ncbrit1
join:2005-04-29
Hildebran, NC | locating septic tank?
We have tried using a steel probe to locate our septic tank, but rocky ground is making the task difficult. Is there enough rebar in a tank lid to locate with a metal detector? What other methods are commonly used? |
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jabarnut
Light Years Away
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join:2005-01-22
Galaxy M31
1 edit | Seems to me when I located mine many years ago, I did use a Metal Detector and it worked with the rebar on the lid. (Depending on how deep yours is....mine wasn't very deep).
Also, I'm sure you already looked, but if not, check where the waste pipe leaves the basement.
I've found the tank in a lot of cases is around 8 to 10' out from the foundation where the pipe exits the house.
(Of course, I suppose it depends on the type of system you have too).
I'm sure others will be along though who know a lot more about it than I do. Good luck.
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cowboyro
join:2000-10-11
Shelton, CT | reply to ncbrit1
The plans of the house should indicate the location. It's usually given as 2 distances from the closest 2 corners of the house (and then you triangulate). |
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tschmidt
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join:2000-11-12
Milford, NH
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1 edit | reply to ncbrit1
Too bad you are not in snow country. Heat from septic tank means snow melts over tank first.
I assume you do not have the septic design documents. If all else fails they may be available from your town. They should be on file with building permits.
As jabarnut  posted tank should be pretty close to house, within 50 feet. Leach field can be much further away. Unless you pump waste water to septic tank system is gravity feed. Tank is lower then where pipe exits house, leach field in turn is lower then tank. Typical slope is 1/8-1/4" per foot of run.
Tank is reinforced with re-bar and there should be a metal hook embedded in lid to gain access to tank for pumping. Tank should be within a couple of feet below grade.
/tom |
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ncbrit1
join:2005-04-29
Hildebran, NC
| reply to cowboyro
We aquired a copy of the original permit from the local health dept, but when the house was built in 1976 the permits weren't too accurate. We know which side of the house the tank is on, but there are no dimensions listed.
The plans do not include the location either.
The only real guide we have is that a piece of the pipe is visible where it exits the foundation, and we can try in locations along the line that the pipe leads. I'll try a metal detector along this path. |
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tonyorb
join:2008-09-28
College Park, MD | reply to ncbrit1
Most septic pumping companies can find your tank easily, with or without drawings. If they come accorss one that is real tricky they flush a transmitter down the toilet to find it. On your own ,everyone of the above suggestions sound good. |
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Subaru
1-3-2-4
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join:2001-05-31
Greenwich, CT
clubs: 
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| to they pick the transmitter back up? 
all jokes aside sometimes you can find it where the grass is greener...
I know my aunt her tank has been moved twice that I know of.. Not sure why... I remember the first one was nothing but a wood built roof with shingles on it. I remember the pump had to be replaced. I was not around when the newer tank was put it but it's about 20Ft closer to the house and it's fully under ground. I think I know where the leech field is it always had that "smell" in that area but that was with the old tank so it might of been air blowing the smell from the not so sealed tank cover.
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robbin
Premium,MVM
join:2000-09-21
Leander, TX | reply to ncbrit1
Stomp around the yard where you think it may be. They are usually close enough to the surface that you hear a hollow sound as opposed to the solid earth. or rock. |
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acid343211
Hallo lisa Aus Amerika
Premium
join:2001-08-31
Byron, GA
3 edits | reply to ncbrit1
said by ncbrit1 :We have tried using a steel probe to locate our septic tank, but rocky ground is making the task difficult. Is there enough rebar in a tank lid to locate with a metal detector? What other methods are commonly used? Since you went to the Health Department and couldn't find out anything go to the Building permits area etc.
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dgilbert
Good Bye My Friend
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join:2002-06-15
none
clubs: | reply to ncbrit1
also look for a slight depression in the ground. both tanks at my house have a sunken spot above them where you dig to have them pumped.
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BillRoland
Premium
join:2001-01-21
Ocala, FL
clubs:
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| reply to ncbrit1
As others have said, they're usually pretty close to the surface, but not always in a place you'd expect. Mine is at a 45 degree angle to the house, for no apparent reason, yet the drain field comes out of the tank and does another 45 and heads straight out into the yard.
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tschmidt
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join:2000-11-12
Milford, NH
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1 edit | reply to dgilbert
said by dgilbert :tanks at my house have a sunken spot above them where you dig to have them pumped. Same for me. Plus I put a stake and upside down 2-liter soda bottle at ground level to make it easy to find.
Don't think that will work for OP. If tank had been pumped every couple of years it would not be "lost."
/tom |
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acid343211
Hallo lisa Aus Amerika
Premium
join:2001-08-31
Byron, GA
| reply to dgilbert
said by dgilbert :also look for a slight depression in the ground. both tanks at my house have a sunken spot above them where you dig to have them pumped. The Reason yours has a "sunken spot" is because the septic tank was Emptied once before, if his wasn't this "sunken spot" wouldn't appear.
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dgilbert
Good Bye My Friend
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join:2002-06-15
none
clubs:
| one of mine yes that is the reason, but the other one had NEVER been emptied in 30 years. it is for the kitchen and laundry only, no toilets, and until it finally filled up with grease there was no need to empty it. teh ground was only 12" deep above it, and seasonal contraction of the clay soil sucked most of the soil off the top. so even though it had never been opened since installation, it had little soil over it and was in a sunken place.
most septics around here are visible the same way, even ones not yet old enough to pump.
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Lack of Preparation on YOUR Part does NOT Constitute an Emergency on Mine! |
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acid343211
Hallo lisa Aus Amerika
Premium
join:2001-08-31
Byron, GA
| said by dgilbert : so even though it had never been opened since installation, it had little soil over it and was in a sunken place. most septics around here are visible the same way, even ones not yet old enough to pump. Down here its around 12-18 inches below the Surface.
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jester121
join:2003-08-09
Lake Zurich, IL | reply to ncbrit1
Divining rod. |
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lhamp
Premium
join:2000-02-20
Stone Mountain, GA
clubs:
| reply to Subaru
all jokes aside sometimes you can find it where the grass is greener...
I always thought that was true. However in my case it's BS.
I recently had to have my tank cleaned. First time since we bought the house about 7 years ago. It wasn't too hard to find where the tank is. About 8 feet from the front of the house.
The only thing I've been able to grow in that area is moss.
I've tried numerous times to grow grass and failed every time. I've tilled, dug, put in new soil, you name it. The only thing that grows there is weeds and moss.
While we're on the subject I have some Questions?
1: What is the code in Georgia as far as how far the tank is located? I know in California it is (or was) a minimum of 15 feet from the house.
2: Why in the Hell doesn't the code require a drain pipe? Instead of digging up my lawn (or moss) whenever it needs to be pumped? In Calif. There was always a pipe sticking out of the ground to uncap and pump. KISS. |
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tschmidt
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join:2000-11-12
Milford, NH
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| said by lhamp :all jokes aside sometimes you can find it where the grass is greener... To be precise "The grass is greener over the septic tank leach-field."
If you are a plant you want to be where all the nutrients and water goes, not just a place where it is a little warmer. 
/tom |
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CKizer
Raptus Regaliter
Premium
join:2003-01-29
Tijeras, NM | reply to ncbrit1
check your original survey. |
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emhankinson
join:2003-02-11
Friedens, PA
| reply to ncbrit1
8 years ago, my father in law found our tank from memory. we built a house and lost the location.
Ultimately, I had to call in Roto Rooter to locate my tank. From there, I started digging where they said, moved a couple of feet and found the lid. I just am now finishing up with installing an 18" tall by 24" wide riser with a nice green lid on top. |
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