How do I find my septic lateral lines? Start your search for the septic tank lines at the house. Trace the plumbing drain lines to the septic tank, which is usually installed 10 to 20 feet from the home's exterior. At the tank's end opposite the house, the drain line leads to the leach field.
How do I find out where my septic line is located?
Look At Drawings Of Your System You could contact your local health department to ask for drawings or blueprints of your septic system if the system was installed with a permit. All the details of the drain field should be found on the lateral lines diagram, and the layout, components, and the location.
What is a lateral line in a septic system?
The lateral lines form an important part of any septic system. They are used for both domestic septic systems and commercial septic systems. Properly functioning lateral lines are an essential element of any septic system. If they are blocked or not working properly then the septic tank effluent has nowhere to go and a system can backup and fail.
How do I find the drain field on a lateral line?
All the details of the drain field should be found on the lateral lines diagram, and the layout, components, and the location. However, if you don’t have any luck with this, you can always request a record search for your property. There should be a form called “Request Copy of Septic System Blueprints.”
How do I know if I have a septic leach field?
If you have no other information, visually trace the orientation of the pipe from the clean-out. Some drain fields have clean-outs at the beginning and end of the leach field. A wet or swampy area that never dries could be a sign of the septic drain lines.
Are septic tank locations public record?
Contact your local health department for public records. These permits should come with a diagram of the location where the septic system is buried. Depending on the age of your septic system, you may be able to find information regarding the location of your septic system by making a public records request.
Do all septic systems have lateral lines?
Septic tank lateral lines are normally required because the septic tank effluent is not treated to a high standard. A typical septic tank only has a treatment level of approximately 30%. In contract, a modern sewage treatment plant or aerobic sewage system has a treatment efficiency of >95%.Jun 9, 2017
How deep should septic laterals be?
Septic drainfield trench depth specification: A typical septic drainfield trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, with a maximum soil cover over the disposal field of 36"; or per the USDA, 2 feet to 5 feet in depth.
How do you unclog a septic lateral line?
Another tool you can use is a water jet. This flexible hose is inserted into each of the septic tank laterals and high water pressure blasts through clogged debris. Moving the hose further along the line will simultaneously unclog and clean it.
What does a lateral line look like?
Lateral lines are usually visible as faint lines of pores running lengthwise down each side, from the vicinity of the gill covers to the base of the tail.
What does a fish's lateral line do?
The lateral line is a sensory system that allows fishes to detect weak water motions and pressure gradients.
How deep are drain field lines?
between 18 to 36 inches deepLeach fields are typically located in a large, flat and open area of your yard. They can have multiple trenches between 18 to 36 inches deep, one to three feet wide and up to 100 feet long. There are typically six feet between each trench. If properly maintained, leach fields can last up to 25 years.May 12, 2020
How do I calculate the size of my septic drain field?
Drainfield SizeThe size of the drainfield is based on the number of bedrooms and soil characteristics, and is given as square feet. ... For example, the minimum required for a three bedroom house with a mid range percolation rate of 25 minutes per inch is 750 square feet.
Can you add dirt on top of leach field?
Never add additional soil over the drain field unless it is a minimal amount used to restore an area that may have been eroded or pulled up by removing another plant. Try not to be overly zealous when tilling the soil for planting. Remember that the drain lines may be as close as 6 inches from the soil surface.Mar 7, 2010
How deep is a lateral line?
A typical drainfield trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, with a maximum soil cover over the disposal field of 36 inches.
How do I know if my drain field is clogged?
Stay vigilant for five signs your drainfield does not drain correctly anymore.Slowing Drainage. Homeowners first notice slower than usual drainage from all the sinks, tubs, and toilets in a home when they have a compromised drainfield. ... Rising Water. ... Increasing Plant Growth. ... Returning Flow. ... Developing Odors.Jan 10, 2019
How do I know if my leach field is failing?
Drainfield has failed. When the drainfield fails, or is saturated with water, sewage may backup into the home. Wet, soggy areas may develop above or near the drainfield and you may see spongy bright green grass over the area. There may also be odors near the tank or drainfield.
Where are drain lines connected to a septic tank?
The drain lines are connected to the other side of your septic tank, opposite of your house. Locate the drain lines into the drain field and measure how many and how long they are. Draw your diagram. Now you’ll want a large piece of map paper and a pencil.
How to find a septic tank?
Locate Your Septic Tank. The easiest way to locate your septic tank is by starting at the septic lines coming from our house. You can follow the drain lines for your plumbing since they are connected to your septic tank. You can expect the tank to be set back about 10 or 20 feet away from the outside of your home.
How does a septic system work?
Before you begin, you need to know a little bit about how your septic system is set up so that you know where to look. Your septic system has a tank that holds the solid waste. Your liquid waste goes in through the leach field to drain. You also have a baffle in the tank that helps separate these two types of waste.
What to do if you can't locate your own field line?
If you’ve tried every method to no avail, then it’s time to call a licensed septic waste transporter or a contractor that specializes in disposal systems.
What does it mean when your septic drain is green?
Also, if there is any green striped vegetation or grass with brown grass surrounding it, this may be a sign that your lines are right below it.
How far away from the house should a water tank be?
You can expect the tank to be set back about 10 or 20 feet away from the outside of your home. On the other side of your tank, the drain lines will continue into your leach field. Look at the slope of your land so that you can locate where your leach field is.
How much does it cost to find field lines?
The amount you pay will depend on who you hire. Regardless, you can expect to pay between $100 to $300 for a contractor to assist you in finding your field lines. The price depends on the complexity of your system and the amount of time that it takes.
How far apart should septic lines be?
The lines should not be closer than 10-feet apart and no longer than about 100-feet long. A little detective work can help you find your septic drain lines so you can protect the area around them. Start poking around your yard, or enlist the help of a pro to find and service your septic system. Advertisement.
How to tell if septic drain is leaking?
A wet or swampy area that never dries could be a sign of the septic drain lines. Grass or vegetation that greens in stripes when grass around it browns can also help you spot the lines. Lack of snow or frost in a specific area during the winter may be another telltale sign. If you run hot water into your system, it can cause snow or frost to melt above the drain lines. Look for shallow depressions running parallel to each other that mark drain field trenches. If you have a deep system, which is the case for homes with basements, you probably won't be able to see natural indicators because the drain field is too deep. But if you smell a foul odor, the system is likely in need of maintenance, regardless of how deep it is.
How to find buried gas lines?
Call your local electric utility provider or gas company to locate buried gas or utility lines before digging. A septic tank probe can also help you find the location. Stick the long, thin metal probe into the ground until you feel it hit the tank and feel the edges of the tank. That can help you find the pipes leading away from the tank.
What is a septic system?
Septic System Basics. A septic system consists of a tank to hold solids and the leach field that drains the liquids. A baffle or wall inside the tank separates the solids from the liquids. The liquids disperse into the ground by a drain line that connects to perforated pipes dug into trenches and laid on a bed of gravel, ...
How far away from the house should a septic tank be installed?
Start your search for the septic tank lines at the house. Trace the plumbing drain lines to the septic tank, which is usually installed 10 to 20 feet from the home's exterior. At the tank's end opposite the house, the drain line leads to the leach field. Check the natural slope of the land to locate the leach field.
Why is it important to locate a septic tank?
Locating the septic tank on a property is important for properly maintaining and protecting the system. You don't want to pave over the area or plant trees too closely, for example. If you can get your hands on the septic tank diagram of the drain field, you have a good idea of where the pipes run. If not, you may need to try some other techniques ...
How do drain lines work?
The size and scope of your drain field depends on your home and the type of soil you have. The drain line exits the tank parallel to the intake, but individual drain lines may run perpendicular to the intake line or fork into an H-pattern or other patterns that fit the land.
Understand How Your Septic System Is Set Up
Before you start, you should have a basic understanding of how the septic system works. So that you look in the right places.
Locating the Field Lines of Your Septic Tank
You don’t want to build concrete over your field lines or grow trees near them. So knowing where they run is important.
FAQs
Question: What is the average depth of a septic system’s lateral lines?
Final Word
That was all I had to say about how to locate septic tank field lines. Hopefully, you now have a better idea of how to get it done. Isn’t it obvious? A specialist isn’t necessary for a basic task like this.
What is a lateral line in a septic tank?
Septic tank lateral lines are also known as percolation pipes. These are the perforated pipes that extend from the outlet of the septic tank below ground into the soil. The purpose of these lateral lines is to provide a network of pipes that the effluent from the septic tank runs through.
Why install lateral lines after sewage treatment plant?
Even if you have no access to a stream or watercourse and you need to install some lateral lines, you can install a smaller number after a sewage treatment plant because the effluent is much cleaner and it infiltrates into the ground much easier.
What is lateral line?
The lateral lines form an important part of any septic system. They are used for both domestic septic systems and commercial septic systems. Properly functioning lateral lines are an essential element of any septic system.
Can a poorly designed percolation area cause ponding?
A badly designed percolation area can function poorly and result in effluent ponding on the ground surface. So, before you commence any works, speak to a professional, get a site survey done and then ensure the septic tank installer you get is experienced and fully insured.
Can you install a sewage treatment plant in a septic tank?
An alternative solution is to install a domestic sewage treatment plant. If you install a sewage treatment plant in place of your septic tank then you can still have a direct discharge to a watercourse or drain. Replacing a septic tank with a sewage treatment plant is a far more cost-effective option than installing a large percolation area.
Is there a septic system in the UK in 2020?
UK 2020 Septic Tank Guidelines. After the year 2020, every basic septic tank system in the UK must have septic tank lateral lines or a percolation area installed. Direct discharges into streams and watercourses will not be permitted. So, between now and 2020, if you have a septic tank with a direct outfall of effluent to a stream ...
Is a septic tank more expensive than a sewage system?
So, while a sewage treatment system is more expensive than a basic septic tank, you save a lot of cost by not needing to install lateral lines.
How do I Find a Buried Sewer Line?
A sewer line, also known as a main line is usually buried in your yard and connected to the city’s sewer lines or septic tank if you are on a septic system.
1. Find where the Main Drain Line Exits the House
It helps to understand how your house’s drain-waste-vent system is designed. I will try to briefly explain that to you.
2. Locate the Sewer Cleanout
This is actually the easiest way to find a sewer line. A sewer cleanout is a section of pipe connected directly to the sewer line that helps you gain access to the sewer line.
3. Call Your City Water and Sewer Department
Your local city is responsible for the sewer lines running across the street while you as the homeowner are responsible for the sewer line in your property.
4. Call the Previous Homeowner
If you still have the contacts of the previous homeowner, you can simply pick up the phone and ask them if they know the location of the sewer line. Chances are high that at one point or another they had to work on the sewer line and will most likely know the sewer line’s location.
5. Other Methods
A pipe locator fed through one of the drains can be used to locate a sewer line, but that is limited to metal (cast-iron) sewer lines. If your sewer line is made of clay or PVC then this method is not going to work.
Understand How Your Septic System Is Set Up
Locating The Field Lines of Your Septic Tank
- You don’t want to build concrete over your field lines or grow trees near them. So knowing where they run is important. Obtaining a schematic is the easiest method to do this. This will show you where the drain field is so you can avoid digging or planting in that region. Not everyone is so fortunate as to be able to receive such a diagram. As a re...
FAQs
- Question: What is the average depth of a septic system’s lateral lines? Answer:Drainfield trenches are typically 18 – 35 inches in depth. With a total ground cover over the waste area of 36 inches in a typical situation. Question: Is it possible to walk on a leaching field? Answer:One well drain field allows your family to walk without the worry of meeting pools of affluent and deadly bacteria. Cy…
Final Word
- That was all I had to say abouthow to locate septic tank field lines.Hopefully, you now have a better idea of how to get it done. Isn’t it obvious? A specialist isn’t necessary for a basic task like this. That’s all for now. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can with more solutions. Best wishes for resolving the problem!