Knowing your septic tank location is very important. Since all septic tanks require maintenance and pumping, the tank must be accessible for service. Knowing where your tank is can help you avoid extra costs for locating, and can prevent you from building or driving over it.

Here are a few ways to locate your septic tank to avoid more digging than necessary.

• Ask someone. Sometimes, the previous owner or even a neighbor might know.
• Call the permitting authority to obtain a copy of the septic layout.
• Find your cleanout between the house and the tank – this can give clues to the direction of your tank (although the tank cannot be pumped from this pipe).
• Use a probe or rod to feel under the ground.
• Use a metal detector as most tanks are concrete and have rebar in them.
• Use a flushable transmitter.
• Use a camera down the closest access point to the tank.
• Use a pipe locator to follow the sewer line coming from the stub out of the house.