Any easy way to find a lost septic tank? (tanks, drains, detector)
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I bought a house that was built in 1975.
The house paperwork said it has 2 septic tanks and they were cleaned 2 years ago. I didn't have a septic inspection, now I'm wondering where the tanks are?
There are no lids or manholes anywhere that I can find. I feel like an idiot for not confirming where they are before I bought the house. I have no way of contacting the previous owner. Anyone ever deal with this before? If I called a septic company would they be able to find it? Could it be partially buried?
My neighbors unit sits a few inches above the ground but his house is newer than mine. Thanks in advance for any help or advise.
If there is a place in your yard where everything is a little greener, that's the leaching field. The septic tank should be next to it. A metal detector could help you find the lid. Mine is concrete, but has a metal handle.
A sewer company could run a tracing line down your sewer pipe if needed.
When we have septic inspections done here, the inspectors flush a blue dye down all the drains. This helps them find any leaks, the septic tank, and the field lines.
Thank you for the help. I have 20 acres in my back yard. Could the lid be buried? Any idea how far away from the house it could possibly be so I can limit my search? Would the pipe from the house to the tank have been metal in 1975? I haven't noticed any unusual green patches of growth. Anyone know what the cost can be to clean a septic tank?
Check with your local heath department. They likely have records. When I check I use a prod rod. Just a thin rod about five ft long. Look under your house where the line comes out, it will give you a direction.
If you don't have a well, look under the house and see where the main line of the sewer is going. Most likely it will be in that direction. Some places are not very obvious as they should not have any plants or buildings over the septic tank or field... but that is not always the case either.
Many septic tank lids are buried. Get a poker and start probing the most likely areas. If you hit something hard, it could be it (hopefully you don't have rocky terrain as this method probably won't work). Most septic people are good at finding them also. Some health agencies don't keep records that long.. but it is certainly worth a try and see if they keep a septic permit on file.
If you don't have a well, look under the house and see where the main line of the sewer is going. Most likely it will be in that direction. Some places are not very obvious as they should not have any plants or buildings over the septic tank or field... but that is not always the case either.
Many septic tank lids are buried. Get a poker and start probing the most likely areas. If you hit something hard, it could be it (hopefully you don't have rocky terrain as this method probably won't work). Most septic people are good at finding them also. Some health agencies don't keep records that long.. but it is certainly worth a try and see if they keep a septic permit on file.
I was thinking, if there is a well, the septic tank could show on the permit or log. Even an old well.
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