Do You Know Where Your Septic Tank Is? | Community

CONCORD —New to a private septic tank? Wondering how your septic tank works or where it is located? It is common for New Hampshire homeowners not to know where their septic tank is located or how to properly care for it. Neglecting your septic tank can lead to costly and time-consuming repairs, so it’s important to know where it is located, how it works, and how you can take better care of it.

Where’s my septic tank?

First of all, there are some places where your septic tank should not be placed, e.g. B. beside your fountain, under or on your house, under a patio or deck, or under a paved surface. The location of a septic tank can also affect nearby water sources. A licensed septic tank designer will design a system and maintain setbacks to water sources as much as possible (depending on site conditions) and a licensed septic tank installer will install it according to the approved plan. An operating license is granted after examination. Cities and towns receive copies of sewerage system plans from NHDES so your plans should be available from your local town or council office, usually within the building department. You can ask for septic plans and/or permit numbers they have on file for your property. You can also search for information about the property through the NHDES OneStop database. If you cannot find your sewage system plans using these routes, you can submit a request for archival records through NHDES.

Once you have the plan, you can review the septic tank diagram to determine the size of your tank and the number of lids to narrow down its location. However, there are cases where records cannot be found. If your home was built before 1967, when the Underground Systems Act was enacted, these records would not exist. Also, the systems were sometimes installed without permission.

If the plans for your septic tank are not available, there are still ways to help you identify the location of your septic tank.

First, you should examine your yard for extra green grass or flat spots that seem out of place compared to the rest of your property. Often the land above your tank will be leveled, and sometimes drainage fields and overflowing septic tanks can fertilize your lawn, making it healthier and greener. If all else fails, you can locate where your sewer line exits your home (usually in a basement). Follow the path of the sewer line by inserting a soil probe into your soil about every two feet, which you can find at your local hardware store. Finally, you should find out where your sewer line meets your septic tank. If this process is difficult or you need help, you can also contact a septic tank system service provider to help you locate your septic tank.

How does your septic system work?

Every time the water goes down your drain, it makes its way through your sewer line and into your septic tank. The tank itself is an underground, watertight container. The main task of the septic tank is to take in all the sewage and allow the solid waste to sink to the bottom; the fats, oils and fats float to the top. The water can then leave the septic tank and flow through a pipe to the drainage field, where the pre-treated wastewater is discharged through the ground. The soil then treats and distributes the wastewater, now free of E. coli and viruses.

When needed, about every three to five years, you should have your septic tank pumped out so that any grease, sludge, and sludge stored in it can be sent to a sewage treatment plant.

Care of your septic system

Here are some other helpful tips that will help keep your septic system efficient and effective, and can even extend the life of your septic tank!

Only flush the three Ps: pee, poop, and toilet paper.

Consider using plant-based detergents and cleaning products.

Don’t put bleach and other harmful chemicals down the drain.

Have your septic tank checked regularly.

Pump your septic tank as needed, typically every three to five years.

Don’t dump solids, grease, or leftover food down your sink.

Keep the area above your septic tank clear of trash, debris, vehicles, or trees.

A septic tank requires care and maintenance. Neglecting your septic tank and not treating your septic tank properly can result in costly and distressing repairs. Therefore, it is important to know where your septic tank is located, how it works and how you can take better care of it.

(Editor’s note: This information was provided by GREENWorks Ideas for a Cleaner Environment, a publication of the New Hampshire Department of the Environment. For more information call 603-271-3710.)

You might also like

Comments are closed.