Understanding the cost to locate a septic tank can be confusing for many homeowners.
With varied factors including the size of the property type of tank and geographical location the task of determining the cost becomes complex.
This is especially true for those planning to buy or sell a house or considering major landscaping upgrades.
But just how much does it actually cost to find a septic tank?
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Locate A Septic Tank
Locating a septic tank can initially prove to be a daunting task especially if you have recently moved into a new property and there are no records available regarding the system’s installation.
However numerous methods can guide you to the tank’s buried location. Some of these measures include conducting a visual inspection of your yard checking for unusually green grass unexplained puddles or uneven expanses of land all of which may indicate a septic tank beneath.
Septic tanks are often located within semi-circles around the house. One practical tool to aid your search is a probe like the 60 In.
Long Pipe Probe With Rifle Point. Available at stores like Home Depot for approximately $25 this tool is typically used to locate a septic tank no deeper than 2 feet.
However if manual searching proves burdensome you may consult with local services such as a septic tank service or a “honey wagon” company. The cost to locate a septic tank via such services usually does not exceed 15 minutes of work making it a practical option for many homeowners.
Step-By-Step Guide: Finding A Septic Tank
Step 1: Equip yourself with an appropriate tool such as a 60 In. Long Pipe Probe With Rifle Point.
If unavailable a shovel or a thin steel rod will also suffice.
Step 2: Conduct a visual inspection of your yard noting any signs such as extra green grass puddles or uneven ground. Such indications may point to the septic tank’s location.
Step 3: Use your tool to probe the ground in suspected areas lightly. If the ground gives way easily this could mean you have found your tank.
Ensure not to probe too forcefully as to avoid damaging the tank.
Step 4: If probing proves unsuccessful consult your county’s health department. They may hold diagrams or records relating to the location of your septic system.
Step 5: Consider hiring a professional service such as a septic maintenance company or a company that uses ground penetrating radar to locate your tank.
Remember the overall cost to establish or locate a septic tank can vary noticeably but efforts to locate your tank manually may save you from heftier charges further down the line.
What To Do Once You Find Your Septic Tank
After successfully locating your septic system it’s essential to mark its position. You may use a permanent feature such as a statue birdbath or other decorative garden features for marking the spot.
Alternatively a yard map may also be utilized.
These two methods will ensure that you can always find your septic tank without difficulty reducing any potential future costs that may occur from re-spotting it. This approach is especially crucial if you plan on adding a new structure like a pool or deck to your property.
You don’t want to disrupt your septic system during such constructions or endanger the pipes by placing hefty structures over them.
Next be sure to schedule an inspection and pumping service for your septic tank.
Customer Testimonials About Our Expert Septic Tank Locators
Our successful track record at locating septic systems has earned us many rave reviews. Customers from Kentucky to Northwestern Connecticut praise our efficient services.
Our technicians often pinpoint the septic system’s location in less than 15 minutes resulting in saved time and reduced costs for our clients.
Some customers were able to avoid significant costs thanks to our experts. For instance one client from Torrington CT was able to dodge a hefty charge for installing a new leach field because we successfully located the existing one.
Clearly our services are a preferred choice in the field of septic tank locating. Our specialists employ various tools like ground penetrating radar and metal soil probe efficaciously to locate these underground tanks.
Our professionalism and proficiency have made us the go-to septic maintenance company.
- ‘The septic company did an amazing job! They found the tank in no time and saved me a fortune.’ – Homeowner from Kentucky
- ‘Highly proficient and professional locators. They kept the yard mess to a minimum and located the tank accurately.’ – Resident of Northwestern Connecticut
Efficient Methods For Septic Tank Location
The process of locating a septic tank can be challenging due to its subterranean nature. But there are several efficient methods available.
First using a 60 In. Long Pipe Probe With Rifle Point or a metal soil probe could assist in determining the tank’s location.
Probes can be purchased from hardware stores like Home Depot at an approximate cost of $25.
If you prefer a more technological approach you could use flushable transmitters which costs around $45. These transmitters once flushed down the toilet can be tracked using a receiver leading to the septic tank’s location.
One unconventional method is looking for signs in your yard. This includes observing where snow melts more rapidly due to the underground heat from the septic tank.
Similarly green grass or unanticipated puddles can also indicate a septic system’s “leach” or “leeching” field.
Property and construction records might hold valuable information about your tank’s location. If your property has a sewage line following its direction could lead you to your septic tank.
If DIY methods prove unsuccessful consider contacting septic maintenance companies like local “honey wagon” companies or septic field guys. They offer professional services with state-of-the-art tools such as ground penetrating radar to locate septic tanks efficiently.
Septic tank maps and regulations
In cases where the septic system has been recently installed or renovated a septic tank map may be available. Regulations in your county may require these records to be stored with the county health department or regional health dept.
It’s worth researching any local obligations concerning septic systems in order to find any potential records.
Pros and cons of different methods
The aforementioned methods have respective advantages and disadvantages. Probes and transmitters tend to be cost-efficient but the success rate depends on your ability to interpret their readings.
Physical indications can be misleading but they are the most budget-friendly options. Professional services while the most accurate may also come with a higher price tag.
Make sure to weigh the pros and cons before choosing a method.
Cost Of Locating A Septic Tank
Locating a septic tank entails varying costs depending on the method chosen. Let’s break it down:
- A 60 In. Long Pipe Probe With Rifle Point or a metal soil probe can cost about $22-$25.
- Flushable transmitters and their receivers can round up to $45.
- Professional services with ground penetrating radar vary significantly based on the complexity of the job and the specialist’s level of expertise.
In some instances information on the system’s location can be obtained from county records at no cost. If all else fails and you need to install a new septic system the cost can fluctuate between $25000 to $27000 in 2023 depending on inflation and regional market prices.
This estimate includes expenses related to producing a septic tank map obtaining permits hiring excavators for digging and buying materials including pipes and the tank.
Before deciding to install a whole new system it’s crucial to exhaust all options of locating the pre-existing septic tank. Finding the tank can prevent unnecessary costs and save a great deal of time and resources.
