How to Locate a Septic Tank Lid

Finding the septic tank lids in your yard helps you maintain your septic tank.

Homes in rural areas, often far from the city or town, typically have septic systems, rather than tapping into a city sewer system. Owning a home with a septic system requires more maintenance tasks than a home using a sewer system. Septic systems must occasionally be pumped and may also need to be cleaned periodically. However, sometimes the homeowner does not know where the septic tank is located. Each tank has three caps giving access to the tank. Knowing where these caps are can help you to maintain your system.

Instructions

1. Locate where the pipe exits your home. Follow the pipe in the basement to find where it leaves the house.

2. Pace out 10 feet from the house as septic tanks are typically located 10 to 20 feet from the house.

3. Use 5-foot steel probe to check for your septic tank. Do not push down too hard, though, or you may puncture the tank, requiring an expensive replacement. Move away from the house, checking every foot until you find the tank.

4. Check the grass for the first lid. The first lid is located close to the near edge of the tank. Once you have found the tank, the lid should be in the near vicinity. Tanks are generally 6 feet wide.

5. Walk 6 feet farther from the house to find the second lid.

6. Walk 2 feet more to find the discharge lid.

References

• House Plan Advice: Septic Tank Cleaning
• Florida Department of Health: Septic Tanks