short duration. Additionally, we ensure that clients have access to numerous services related to septic tanks, such as inspection, pumping, maintenance, and repair services.
Do not turn a septic tank into another unseen threat to the surrounding environment. Contact American On-Site Septic today, and we will be happy to help you keep your septic system flowing smoothly for as long as possible.
Besides the services outlined above, American On-Site Septic can also offer you a checklist for inspecting your septic tank now that it properly serves its intended purpose. Although we specialize in the removal, pumping, and maintenance of septic tanks, it’s important to note that many of these problems could have been avoided through timely maintenance, and we can provide the proper methods and techniques on how to take proper care of your septic tanks.
Contact us at 503-782-8658 to schedule an appointment with our team today.
