Finding a Septic Tank!

[rhood]

We have one, but are not sure where it lies in the field. I think I once saw a reference to a tracking device you flush down the loo...and then trace to the tank.

Can anyone help? Thanks

Ross

 

[Nemesis]

I have no idea - but surely the tank must have a lid somewhere?

Maybe a metal detector would help?

 

[elm]

Well, we've been here for two years now and still have absolutely no idea where ours is other than somewhere in the field behind the house ..... The previous owner was here for six years without knowing where it was. Certainly we couldn't find any sort of lid. Whatever is there seems to be working well anyway ......

 

[Pford75]

We had a similar situation.....tried metal detectors without success....(although only really cheap kids ones!) Eventually we used a drainage contractor....they had a device (similar to a camera) which they were able to track with another 'reader' above the ground to map out the exact location of the drainage run

 

[Penners]

I don't want to sound alarmist, but a voice in my head keeps muttering about sleeping dogs. (Yes - the voices speak to me quite often).

Is the drainage system working well? If so, why do you want to know where the tank is? I'm just a bit concerned that, if you should happen to unearth it on someone else's land, you might open a can of worms (yes - it's mixed-metaphor day), particularly if the landowner didn't know it was there.

I'm not any kind of legal eagle, so I may be talking rubbish, but it's possibly worth have a think about.

 

[Lime]

If you need to find the tank (presuming you actually have one where you think it is!) I'd use a metal spike like a fireplace poker and push it into the ground at regular intervals across the area of ground.
If the tank is there it will have a top to it near the surface. It is probably covered over by soil either by human or earthworm efforts.

 

[rhood]

Thanks all. I may try the spike route.

Thanks

Ross

 

[pieman]

Are there any kind of deeds to the house that make mention to the tank and it's where abouts?

 

[worms]

Any chance you can locate the soak-away by vegetation clues? Or a greener patch in a dry summer? Of course this may not work if you are on really free-draining ground.

 

[Jane Smith]

We tracked down our septic tank by rodding the drains which lead to it: if you can get a rod down into the point where it leaves the house (and there should be an inspection point somewhere nearby), then you can make a reasonable guess about the direction and distance that each length of pipe travels by rodding away. Everyone needs a good set of drain rods. They're embarrassingly useful. And they are cheap.

 

[Nemesis]

Just remember which way to turn them.

 

[Jane Smith]

Been there, done that....

 

[Nemesis]

As with chimney sweeping...

 

[rhood]

Thanks all. The deeds are silent, but the thought about rodding is helpful. There is a likely suspect in the field below - a patch which might house the tank.

Thanks again

Ross

 

[Penners]

Been there, done that....

Well, welcome back, missis. What's your excuse for absence from class for so long?

 

[Jane Smith]

Ah, Penners, I've been out stocking up on big bottles of gin. Takes me ages to get enough in to keep me going.

 

[Penners]

Too remote for a direct pipeline, I suppose? The capital cost could be offset by the bulk purchase savings.

I'm afraid I can't advise on what the payback period would be.