It’s essential to regularly service your septic system so that your plumbing runs smoothly. The first step to proper maintenance is knowing the layout of your septic system and understanding where crucial parts are located, including the tank. This guide will help you understand how to find this part of your plumbing system. 

3 Ways to Find Your Septic Tank 

1. Check Outside for the Septic Tank 

If you don’t know where your septic tank is located, it is important to determine the area. The first step you can take is to survey your yard for clues. Septic tanks are designed to be low-profile, so you may not notice the location on your first glance around the yard. Look for landscaping variations, like a mound in your grass or a divot, that could indicate where the tank is buried. Tanks can rest anywhere from four inches to six feet beneath the ground and must be at least five feet away from the house, so you can use those metrics to guide your search.

2. Inspect the Inside of Your Home

If the yard doesn’t yield enough information, head inside the house, and look at your pipes. The sewer pipes may be located in your basement or crawl space and will lead out directly to the septic system. You can use a tool called a soil probe to check for the tank’s location, as well. Probe along the length of the pipe until you hit the area where the tank is located. 

3. Consult Your Paperwork 

As a last resort, if you’re still unable to locate the tank with visual methods, look at any paperwork or ground plans you can find regarding your home. Home inspections, public records, and other documentation may point out where the tank is located. A septic tank service company may also be able to locate the tank based on a plumbing inspection. You can also try speaking with neighbors of the former homeowner to see if anyone else is familiar with the home’s septic system. 

If your septic system needs servicing, it’s likely that you’ll need help with excavation. Contact H.C. Eavers & Sons Excavating in Stuart’s Draft, VA, for all of your excavating needs, including commercial and residential foundation work, land clearing, debris removal, and site grading. They’ve served the local community for more than 50 years with reliable work. Learn about their services online or give them a call at (540) 337-1286.