Determining Location of Septic? - Posted by SandyFL

import · January 30, 2000, 9:18am

Posted by Brandi_TX on January 31, 2000 at 15:08:33:

.

import · January 30, 2000, 9:18am

Posted by SandyFL on January 30, 2000 at 10:18:37:

I have a friend who wants to pour a concrete pad to be used as a patio behind their house. The area they are looking at may have a line running under it from the smaller bathroom to the septic tank. How does one determine exactly where the plumbing lines/septic tank is, without blueprints?

Thanks in advance

SandyFL

import · January 30, 2000, 9:03pm

Re: Determining Location of Septic? - Posted by Bud Branstetter

Posted by Bud Branstetter on January 30, 2000 at 22:03:48:

A couple of methods come to mind. First is to probe with a long thin rod in soft earth. The second is to divine it. This is done by running water through it and using the #10 copper wires to align with the electric field set up by the running water. It takes some practice but it can be done. Then there is always hiring the plumber. They do make equipment that can locate the lines.

import · January 30, 2000, 11:10am

Re: Determining Location of Septic? - Posted by Kim K–AZ

Posted by Kim K–AZ on January 30, 2000 at 12:10:15:

Somewhere close to the outside wall of the home you should find a drain cleanout. It will probably be 4" dia. white or black pipe with a square cover screwed into it. Unscrew the cover, hold your nose, and look at which way the outlet pipe is going (water flow direction). This should run in a straight line to the septic tank.There are of course other lines (leach field lines) but these will be out past the tank (where the clean-out cover is) and are harder to determine which way they run. Your County Environmental Services Dept. should have a record of the whole system.
Great luck to you!

import · January 30, 2000, 11:05am

Re: Determining Location of Septic? - Posted by Willy

Posted by Willy on January 30, 2000 at 12:05:46:

The septic tank will usually be a straight line from the plumbing main where it exits the house to the tank. The tank location should be on survey, if not look for a patch of greener grass. There is usually only one line exiting the house to the septic. (At least here in Canada). Check on local building codes but here you can cover pipes but can’t be within 5 feet of the tank with any permanent structure.

import · January 30, 2000, 11:02am

Re: Determining Location of Septic? - Posted by David Alexander

Posted by David Alexander on January 30, 2000 at 12:02:14:

Hey, Sandy good to see you posting again.

David Alexander