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
Premium,MVM
join:2005-01-22
Galaxy M31
1 edit | Re: locating septic tank? 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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I had a life once.....now I have a Computer and a Modem. | |
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cowboyro
join:2000-10-11
Shelton, CT | 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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 | ncbrit1
join:2005-04-29
Hildebran, NC
| Re: locating septic tank? 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 | 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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| | lhamp
Premium
join:2000-02-20
Stone Mountain, GA
clubs:
| Re: locating septic tank? 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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robbin
Premium,MVM
join:2000-09-21
Leander, TX | 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 | 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
Premium,MVM
join:2002-06-15
none
clubs: | 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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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 :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
Premium,MVM
join:2002-06-15
none
clubs:
| Re: locating septic tank? 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
| Re: locating septic tank? 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
Premium
join:2003-08-09
Lake Zurich, IL | Divining rod. | |
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CKizer
Raptus Regaliter
Premium
join:2003-01-29
Tijeras, NM | check your original survey. | |
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emhankinson
join:2003-02-11
Friedens, PA
| 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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builderbob
@cox.net | if the tank has ever been pumped, the contractor probably has details as to location and depth. | |
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triker
Premium
join:2003-12-23
Washington, IN
 ·Verizon Online DSL
·RTC Communications
1 edit | I'm no plumber, but something a gas man showed me about ten years ago was witching sticks. I think it is similar to the divining rod that was mentioned earlier. When the guy was verifying he wasn't going to hit anything when running the low-pressure LP line to the house he pulled out two metal coat hangers bent about 6" up one side at a 90-degree angle ('L'-shaped). He held the hanger very loosely with the long side pointing out away from him, one in each hand. When he would walk across something electrical, a water pipe, or even our septic tank, the rods would cross. When he asked me how it worked, he just said that he had no idea. It apparently was something that his grandfather showed him years ago. It works for some and does not for others.
I'm a computer guy by trade, so something that isn't logical to me I tend not to trust, but this was very intriguing. I tried it for myself and it works really well. I've found a satellite dish cable, overhead lines (works not just for underground lines), and many other things.
You might just give that a shot and see what comes up. I tried to quickly find a video or image, but could not. If you google "witching sticks" you might come up with something a little more descriptive. If I run across something I'll edit my post.
Hope this might help.
Todd
Edit: I found this video describing it (looks pretty similar to what I do, but I skip the cardboard tube. I just hold the sticks very loosely in my hands): »www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_zsLyBr···=related | |
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