If you’re a new or existing homeowner, you may want to know the location of your septic tank. This is because gurgling sounds and unpleasant smells make your house unbearable.
But do you know where your septic tank is buried? How to find your septic tank lid?
Although there are several ways to find your septic tank lid, it can be challenging for a new homeowner. Contacting a professional septic tank handler for water backup or other tank-related issues is advisable.
This article explains the best way to find a septic tank lid for the smooth functioning of the sewerage system.
Does A Septic Tank Need A Lid?
Yes, a septic tank needs a lid. This lid helps protect outer elements such as debris, animal waste, and water from entering. If any of such materials enter the tank, it could disturb its functioning to perform well.
A properly and securely sealed septic tank reduces the risk of water leaks or backups that could harm the environment or affect human health.
The lid is also beneficial for septic tank pumping, inspection, and maintenance. Ignoring the septic tank configuration may lead to costly repairs and potential hazards, as sewer flies can harm the environment.
Where To Find Your Septic Tank Lid?
To find a septic tank lid, check the area around your home where the septic tank is typically installed. This could be in the backyard or near the main sewer line.
Look for septic tank markers like a patch of greener grass, a slight mound, or ground depressions. The lid is usually a flat, circular, or rectangular piece made of concrete, plastic, or metal and blends with the surrounding area.
If your home has an older system, you might encounter old concrete septic tank lids, which can be harder to spot due to weathering or overgrowth. Knowing what to look for makes locating the lid much more effortless.
6 Easy Ways To Locate Septic Tank Lids
Check Property Records
To find your septic tank cover or lid, check your property documents. These records or blueprints often contain information about septic tank placement. This makes the work easier without much guesswork.
If you don’t have any of these documents, it’s advisable to contact your local health department or previous homeowners for further assistance. These documents can save you time from continuous searching.
Follow The Sewer Line
Trace the main sewer pipe from your home to the backyard or the area where the septic tank is installed. The sewer line typically leads to the tank, helping you pinpoint the best way to efficiently find a septic tank lid.
You can locate the sewer pipe in the basement or crawl space and follow it outside. This method works well for most residential properties.
Look For Visual Markers
Now, thoroughly inspect your yard for signs like lush grass, mounds, and ground depressions. These common septic tank markers point to the septic tank lid. If the tank is old, the lid may be a concrete slab. Find out the places that might be altered, such as repaired grass patches or recently leveled ground.
Use A Metal Detector Or Locator Tool
Most homeowners are curious about how to find a septic tank lid with a metal detector. For this, take a metal detector or septic tank locator tool. Both are effective, and you can take any of them. A metal detector will help you find metal components of the septic system lid buried underground.
This method is highly effective for old or when finding a concrete septic tank lid location that is usually harder to find. Ensure to analyze a wider area, as older septic tanks are not aligned with the property layout.
Probe The Ground Carefully
For this, use a long rod to gently probe the soil in areas where the tank is likely buried. When you feel resistance or hear a hollow sound, finding a septic tank lid might be easy, especially if it is shallow.
Be cautious not to damage the tank or piping, and avoid forcefully probing near fragile areas.
Seek Professional Assistance
If you’ve tried these methods and still can’t locate the lid, consider hiring a professional. Experts have advanced tools like ground-penetrating radar to accurately find the concrete septic tank lid location.
Professionals can save time and prevent damage to your yard, making it a cost-effective option for difficult-to-locate systems.
How Many Septic Tank Lids Are There?
There are different types of septic tank lids.
Concrete Lids
Plastic Lids
Metal Lids
Fiber Glass Lids
However, most septic tanks have one or two lids (concrete or plastic), depending on the property, septic tank design, and size. Tanks that can hold 1000 gallons of wastewater or more usually have two lids.
This is beneficial for 4 to 5 family members to prevent septic tank issues such as unpleasant smells, gurgling sounds, water backups, and others. Inspect septic tank placement for signs of multiple accessing points.
If you can't find the septic tank lid, you can hire a professional for your larger property.
How Far Apart Are Septic Tank Lids?
The septic tank lids or accessing points are 4 to 6 feet apart. Correctly identifying these lids, either one, two, or more, based on property size or family members, helps you properly maintain these systems.
They are effective during septic tank pumping and inspection. The exact difference varies based on its configuration.
Do Septic Tank Lids Need To Be Buried?
Septic tank lids are usually buried to protect them and maintain a clean, safe yard. They are typically buried a few inches below the surface to keep them out of sight while remaining accessible for maintenance.
Using septic tank markers can help you remember their exact location.
Installing risers can make it easier if you find it challenging to access buried lids. Proper burial also prevents damage to the old concrete septic tank lids and reduces exposure to weather or debris.
Always ensure lids are secure and not buried too deeply to avoid future inconvenience.
Maintenance Tips To Keep Septic Tank Lid Area Clean
Regularly inspect the area around the lid for overgrown grass, debris, or damage to ensure easy access.
Avoid planting trees or shrubs nearby to prevent roots from damaging the tank or requiring septic tank lid replacement.
Keep the ground level clear to make locating the septic tank lid easy during maintenance or emergencies.
Use durable markers or risers to identify the lid's location and avoid accidental covering.
Ensure the lid is securely placed to prevent soil, water, or animals from entering the tank.
Conclusion
To find your septic tank lid, it is always essential to have proper guidance or tools in hand. Locating these lids in your property is crucial to pumping and inspection to prevent hazardous septic tank issues affecting human health and the ecosystem.
If you can’t find it yourself, you can hire an expert septic tank locator for the best results and ensure a quick and smooth process for the wastewater system inside the tank.
Did you hear a gurgling sound from your bathroom or basin system? Or do you have water backup and nasty odor issues on your property?
Barnes Sewer & Septic is here to assist you with your problems. Contact us at (765) 584-7295 so we can be at your disposal quickly and resolve all your septic-related issues.
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