“Rule 1: The customer is always right.
Rule 2: If the customer is ever wrong, re-read Rule 1.” – Stew Leonard

“Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.” – Anthony Burgess

““To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.” – Douglas Adams

“Better three hours too soon than a minute too late” – William Shakespeare

“There are no traffic jams along the extra mile” – Roger Staubach

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” – Benjamin Franklin

Anderson's Septic & Sewer

Office: 530-273-4323

  • Open Menu

How to Locate a Septic Tank

Often customers ask us how to locate a septic tank. Unless your septic tank has special risers that raise the lids above ground level, you may have to request the help of a professional. However, there are a number of things you can do before calling for help. Being able to locate your own septic system will save you money when you need your septic system serviced.

Contact your local health department for public records. Permits are needed to install a septic system and most health departments will retain a record of these permits. These permits should come with a diagram of the location where the septic system is buried. Depending on the age of your septic system, you may be able to find information regarding the location of your septic system by making a public records request.

Nevada County Public Records Request

Placer County Public Records Request

Review your inspection report. You could review the homeowner’s inspection report that was performed when you purchased your house as this may contain the diagram you need to locate your septic tank.

Contact the contractor who built your house. If you are able to find out who built your home, they will have a diagram of where the septic tank is located.

Find the main sewer line. As seen in the picture, the main sewer line begins in your crawl space or basement and exits the side of your home. From your basement or crawlspace, locate the 4 inch sewer pipe and measure the location of where it leaves the house. Then measure the same location outside the house. Using a thin metal probe, carefully probe the yard every several feet follow the septic pipe across your yard. Do not push hard if you feel resistance, as this may damage the septic line. Most septic tanks are buried 1 to 3 feet underground and are approximately 10 to 20 feet from the home.

Use a metal detector. If you have a concrete tank, a metal detector can locate the reinforcement bars in the concrete. Avoid wearing steel toed boots or other shoes with steel.

Give us a call. If you have tried all our tips on how to locate a septic tank and were unsuccessful, give us a call. We have special equipment we can us to locate your tank.

After you find your septic tank. If you were successful in finding your tank, mark the location for future reference. Next time you have your septic system pumped or inspected, you may want to have risers installed. A riser lifts the septic lid above the ground and makes your septic tank easier to locate and access.

Risers preserve your landscape and save you money because you do not have to pay a professional to locate and dig up the lids each time you have your septic system serviced.

Office: 530-273-4323

[email protected]
PO BOX 3145
Grass Valley, CA 95945