How to Locate Your Septic Tank as a New Homeowner - Champia Real Estate Inspections

So you just moved into a home with a septic system. Congratulations on the new place! But now someone is asking you, “Where is your septic tank?” and you realize you have no idea.

You are definitely not alone. Knowing how to locate your septic tank is one of the most overlooked parts of moving into a home with a private septic system.

Fortunately, finding your septic tank is easier than it sounds. This guide walks you through every practical method, from checking your property records to spotting visual clues in your yard.

‘And if you still come up empty, we will tell you exactly when it makes sense to call in a professional.

Table of Contents

What Is a Septic Tank and Why Does Its Location Matter?

A septic tank is an underground container that holds and treats wastewater from your home. Every time you flush, run the dishwasher, or take a shower, that water travels through your pipes and into the tank.

Naturally occurring bacteria inside the tank break down solids, and the liquid wastewater then flows out into a drain field, where the soil filters it further before it re-enters the ground.

Simply put, your septic system is doing a lot of quiet, important work beneath your yard every single day.

So why does knowing its location matter so much? Here are a few key reasons:

Routine pumping requires direct access to the tank’s lid
Digging or driving over the tank by accident can cause serious damage
A backed-up or failing system can contaminate your yard, well water, and even neighboring properties
Lenders, buyers, and home inspectors will ask about it during a future sale

In short, not knowing where your septic tank is buried creates real financial and safety risks that are easy to avoid once you know what to look for.

In fact, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, more than 21 million households across the country rely on septic systems, yet most homeowners are never told where the tank is buried or how it works.

How to Locate Your Septic Tank Using Your Property Records

The fastest and most reliable way to find your septic tank is to start with the paperwork. Before you ever step foot in your yard, check these sources first.

Check Your County Health Department Records

Most septic systems require a permit to be installed. That permit, along with an as-built drawing (sometimes called a site plan or installation diagram), is typically filed with your county health department or environmental services office.

This document will show you exactly where the tank is located on your property, how large it is, and where the drain field runs.

In Georgia, you can start by contacting your county’s Environmental Health Department. Many counties now offer online access to these records as well.

Review Your Property Disclosure and Inspection Report

If you received a home inspection before purchasing your home, go back and review that report carefully. A thorough inspection report often includes notes on the septic system’s location, condition, and access point.

Similarly, the seller’s property disclosure form may reference the system.

Champia Real Estate Inspections includes detailed system documentation in its inspection reports, which can give new homeowners a helpful head start when tracking down their septic records.

Ask Your Neighbors or the Previous Owner

If records are hard to find, consider reaching out to long-time neighbors or the previous owner. Older properties sometimes have systems that predate permit requirements, and a neighbor who has lived on the street for decades may know more about the area’s soil and septic history than any county database.

The Easiest Ways to Find Your Septic Tank in the Yard

Once you have reviewed your records, it is time to take a walk outside. Even without any paperwork, your yard itself can point you in the right direction.

Look for Visual Clues in the Grass

Nature has a way of giving things away. Keep an eye out for these common visual signals:

A patch of noticeably greener or thicker grass, especially during dry months, often grows over the tank or drain field
A slight rectangular mound or depression in the ground can indicate where the tank was buried
In cold Georgia winters, a frost-free area in an otherwise frozen yard suggests warm gases escaping from below
An unusually lush or wet area far from your garden hose can signal drain field activity

Follow the Main Sewer Line From Your House

Go to your basement or crawl space and find the main sewer pipe that exits the house. This pipe typically runs in a straight line from your foundation to the septic tank.

Most tanks are installed between 10 and 25 feet from the house, though older installations vary. Trace the direction of that pipe outside and mark where it heads.

What NOT to Do

As tempting as it may be to start digging once you have a general idea, please avoid the following:

Never dig blindly with a shovel or mechanical equipment without confirming what is below
Avoid driving heavy vehicles or equipment over any area where you suspect the tank or drain field is buried
Do not probe too aggressively in the drain field area, as puncturing a distribution pipe is a costly mistake

Tools That Help You Find a Buried Septic Tank

If the visual approach does not give you a clear answer, there are several tools available that can help you narrow things down.

Soil Probes and Metal Rods (DIY Option)

A soil probe is a thin metal rod that you push into the ground to feel for a hard surface below. Septic tanks are typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene, so they will create a distinctly firm resistance when you hit them.

This method works well if you already have a general idea of where to look and want to confirm the location without digging.

Electronic Pipe Locators

If your main sewer line is accessible, a plumber or inspector can run a small transmitter through the pipe. An above-ground receiver then tracks the signal and shows exactly where the pipe leads.

This is one of the most accurate DIY-friendly tools available, and many rental centers carry them.

Ground-Penetrating Radar

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a professional-grade tool that sends electromagnetic pulses into the ground and maps what is below the surface.

This method works well for older properties where records are missing, and visual clues are unclear. However, it is typically used by professional inspectors and comes at a higher cost.

What to Do Once You Have Located Your Septic Tank

Great news. You found it. Now the next step is just as important as finding it in the first place.

what to do once you have located septic tank

Mark and Record the Location Permanently

Before you walk away, take a moment to document what you found. Here is what we recommend:

Place a permanent marker or landscaping flag near the access lid
Record GPS coordinates on your phone or a home management app
Sketch a simple hand-drawn map showing the tank’s distance from the house, fence line, or other fixed landmarks
Take a photo and save it to a dedicated home documents folder

Check the Area for Warning Signs

While you are there, take a quick look around the access area. Specifically, check for:

Soft, spongy, or wet ground near the tank or drain field
Visible sewage odors or surfacing liquid
A cracked, sunken, or damaged lid

If you notice any of these signs, do not delay. Contact a professional immediately, as these can indicate a system that needs urgent attention.

Store Your Septic Records in One Place

Finally, add your new documentation to your home records file alongside your inspection report, permit, and maintenance history. Staying organized now will save you a significant amount of time the next time a plumber, pumping service, or inspector asks about your system.

When to Call a Professional to Locate Your Septic Tank

Sometimes the DIY approach just does not cut it, and that is completely okay. Here are the situations where bringing in a professional is the smartest move:

Your property has no permit records, and the previous owner left no documentation
The lot is large, heavily wooded, or has a complex layout that makes visual searching unreliable
You suspect the system may be older or non-standard, based on the age of the home
You are buying the home and want an objective inspection before you close
You have tried the DIY methods and still cannot find the tank

A professional septic inspection goes well beyond just locating the tank.

A qualified inspector will also assess the system’s condition, test the inlet and outlet baffles, check the drain field for signs of failure, and document everything in a written report.

Skipping this step before purchasing a home is one of the most common and expensive mistakes buyers make. Septic system repairs can easily run into the thousands, and a failed system may not always be obvious from the surface.

What New Homeowners Should Know About Septic Inspections

If you recently purchased a home with a septic system, scheduling a professional inspection early is one of the best decisions you can make. Here is what to expect from the process.

What a Septic Inspection Includes

A comprehensive septic inspection typically covers the following:

Locating and accessing the tank
Measuring the sludge and scum layers to assess pumping needs
Inspecting the inlet and outlet baffles for damage or deterioration
Evaluating the drain field for signs of saturation, pooling, or failure
Documenting all findings in a detailed written report

How Often Should You Schedule an Inspection After Moving In?

For most homes, a septic inspection every three to five years is a reasonable baseline. However, if you moved into a home with no recent inspection history, starting fresh with a thorough evaluation is strongly recommended, regardless of when the last one may have occurred.

Questions to Ask Your Septic Inspector

When was the last time this tank was pumped?
Are the baffles in good condition?
Are there any signs of drain field stress or failure?
What is the estimated remaining lifespan of this system?
Are there any code compliance concerns I should know about?

Champia Real Estate Inspections serves homeowners and buyers across the Atlanta metro area and throughout Georgia. Their licensed inspectors bring local expertise and a thorough, easy-to-understand reporting process that helps new homeowners feel confident about the systems beneath their feet.

How to Keep Your Septic System Healthy After You Move In

Once you have located your tank and scheduled your inspection, the next step is building good habits that protect the system for the long haul.

Fortunately, septic maintenance is not complicated. It mostly comes down to being mindful about what goes down your drains and staying on a consistent pumping schedule.

Follow a Regular Pumping Schedule

How often you need to pump depends on your household size and tank capacity. Use the table below as a general guide:

Household Size	Tank Size (Gallons)	Pump Frequency	Annual Water Use
1-2 people	1,000	Every 4-5 years	Low
3-4 people	1,000-1,500	Every 3-4 years	Moderate
5-6 people	1,500-2,000	Every 2-3 years	High
6+ people	2,000+	Every 1-2 years	Very High

Watch What Goes Down the Drain

Your septic system relies on a healthy balance of bacteria to break down waste. Certain household products actively destroy that balance. Avoid flushing or draining the following:

Wipes of any kind, even those labeled “flushable.”
Grease, cooking oils, and food scraps
Harsh chemical cleaners, bleach, and antibacterial soaps in large quantities
Medications
Cat litter, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products

Protect the Drain Field

The drain field is just as important as the tank itself. To protect it effectively:

Never park vehicles or heavy equipment over the drain field
Avoid planting trees or deep-rooted shrubs near the system, as roots can infiltrate and damage pipes
Direct surface water runoff away from the drain field area
Keep the area clear of structures, sheds, and garden beds

Know the Warning Signs

Catching a problem early can mean the difference between a simple fix and a full system replacement. Watch for these signs:

Slow drains throughout the house
Gurgling sounds from toilets or clogged sinks
Sewage odors indoors or near the tank area
Unusually wet or lush patches of grass above the drain field

If you notice any of these warning signs, act quickly. The sooner you address a developing issue, the less costly it tends to be.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to locate your septic tank and what to do once you find it, the next step is getting a professional set of eyes on the full system. A thorough septic inspection gives you peace of mind, a clear record of your system’s condition, and an early warning if anything needs attention.

Champia Real Estate Inspections serves homeowners and buyers across Atlanta and throughout Georgia. Whether you are settling into a new home or preparing one for sale, their licensed inspectors are ready to help you feel confident about every inch of the property.