Locating your septic system can be a very challenging endeavor especially if you are one of those homeowners who do not want to have anything to do with it. Most homeowners just rely in their septic experts or their old practices in maintaining or inspecting their septic systems. When you talk about the old ways, you just put a cake of yeast or some peelings in your septic tank and walk away. When you leave it to your septic expert, you depend on him for even the slightest thing, which could be very annoying even for a professional. Plus, it would be very costly for you to have everything performed by the professional. There are some things that you can do yourself when it comes to your septic system but initially, you have to know where it is located in your property. How to locate your septic is key in owning a home with as septic tank and drain field.
It is undeniable that the septic system needs to be regularly maintained and cared for. The septic tank has to be pumped regularly because the accumulated sludge will bring forth clogging to the rest of the system if it I s not removed. It would definitely require less money for the homeowner if the septic system is located. This includes the uncovering of the opening or the manhole itself. It will be easier to treat and inspect as well. The septic system cover should be secure or durable for safety purposes. It should not be easily opened and even concealed so that they won’t be discovered by pets or children.
In locating your septic system, you should consider the following:
1. Take note of the safety warnings such as:
Collapsing old septic systems? If the property you bought has a very old septic system, you should be very, very careful because this could be life-threatening. Keep an eye out for sinking areas of the property, rusted through septic manholes, hand-made covers, wooden covers, and homemade drywells and cesspool. These are prone to collapses. You should make sure that you never work alone especially in cases like this.
Several main drains
Several main drains may be installed when the structure is very bid such as a plaza or a huge building. This is because of more than one septic system installed in the entire property. Some buildings may have only one septic system but multiple waste lines or openings. In a modern household, this would be very unlikely.
Dry wells
Also consider the dry wells that are installed to help the septic system’s water load to decrease.
Bigger main drains
Also consider the main drains that are bigger, about 4-6 inches in diameter. Just follow those drains and you will find the septic system and the opening.
2. Ask the knowledgeable
There is nothing wrong in asking people who are very knowledgeable about the exact location of the septic system opening. If you have bought a house that had a previous owner, then it would be better for you to ask that person about the location of the septic system. But this could only be done to previous owners who were very familiar with the property and those who have not forgotten it. If the previous owner doesn’t know the location of the septic system, there is a huge possibility that the system was not maintained properly and on schedule.
You could also ask the septic pumpers who have handled the septic system of the property that you have bought. These professionals may know where the exact location of the septic system opening really is.
3. Look for soggy areas
Look for wet or soggy parts of the yard and follow that part until it ends. This would most probably where the septic system opening is located. You have to ask the guidance of a septic expert in doing this and let his asses to be sure. Tell the professional you need to know how to locate your septic system.