How to Find Your Septic Tank: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've noticed your drains slowing down, backing up into your home, or an unpleasant odor, it might be time to locate your septic tank in a hurry. In emergencies like these, nothing adds to the stress like a frantic search for your septic system, after all, nobody wants to be the talk of the neighborhood for all the wrong reasons.

1. Check with Your County Health Department

Start by contacting your county’s public health or environmental health department. They may have records showing exactly where your septic tank is located, or at least point you in the right direction. You can typically find the right department by visiting your county’s website and searching for septic or wastewater systems. Some counties even offer online portals where you can access records yourself.

2. Talk to Your Neighbors

If the records aren’t available or you’re having trouble finding them, talking to your neighbors might help. If they’ve lived in the area longer, they could have seen your system installed or pumped out in the past and can offer valuable insights.

3. Start Looking for the Tank

If you still can’t find your septic tank, it’s time to search yourself. Follow these steps:

• Determine the Sewer Line Direction: Look for your main sewer line inside your house. It’s usually visible in the basement or crawl space. If you can’t find it there, walk around the outside of your home and look for the clean-out pipe, a 4” PVC pipe cap typically located near the foundation. This clean-out pipe will typically be directly in between your septic tank and your home.

• Look for the Vent Pipe: If you can’t locate your sewer line or clean-out pipe, check your roof for the sewer vent pipe. It’s a straight pipe that typically exits the roof on the same side of the house the sewer line exits the home. This can give you a rough idea of the line’s direction.

4. Tips for Locating the Septic Tank

Once you know which direction your sewer line exits your house, you can narrow down where to look for the septic tank. Keep these tips in mind:

• Gravity Flow: Most sewer lines flow to the septic tank via gravity, so the septic tank is likely to be located where the ground is level or downhill from your home.

• Shallow Cover: Septic tanks are usually buried with only 12” - 24” of soil on top. In the summer, look for areas with less grass growth, this could indicate a “dead spot” over the tank.

• Look for Uneven Ground: You might spot a small hill where the installer mounded soil over the tank, or a divot where the soil has compacted over time.

• Investigate before Digging: You can use a soil probe or a long, narrow object to check if you are in the right spot, and figure out the depth of the tank before you dig. Be cautious, as pushing too hard can damage the PVC pipes or the plastic lids of the tank, and even the tank itself if you are not careful.

5. Still Can't Find It? Let Us Help!

If you’re unable to locate your septic tank, our team at Ruby Septic is here to help. Using specialized tools like transmitters, receivers, and probes, we can accurately locate your tank and other components of your septic system, such as distribution boxes and soil treatment areas. Whether you need to locate the tank for pumping or require a detailed locate of your entire system, contact us at Ruby Septic, and we’ll be happy to assist.