Cleaning the septic tank of a home at scheduled intervals is important. Septic tanks can be places where germs can breed easily or from where mosquitoes may invade a home. The fecal matter may also harden over a period and cause blockages in the plumbing and piping system. Cleaning the septic tank regularly takes care of all such issues and ensures that you live in a healthy and safe home and environment. Septic tanks are cleaned once somewhere between 3 years to 5 years. However, some homeowners or people living on rent may not know (or forget) the location of the septic tank for its cleaning. The below-given 4 ways and tips will help you find the septic tank in your home.
1. Inspect The Yard
Septic tanks may often be located in the yard area of a home. You can take a walk in the outdoor land area and the yard and look for a portion that looks like something large has been buried there. The hills/large divots can be an indicator. Some yard portions may not allow the growth of plants or grass easily. When there is not enough soil covering the septic tank, it may not provide grounds for the growth of grass or plants. These areas may also be smelly, which may occur due to the gaseous build-up inside the septic tank.
2. Use A Soil Probe
Septic tanks may have single or dual compartments. Those with one compartment will have one lid, while those with dual compartments will have two late. The lid will stick up from the ground and the main tank. You can also use a soil probe for locating the lid. If you do not have a soil probe, you can also use a long and narrow object (such as a rebar) for locating your septic tank. These objects can break some amount of soil easily and locate the lid and the tank. The length of such an object should not be less than 4 feet.
3. Check The Sewer Pipe Network
In most instances, the drain field and the septic tank are installed parallel to the sewage/sewer line. This system may extend between the yard and the home. You can locate the sewer pipe (of 4 inches) in the crawl space or the basement of your home. The pipe will leave the home at this part and travel through the yard to reach the septic tank. You can also follow the pipe and can probe the ground every 2 feet. The guidelines state that a septic tank must be located at least 5 feet away from a home. However, most home owners get it installed 10 feet to 25 feet away from the home for additional safety.
4. Search Sources With Records
The location of a septic tank may also impact the water sources nearby (due to issues including contamination) and cause environmental damage when installed/maintained improperly. Therefore, the installers of the tank may be required to obtain a permit before installing it.
The local County office will have such records and they can be freely visited and checked. If the record and the details of the location of the septic tank have been given in the document related to your home purchase, it can be a valuable and easily available source of information.
You can also reach out to the local plumbing and septic maintenance service providers operating locally. Check with them whether they have provided the service at your home and address. If the County government records cannot provide you with any requisite information, you may have to reach out to these companies.
Conclusion
Inspecting, maintaining, and cleaning your septic tank can ensure healthy living and prevention of issues including pathogenic diseases. An expert emergency plumber near me can also help not only locate your septic tank but provide all additional services related to its cleaning and maintenance. Reputable plumbing services and a resourceful plumber can take care of all the issues related to water and plumbing related to your home.