Most homeowners don’t know where their septic tanks and drainfields are located, but it’s an important bit of information to learn.

If you were to ask a typical homeowner where their septic tank was located, you’d probably hear something like, “it’s out in the yard somewhere,” which is not exactly helpful. That is probably because many homeowners don’t give a second thought to their septic systems unless something goes wrong with it. However, knowing where your septic tank is located could come in handy for many reasons.

Why do you need to learn where your septic tank and drainfield is located?

• You’ll be able to watch out for signs of trouble – When it comes to septic tank repairs, being prompt is essential, and oftentimes, the first signs of a septic tank problem will be pooling water around the tank or drainfield. If you don’t know where your septic tank is located, you can’t possibly see this important sign that something is wrong with it. By the time you notice the other signs of the problem, it could cause a lot more damage and be much more expensive to fix.
• You’ll be able to avoid parking or building on top of it – Whether you need extra parking spaces for a big party at your house or you are looking to build a new shed in your yard, it’s essential to know where your septic tank is located. If you crush your septic tank or drainfield by parking or building on top of it, you could end up compromising both its structure and functionality.
• You’ll save time and money when you hire professionals – When you hire professionals for maintenance or repairs, the last thing that you want is to waste their time trying to locate your septic system. This could make septic tank service take a whole lot longer and cost more than it has to.

How do you locate your septic tank?

Now that you know why it’s so important to know where your septic tank is, it’s time to actually find it! If you recently purchased your property, this will be much easier, as your inspection paperwork should include a map with a diagram of the septic tank on your property. You could also ask your county if they have a map. Typically, counties will retain records of septic tank installations for all addresses.

If a map isn’t an option, then you need to locate the sewer line in your yard. Follow the line by inserting a thin probe into the ground next to it every two feet or so. Typically, septic tanks will be located between 10 and 25 feet away from your home. Once the probe strikes something hard and flat, you’ve probably found your sewer tank.

You can also walk around and watch out for signs of your sewer tank, such as low or high spots that are unexplained.

Septic tank care is essential, but if you don’t know where your septic tank is located, you can’t possibly take proper care of it! Take the first step to properly caring for your septic system by locating the tank and contacting Septic Remedies about all of your septic needs.