Can't Find Your Septic Tank?

Did you just move into your house or cottage? Do you know when the last time the septic tank was pumped out and do you know where the septic system  is? Many people find themselves unsure of the location of their septic tank and leaching bed when they buy or inherit a home or cottage. If you don’t know where, it’s important to find out – not only to make getting regular pump-outs easier, but also so you can avoid building or planting trees or gardens over your leaching bed.

Here are some tips on what you can do to try and find your septic system:

• Contact the previous owner and ask them where the septic tank and leaching bed are.
• Contact your local health unit. If you live in Huron-Kinloss, contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit at 1-800-263-3456. If your septic system was installed after 1974 they may have a permit on file with a diagram showing the location of the septic system when it was installed. If not, they will be able to give you tips on what to look for.
• You can also ask local pumpers if they have ever serviced the property. They may have a recollection or record of where the system is.
• Find the main waste line out of the house/cottage. Look in the lowest part of the building, usually the basement or crawlspace. It’s usually a 4 to 6 inch pipe that goes out of the building and connects to the septic tank.  Make note of its location. This will give you an idea of where to start looking for the tank outside.
• Look for clues outside.
• In the winter, patches where the snow has melted can indicate the location of the tank.
• Look for rectangular depressions roughly 4ft by 8ft in size. The soil around septic tanks can settle over time, creating a depression where the septic tank is.
• In the summer look for areas of grass that are greener than the rest. The area that stays greener or has thicker grass may be the site of the leaching bed.
• Spongy or wet areas of the lawn may be the site of a failing leaching bed.
• When you figure out where the system is make sure you mark the location of the tank. Draw a map with measurements and landmarks.
• If you have no history on the last tank pump-out, call a local pumper to arrange for an inspection.
• Consider having access risers added your system. PVC risers can be added to make your lid flush with the ground – saving you from digging up your lawn every time the system needs pumped. The lids are watertight, secure and because they are made of high-density polyethylene, they don’t rust or corrode! 

Warning  Old septic systems can be a safety risk – some may have rotten wooden lids or cracked, eroded cement or steel lids. If you step on a rotten or cracked lid, you could end up in the tank, and that could be fatal. Never inspect or pump-out a septic tank yourself. Don't open the lid either, deadly gases in the tank can quickly overwhelm you, so leave opening the tank, inspecting the tank, and pumping out the tank to a licensed professional!