In order to maintain your system, the tank needs to be accessible for pumping and the drainfield should be protected. Locating your system is not always an easy task. If you do not already have one, contact your county health department for a copy of your septic system permit, which will indicate the approximate location of the system and the size of the tank. The completed permit may have a diagram of the actual system installation and include other information about your system. Keep your permit in a file folder for future reference and pass on to the next homeowner.
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Make a sketch on grid paper locating your tank and drainfield (the trenches or bed) in relation to surrounding reference points. Begin by sketching your house, driveway, water well and other landscape features such as trees or fences.
A good starting point for finding the exact location of the tank is to look to see the direction in which the house sewer pipe enters the soil. Then, gently push a thin (3/8″ to 1/2″ diameter) steel rod into the soil about 5-10 feet away from the house to feel for the tank. Of course, you should first call local utility companies to make sure there are not any underground utilities (such as burred electrical cables) in the area.
When you have your septic tank pumped, measure and record the distance from the house to the access port on the tank. You may want to have the access manhole extended up to just below ground level and marked clearly with a stake, rock or bird bath. This will help you in locating your access point to the tank in the future.
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