How to Find Your Septic Tank

Do you know where your septic tank is at nine o'clock? Okay, so maybe that was a little dramatic, but our customers frequently ask us that. This is especially true for first-time homebuyers who may not be as familiar with the details of their residence or who haven't yet required septic tank service.

In order to maintain your septic tank or when you wish to add new landscaping to your property, you must be aware of its position. We have some suggestions that can be helpful if you're looking for your tank.

How do Septic Tanks Work?

An underground system for storing and managing wastewater is a septic tank. It usually consists of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic, and it holds the wastewater for a long enough period of time to allow it to settle, allowing the solids to sink to the bottom and any oils, grease, gas, and other substances to rise to the top.

Septic tanks are typically placed close to the construction site of a house and are frequently found close to outbuildings like sheds and patios.

Why It's Crucial to Find It

You very definitely have a septic tank to redirect and store all of your wastewater somewhere underground on your property if your home does not use municipal sewage services.

A septic system is reliable and economical, although it does require some upkeep.

The EPA recommends that septic tanks be pumped and inspected every three to five years, respectively. Additionally, there could be an issue with the tank or pipes. You'll need to know where the septic tank is so you can have it serviced in any of those scenarios. Where to look for your septic tank:

• Consult your neighbors: It's likely that if you have a septic tank, so do your neighbors. If you're lucky, someone could know where your tank is or be able to assist you in focusing your search.
  
  
• Verify public records: There may be a septic tank map with your property's measurements and a diagram on file with your local county or municipality. Look through the home inspection report from when you purchased the house to check if a septic tank and its locations are mentioned before going to your local records office.
  
  
• Follow the sewer lines: If you need to find the tank on your own, start in the basement and look for the sewer pipe that leaves the building. Typically, this pipe has a diameter of four inches. then exit the building and cross the wall. Trace the path of the pipe until you reach the tank by making tiny holes in the earth using a metal soil probe. Once you strike the flat top surface of the tank with the probe, you'll notice a difference.
  
  
• Look around your property: It can be difficult to spot something in a sea of hay. You can simplify your search by eliminating locations close to buildings, paved surfaces, the water well, and ideally big trees or landscaping. You might also notice that the grass in the vicinity of the tank is a little greener or is expanding more quickly.
  
  
• Discover the septic tank lid: Regardless of how you identify the tank's position, you might need to perform a little digging to find the lid. After marking the edges of the tank's perimeter with the soil probe (usually tanks are around 5 by 7 feet in size), start shoveling in the middle and work your way outward until you reach the lid. There is no need to remove the lid and let the strong vapors out unless you are immediately servicing the tank.
  
  

After you locate your septic tank, make sure to either note the position on the map or save it safely for later use. This will make it easier for you to prevent building new structures or growing trees with strong roots close to the location of the septic tank and sewer pipe. When selling your home, a map or handwritten diagram may also be helpful.

Why Cleaning Your Septic Tank Is Necessary

The wastewater from your house is all collected and kept in your septic tank. For it to continue to be effective and affordable, maintenance is required. If you don't keep up with your septic tank, all the solids will start to build up and provide an environment that is conducive to bacterial growth. As a result, blockages and potential backups occur, which can be expensive to fix.

Regular septic tank cleanings assist remove any sludge that has developed on the tank's bottom and keep the bacteria levels under control. This will ensure that your septic system is operating effectively and affordably while also extending its lifespan.

How Often Should You Clean Your Septic Tank?

You are aware that regular pumping of your septic tank is necessary for maintenance, but how frequently should this be done?

Your septic tank should ideally be examined every few years. Because various families produce different amounts of trash, there is no set period of time between tank pumps that you should adhere to. In general, cleaning should take place more frequently in larger households. The number of people living in your house, the size of your tank, the amount of waste it receives, and whether or not you put enzymes in your tank are other variables that may influence how frequently you need to have your septic tank cleaned.

To keep your system operating effectively and safely, it's crucial to maintain frequent inspections and cleanings. Long-term financial savings and the ability to prevent pricey repairs or replacements are two benefits of doing this. 

Are You Able to Clean Your Own Septic Tank?

Yes is the clear-cut response. It's recommended to leave septic tank cleaning to the experts because it's a difficult operation. Professional septic tank cleaners have the knowledge and skill necessary to safely and effectively clean a septic tank and can spot any hidden issues that you might not be aware of. It's crucial to work with a qualified, licensed, and insured septic tank cleaning. By doing this, the task will be completed safely and correctly.

Get in touch with the experts at Elizabeth Drain Service if you need assistance locating your septic tank or having it serviced. Our knowledgeable team can give you the information and abilities required to properly maintain your system. We will be able to advise you on the frequency of tank cleanings and provide you with the assurance that your septic system is in good functioning order.

Have you got a need for any plumbing services?

Elizabeth Drain Service is the company you call if you need plumbing assistance in Elizabeth, NJ. Call (908) 988-0365 or send us a message to make an appointment for professional service. Our skilled technicians are always available to assist with septic tank installation, cleaning, repairs, and maintenance. For clogged drains or pipes, we may also offer drain cleaning services. We can also install and repair water heaters. Get in touch with us right now to learn more about the services we offer.