Find Your Septic Tank Using These 4 Methods

Welcome to our blog where you will become a septic tank locator vs. a time waster engaged with a game of Hide-N-Seek to locate your buried tank. Listed here are 4 DIY methods of locating a septic tank.

You need to know how to locate your septic tank for maintenance reasons, but there’s no need to worry about it. We have four easy methods to share with you to locate that buried monstrosity that needs some attention. 

Clues In Your Yard That Point To The Septic Tank Location

Locating a septic tank is not as difficult as it may seem. Start by taking a close inspection while walking around your property, keeping an eye out for some key clues.

Look for any signs of a large buried object in your yard. You might be surprised to find that it’s your septic tank! Here’s a pro tip: sometimes, the original hole dug for the septic tank may not be the right size. So, while compensating for that, you might notice a big divot or even a little hill in the ground. And there you have it- locating a septic tank 101.

Another clue to watch out for is patchy areas in your lawn, where there’s little to no plant growth. This could indicate the septic tank location because it wasn’t buried deep enough. When there’s not enough soil on top, plants can’t thrive. So, keep an eye out for those naked patches.



Septic tank locations can be found with your nose, especially if it needs attention. If you catch a whiff of something foul and funky in a specific area of your yard, chances are that’s the septic location - your nose knows! Happy hunting.

Your Sewer Line Will Lead the Way

Locate a septic tank by heading down to your basement, cellar, or crawl space to find the main sewer line that enters your humble abode. You're looking for pipes that are about 4 inches in diameter and made from cast iron or heavy PCV pipe.

Now, take a peek outside and see where that pipe makes its grand exit from your home. Usually, drain pipes are laid out in straight lines, so it shouldn't be too difficult for you to figure out where it comes out. You will now be a septic tank locator extraordinaire because the septic tank location will be somewhere along where the main waste pipe exits the house.

Try These Septic Tank Locator Tools

If you’re on a septic tank locating mission but aren't sure where to start, don't worry because there are septic tank locator tools to use. You can make use of septic tank locator tools that help you pinpoint the exact location of your septic tank by probing the ground. Just grab a piece of rebar or any long, narrow object that can withstand some digging and start probing. Be careful though, you want to apply enough pressure to break through the ground without damaging the septic tank lid.

 ne thing to keep in mind is that the depth at which your septic tank is buried can vary, so it's a bit of a guessing game. To tackle this challenge, a trusty hammer can be your best friend. Use it to drive your probe deep into the soil until you strike gold (or in this case, a deeply buried septic tank). Another handy tool to consider is a metal detector. This nifty device can detect the metal handles of septic tank lids, making your probing adventure a little less overwhelming.

Investigate Your Home's Septic System Permit

A septic tank cannot be located by water sources, so installers have to apply for permits for water safety and environmental considerations. Get those permits, and you will find your septic tank location.

Why Locating Your Septic Tank is Important

Your septic tank needs to be pumped and cleaned regularly to keep the wastewater system running smoothly. If you’re not on top of this, your whole system can back up, and that’s not a situation you want to deal with. 

Knowing your septic tank location also helps you discover any leaks or flooding before they cause major damage. Water damage can be a real headache, so fixing issues early will save you a lot of trouble. 

You must find the septic tank to prevent backups to your septic system. Septic system backups lead to unpleasant odors, costly repairs, sanitation problems, etc. 

Exhausted All Options? Hire a Professional Septic Tank Plumber

After you’ve tried it all to find your septic tank without success, it’s time to call the experts. Hiring a professional septic tank plumber is the best way to locate and maintain your tank effortlessly. At Moe’s Plumbing, you can rely on our team of skilled plumbers to provide excellent service. We are available 24/7 to ensure prompt assistance whenever you need it. Best of all, our services are affordable, so you don’t have to break the bank to take care of your septic tank. Give us a call today for reliable and budget-friendly septic tank solutions.