If you’re searching for “how do I know if I have a septic tank?”, you’ll want to read this blog post from the team at Wholesale Septic Supply. This post will be especially useful for those who reside in rural areas, or those who reside in homes not connected to municipal water systems. Septic tanks are an important element of managing household wastewater.
With this being said, if you have moved into a home with inadequate record keeping when it comes to utilities, you may find yourself wondering whether you have a septic tank or not. Here’s an informative guide on how to determine if your home relies on a septic system, and what that will mean when it comes to managing your property.
The simplest way to find out if you have a septic tank is to check any and all available property documents:
Home Inspection Reports: Home inspection reports will often include specific details about the type of wastewater system the home uses.
Property Deeds: Examining property deeds for any mentions of the term “septic system”, or easements which may indicate the existence of one will be helpful for identifying whether or not you have a septic system.
Building Permits: Local health department records or historical building permits may have the information you need to determine if there’s a septic system on your property.
If documentation is sparse, there are a few physical clues you can look out for:
Grass Color & Growth Patterns: If there are any areas of your yard which happen to have an unusual amount of lush or green grass when compared with the rest of your yard, you likely have a septic tank. This extra lush or green grass is indicative of a drain field for a septic system.
Depressions or Raised Areas: The ground above the septic tank or drain field may settle slightly differently when compared to the surrounding soil. This difference is defined by the different levels of soil and slightly mounded areas.
Sewer Vents or Manhole Covers: If you notice any visible pipes, vents, or concrete lids in your yard, this can be a strong indicator of a septic system on your property.
If you have access to previous subdivision maps or plans of your property, they may show the location of a septic tank:
Survey Maps: Survey maps may sometimes indicate the presence of a septic system and are typically available from your local record resource or previous property surveys
Property Layouts: Property layouts provided by the developer may include the septic system’s location
Age of Home: Older homes, especially those constructed prior to the widespread use of municipal sewer systems in your area, are much more likely to have septic tanks
Rural Locations: Homes within rural areas without ready access to city infrastructure will often be on septic systems
Paying close attention to how the water physically drains in your home will give you a better idea of whether or not you have a septic system on your property. If you happen to have a septic system, all of the water from your toilets, sinks, showers, etc… will drain into the septic tank. If you have slower drainage during heavy rain, this could be a strong indicator of your home having a septic tank, and that it likely needs proactive maintenance.
Neighbors: If nearby homes use septic systems, it’s likely your home uses a septic system too
Previous Owners or Real Estate Agents: Contacting the previous owners of your home could lead to information where you can determine if you have a septic tank
A professional inspection can give you professional answers as to whether or not you have a septic tank on your property. Professional inspectors will use tools such as probes and ground-penetrating radar to locate a septic system or underground tanks.
Knowing whether or not you have a septic tank can be so important for your home maintenance and can help you avoid costly repairs down the road. We hope you’re able to use these helpful tips throughout this post to figure out if you have a septic tank. If you do discover you have a septic tank, you’ll want to have regular inspections and maintenance done to keep all systems functioning, efficient, and effective. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact us and we’ll be sure to help in any way we can. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
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