You might be asking yourself, why is it necessary to locate an old septic tank installed by a previous owner? Simple, as a home owner you are responsible for operating and maintaining a septic tank on your property in a safe manner. If not properly taken cared for a septic system can malfunction resulting in a health hazard such as contaminating the groundwater or surface water. Neglected septic system can also result in it breaking down before its time.
Before you can properly care for your septic system you must locate it. This may be difficult if you are not the original owner. The first thing you should do is search for a copy of the “as-built”” diagram of your septic system. When a septic system is installed an as built diagram may have been provided to your local health authority. If this was not the case you can attempt to contact the authorized person that designed or installed the system.
Work from the inside out. Before going outside and searching like a mad man go down to your basement and search for the sewage pipes that lead out of your home. This will at least give you a general idea of where your septic tank is. Try looking behind walls or in a closet. You will usually find a cleanout pipe in these areas. If you continue having trouble finding the pipe in your basement try flushing some toilets or turning on some faucets and listen closely. Once you have located the pipes inside determine where the sewer outlet pipe exits your home close to the outside wall of your house. Septic systems can be at any distance from your home, but generally speaking they are no closer than a meter. Be aware of the fact that septic systems pipes can sometimes take a 30, 45 or 90 degree turn, so your tank may be located around the corner of your home.
If you are having trouble locating your septic tanks you can always use a metal detector. Metal detectors can even help find a concrete tank by locating the reinforcement bars which are made of metal. Using a flushable transmitter is an even better option. You can obtain one of these from an authorized person such as a plumber or from a tank cleaning company. These work by flushing them down the toilet and being tracked by a receiver. The strongest signal should be over the inlet area of the septic tank. If using a plumber you can opt for a snake option. This is where a meta snake is driven through your sewage pipes. Pay attention to any curves or bends the snake takes. When the snake stops it most likely means you have found the opening to your septic tank. Make sure not to ram your snake once it stops, you may damage the inlet tee, a very important part of your tank. Lastly a pipe camera can be used. Although very effective a pipe camera can be very costly. Your best bet would be going with a transmitter borrowed from a plumber of tank cleaning company.
Once you have located your tank inspect it for any damages. Your best bet is to rely on a reputable company like Jones Septic and their Septic Pumping Amenia NY, Septic Pumping Hopewell Junction, NY and Septic Pumping Millbrook NY services for your needs.
