A typical septic system features a watertight tank made of fiberglass, plastic, or concrete, as well as a distribution box and drainfield — all of which are connected with pipes. If you are new to septic tank maintenance, you might be wondering how to locate it — and whether you can stand on or around the tank. Not all septic tanks feature a visible lid, leaving you confused about its location if you are not the original owner.

Here, you can learn how to locate your septic tank and whether putting weight on the tank is allowed.

Weight on Your Septic Tank

Putting weight — any weight — on a septic system is never recommended, especially if you do not know how old the system is. Vehicle weight on a septic tank and related piping is prohibited because the car or truck can cause a cave-in that damages the vehicle and results in a burst tank or pipes. Broken sewer lines are another troubling weight issue that makes it easy for tree and shrub roots to infiltrate pipes and clog the system. Septic systems installed away from driveways, trees, shrubs, pools, and other sizable yard components are strongly suggested. This will also reduce the number of people walking over the tank.

Identifying Your Septic Tank’s Location

If your septic tank is buried and no lid is visible, ask the previous owner of your home about its location. Should you be unable to speak with the previous owner, contact your local government office. Many counties keep septic tank permit records that include diagrams of each tank’s location. You can also look for high or low spots in your yard or follow the sewer line starting from your basement or crawlspace. A 4-inch pipe, look for where it leaves the house and mark the same location outside. Place a thin piece of metal in the ground about every two feet to keep following the line until you hit concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. Keep in mind that septic tanks are generally between 10 and 25 feet away from your house.

Work with the experienced team at Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing to devise a septic tank maintenance plan. The locally owned and operated company has proudly served North Pole, AK, for over 25 years and specializes in septic pumping, drain cleaning, and pipe thawing. Call (907) 488-9855 to schedule septic tank maintenance, or visit their website for more information. See what customers are saying about the septic pumping company on Facebook.