How to Find Your Septic Tank Lid

Whether you realize it or not, it is important to know the location of your septic tank lid and septic tank. Even though septic tanks are quite large, they can be difficult to locate, especially if they are not maintained over time.

Keep reading to learn how to find your septic tank lid.

Why It’s Good to Know Where to Find Your Septic Tank Lid

Knowing where your septic tank is located is a great way to identify septic tank issues quickly. For instance, if you were to spot flooding around your septic tank lid, you would know immediately that there might be an issue with your system overloading.

Further, knowing where your septic tank is means you can also avoid parking vehicles on top of it, which can cause the tank to collapse. You’ll also be able to direct service professionals to the correct area for septic tank services, which ultimately saves them time and saves you money.

How to Find Your Septic Tank Opening

Now that you understand the importance of knowing where your septic tank lid is located, it’s time to find it. During the search, keep an eye out for a circular lid approximately two feet wide. Septic tank lids are typically green or black plastic; sometimes they are made of concrete.

It’s not always easy to find the lid, though, as unkempt grass, dirt, or debris can conceal the septic tank lid. If you live in a region that receives snow, look for a patch of lawn where the snow melts faster than everywhere else. That is probably your septic tank, and you will find the lid in that area.

How to Find Your Septic Tank Lid as a New Homeowner

When you purchased your home, you should have received a diagram of your property detailing the location of your septic tank. This is usually provided as a part of your home inspection. If so, the only thing you have to do is compare the diagram to your property, locate the septic tank area, and possibly dig around it to see if the lid is buried. People sometimes put an object like a large rock on top of the septic lid, so check under landscape boulders, too.

How to Find Your Septic Tank Lid as an Existing Homeowner 

Still can’t find your septic tank lid? There’s a good chance it could be buried. We recommend following the pipes coming from your basement, as they will lead toward the direction of your septic system. Once you’ve found the direction, look for any high or low spots in the yard that could indicate where your septic tank could be.

You can locate the lid of your septic tank by poking the ground every few feet with a metal probe. Lids can be buried up to a foot deep on average, so be sure to investigate any bumps that may indicate something is buried underneath. You can also use a metal detector, as most lids have a metal handle or fastener on them to keep the lid closed.

Another reason you might not be able to find your lid is due to the depth it was buried. Most lids are buried up to a foot deep, but some could be buried up to four feet! In some cases, a professional may be needed with specialized locating equipment.

How to Maintain Your Septic Tank Lid

Once you’ve located your septic tank lid, keep it maintained to prevent damage and allow easy access for future septic tank maintenance, like septic tank pumping every three to five years.

Here are some tips to properly maintain your septic tank lid:

• Regularly cut the grass surrounding the septic tank lid.
• Remove any dirt or debris covering your septic tank lid.
• Mark the area so nobody parks on or builds on the area. You can do this with a flag, garden décor, or decorative rocks.

Professional Septic Tank Services

Searching for reliable septic tank services or septic tank installation? Contact your local Mr. Rooter^® Plumbing to see if they provide septic tank installation, inspection, and cleaning services. Mr. Rooter Plumbing offers upfront flat rate pricing without overtime charges. Call us or request an estimate online to get started today.