How to Find Your Septic System: A Quick Guide for Homeowners
August 16, 2024
As a homeowner with a septic system, knowing its location is crucial for proper maintenance and preventing costly issues. Whether you're new to your home or need to find the septic tank for routine care, this guide will help you locate it quickly.
Why Knowing Your Septic System's Location Matters
Understanding where your septic system is located helps with:
- Routine Maintenance: Septic systems need regular inspections and pumping.
- Damage Prevention: Avoiding accidental damage by knowing where not to drive or plant trees.
- Regulatory Compliance: Some local laws require knowledge of your septic system’s layout.
How to Find Your Septic System
Check Property Records:
Look for site plans in your property records, often available from your local health department or building authority.
Look for Yard Clues:
- Raised or Sunken Areas: The tank might be buried under a slight mound or depression.
- Greener Grass: The area above the tank or drain field may be more lush due to moisture.
- Sewer Pipe Exit: Inside your home, find where the sewer line exits; the septic tank is usually in line with this point.
Use a Soil Probe:
- Probe the ground where you suspect the tank is, about every 2 feet. You'll hit the tank when the probe meets solid resistance 1 to 3 feet down.
Follow Drain Field Lines:
- Look for small, vent-like pipes in the yard, which can indicate the location of drain field lines and the septic system.
Consult a Professional:
- If you're unable to locate the septic system, consider hiring a professional with specialized equipment.
Septic System Maintenance Tips
- Pump Regularly: Pump the tank every 3 to 5 years.
- Avoid Flushing Harmful Items: Keep wipes, feminine hygiene products, and grease out of your drains.
- Conserve Water: Spread out water usage to prevent overloading the system.
- Protect the Drain Field: Avoid planting deep-rooted trees or parking vehicles over it.
Finding and maintaining your septic system is essential for keeping your home's plumbing in good working order. By following these steps, you can locate your system and ensure it functions efficiently for years to come. Regular maintenance will help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your septic system.
Take the first step today by locating your septic system and scheduling routine inspections. Your home will thank you!
If you need septic services, reach out to us! We now have a septic side to our business and would be happy to help! Contact our septic line at (615) 924-6732 today for more information and to get on the schedule.
You might also like
All You Need to Know About TLH Plumbing: A Top Nashville Plumbing Company
Learn the essentials of new construction plumbing in Tennessee. TLH Plumbing partners with builders to design and install reliable, efficient systems
When plumbing problems strike, they don't always wait for regular business hours. A burst pipe at 2 a.m. or a flooded bathroom on a Sunday morning can’t wait until Monday. That’s where 24/7 emergency plumbing services come in. But many homeowners in Middle Tennessee wonder: What actually qualifies as a plumbing emergency? And when should you call a 24/7 plumber versus waiting until the next day? At TLH Plumbing, we believe in educating homeowners so they can make smart, timely decisions. Here's everything you need to know. What Is Considered a Plumbing Emergency? Not every leak or clog is urgent, but some situations require immediate attention to prevent water damage, health hazards, or safety risks. If you're facing any of the issues below, it's time to call a 24/7 emergency plumber. 1. Burst Pipes One of the most urgent plumbing issues, especially during cold Tennessee winters. A burst pipe can cause significant water damage within minutes. Shut off your main water valve and call an emergency plumber right away. 2. Sewer Line Backups If sewage is backing up into your drains or toilets, this is a major health hazard. It’s often caused by tree roots, grease buildup, or a damaged main sewer line. Don’t wait — call us immediately. 3. No Hot Water No hot water can be more than just inconvenient. If it’s due to a failing water heater or gas issue, it could pose safety risks. We offer emergency water heater repair across Middle Tennessee. 4. Overflowing Toilets If plunging doesn’t work and the water keeps rising, you may have a blockage deeper in the system. Multiple clogs or gurgling drains may indicate a bigger issue. 5. Gas Leaks or Smell of Gas This is a critical safety issue. If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate immediately and call your gas company. After that, a licensed plumber should assess and repair the line. 6. Flooding from a Plumbing Failure Whether it’s a failed sump pump or broken water line, any situation involving flooding is an emergency. Water damage can destroy floors, walls, and electrical systems fast. What’s Not Typically an Emergency? While these issues may need attention soon, they can usually wait until the next business day: Slow-draining sinks or tubs Minor faucet leaks Low water pressure Dripping outdoor hose spigots Running toilets (unless flooding) Not sure? Call us and we’ll advise whether you need emergency service or can safely schedule a repair. Why Choose TLH Plumbing for 24/7 Emergency Plumbing in Middle Tennessee? We know that plumbing problems don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. TLH Plumbing proudly offers 24-hour emergency plumbing service throughout Middle Tennessee, including: Nashville Lebanon Mt. Juliet Hendersonville Gallatin Surrounding areas What You Can Expect: Fast response times , even in the middle of the night Licensed, local professionals with years of experience Upfront pricing and honest service Fully equipped trucks ready to handle most issues on the spot What to Do While Waiting for an Emergency Plumber Turn off your water – Know where your main shutoff valve is. Contain the damage – Use towels, buckets, or wet vacs to reduce flooding. Avoid DIY fixes – Temporary patches may make things worse. Call TLH Plumbing – The sooner we hear from you, the faster we can help. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late If you’re in Middle Tennessee and facing a plumbing crisis, TLH Plumbing is just a call away – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week . Whether it’s 1 p.m. or 1 a.m., our emergency plumbers are ready to restore your peace of mind. Call now or request emergency service online .
Summer in Tennessee means cookouts, long weekends, and more time spent at home—but it also means more stress on your plumbing system than you might think. At TLH Plumbing, we get a lot of emergency calls during the warmer months that could’ve been easily avoided with a little summer prep. So before the humidity hits full force, let’s talk about why summer plumbing maintenance is so important here in the Volunteer State. 1. More Water Use = More Wear and Tear School’s out, the kids are home, and everyone’s using more water—showers, laundry, running the sprinkler, filling the pool, you name it. Why it matters: More usage can uncover existing issues like leaks or weak pipes Your water heater and drains work overtime Small problems can snowball into major repairs Summer’s a good time to check for hidden leaks or slow drains before they become big headaches. 2. Tennessee Storms Can Stress Your Sewer System If you've lived in TN for long, you know how unpredictable summer storms can be—one minute it's sunny, the next you’re in the middle of a downpour. Heavy rain can: Overwhelm your sewer or septic system Cause backflow into your home (gross!) Lead to flooded basements or yards Maintenance tip: A quick inspection of your sump pump, sewer lines, or drainage system can prevent thousands in water damage later. 3. Outdoor Plumbing Gets Put to Work Think: garden hoses, outdoor kitchens, irrigation systems, and pools. Summer outdoor plumbing checklist: Check spigots and hose bibs for leaks or rust Test sprinkler systems for pressure and alignment Make sure outdoor drains are clear of debris Even something as simple as a leaky hose connection can lead to wasted water and higher utility bills. 4. Prevention > Emergency Repairs Nobody wants to call a plumber during a summer BBQ or long weekend, but that’s exactly when problems tend to show up—when your system is under pressure and everyone’s home. Regular maintenance can help you avoid: Burst pipes Water heater failure Clogged toilets and drains Unpleasant surprises on holidays or vacations A quick summer check-in can help you enjoy the season stress-free. What We Recommend at TLH Plumbing Here’s what a summer plumbing tune-up might include: Full system inspection (inside and out) Checking for leaks, corrosion, or wear Drain cleaning if needed Water heater check-up Inspection of outdoor plumbing fixtures And if you haven’t had a plumber out in over a year, summer is the perfect time to get back on track. Call TLH Plumbing Before Summer Heats Up We’re proud to serve homes and businesses across Middle Tennessee with reliable, honest plumbing care. Whether you need routine maintenance, a quick fix, or expert advice, we’re here to help. Don’t wait for something to break—let’s catch it early. Reach out to TLH Plumbing today and schedule your summer plumbing check-up. Your home (and your wallet) will thank you.
