How do I find the location of my septic system?

Locating your septic system involves a combination of indoor and outdoor observations, consulting records, and sometimes professional assistance. Follow these steps to identify your system’s components accurately and safely.

Locating the Septic Tank

Step 1: Start Indoors

1. Find the Main Sewer Line:
   • Check your basement or crawlspace for the main sewer line exiting your house.
   • Look for a large-diameter pipe (typically ABS or cast iron) positioned at waist height in a full basement or at floor level in a crawlspace.
   • Note the direction the pipe exits your home; the septic tank is generally 2–6 meters from that point outside.

Step 2: Check Outdoors

2. Look for Access Lids or Risers:
   • Search for plastic lids (approximately 60 cm diameter) or square concrete lids (about 60 cm x 60 cm).
   • If no lids are visible, they may be buried. Use a metal rod or septic probe to gently probe the ground in the suspected area, taking care not to damage pipes or tank components.

Examples of septic tank lids:

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  Both plastic and precast septic tanks must have risers installed to grade to facilitate future servicing – Hamilton
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  A septic tank and pump chamber to be used with a conventional leaching bed – Ancaster
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  A residential septic system may still require advanced treatment and may need more than one septic treatment tank – Norweco – Burlington
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  Tertiary treatment septic tanks can be squeezed into small locations – Bionest – Burlington
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  Septic tank replacement, risers installed, verifying slope before building inspection – Haldimand
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  PLASTI~2
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  Plastic septic tanks and pump chambers can squeeze in tight spots – Waterdown
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  Placing advanced treatment tanks in a large residential septic system – Bionest – Hamilton
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  Plastic tanks, advanced treatment unit and flow ballancing, ready for granular backfill – Bionest – Hamilton
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  Advanced septic treatment unit is placed minimum 1.5 meters to the house – Milton
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  Advanced septic treatment can be used to decrease the size of a leaching bed – Bionest – Dundas
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  A septic tank should be installed at least 1.5 meters from the house – Ancaster
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  Septic tanks may be smoke tested to find the sources of bad odors – Burlington
3. Roof Vent Clues (Older Homes):
   • Locate the sewer vent on the roof (a 3- or 4-inch pipe). Its position often aligns with the main sewer line, indicating the tank’s location.
   • Most tanks are located about 1.5–2 meters outside the foundation wall.
4. Excavation for Access:
   • Once located, dig up the septic tank lids. Typically, there are two lids that should be accessed for maintenance.
   • Consider installing risers to grade for easier future access.

Step 3: Seek Professional Help if Needed

Professionals have tools like flushable electronic locators and extensive experience to locate septic tanks without damaging your property.

Locating the Septic Bed

1. Look for Visual Clues in the Yard:
   • Search for flat areas with minimal trees or heavy landscaping.
   • Raised sand beds appear as bumps, while in-ground beds may show thicker, greener grass due to nutrient enrichment.
   • Older drain fields may exhibit parallel stripes or depressions.

Examples of septic beds before covering:

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  With advanced treatment sand septic beds can be installed in many challenging locations – Bionest – Ancaster
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  Tracer wire should be installed on leaching chamber septic beds so that they can be located in the future – Infiltrator – Waterdown
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  The sand mantle of a septic bed can worked into the surrounding grades – Dundas
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  Spreading topsoil over a leaching chamber septic bed with a trim dozer – Infiltrator – Hamilton
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  Shallow buried trench septic leaching beds should have an inspection port at the end of each run for flushing and to verify pressure – Waterloo Biofilter – Burlington
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  Shallow buried trench septic bed and advanced treatment technology provide a permanent solution for an urban septic bed – Burlington
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  Septic leaching chambers can be used to make a septic bed on some hills – Infiltrator – Cambridge
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  Septic leaching chambers can be installed in place of traditional pipe and gravel septic beds – Burlington
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  Septic bed made with leching chambers ready for topsoil cover – Millgrove
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  Plastic septic tanks may be used on hills or in other places where access is difficult – Roth Multitank – Milton
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  Placing topsoil over a sand mound septic system with advanced treatment on a beautiful day – Bionest – Stoney Creek
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  Leaching chambers can be a versatile solution septic bed solution – Infiltrator – Ancaster
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  In some soil conditions septic leaching chambers may be installed without advanced septic treatment technology – Millgrove
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  In leaching chamber septic beds the header should be properly supported and tracer wire should be installed – Infiltrator – Hamilton
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  Gravity fed infiltrator chamber leaching bed with good sandy soils and header shown – Burlington
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  Cross section of a type A dispersal bed or area bed septic bed with advanced treatment technology – Dundas
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  Advanced treatment makes a smaller septic bed leaving room for the pool – Bionest – Burlington
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  Advanced septic treatment with time-dosing and a shallow buried trench leaching bed produces the smallest possible septic bed – Norweco – Burlington
2. Specialized Equipment:
   • If you cannot locate the bed visually or through records, hire a professional equipped with locating devices and sewer cameras.

Additional Research

1. Property Records:

   Review blueprints, building permits, and other documents for septic system details.

2. Municipality Records:

   Your local municipality may have historical records or building permits that provide helpful information.

3. Ask Neighbors:

   Long-time residents in your area may know the general location of your septic system.

Locating your septic system is critical for maintenance and compliance with Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code, which regulates on-site sewage systems. If you’re unable to locate your system or require assistance, contact a professional to ensure proper handling and servicing.