Can’t find that missing septic tank cover? M&O Sanitation offers a septic tank locating service.

Most septic tank covers made of concrete and have a round cover. Some older systems may have a square or rectangular cover. Some have a steel septic tank with a steel cover. We use a variety of methods to locate your buried septic tank.

When it comes time to have your septic tank pumped, the first thing to do is locate the septic tank lid.  Septic tank lids are either ground level or they are buried below the surface.  Some septic tanks have one lid, while other septic tanks may have two lids.  The septic tank lids can be 18 inches or 24 inches in diameter – sometimes they are round lids, and sometimes they may be square.  If the lid is buried below the surface, one will have to dig anywhere between an inch to possibly 4 feet below the ground.

There are some “tricks” to possibly finding the septic lid location:

  • A map or diagram of the property might show the location of the septic tank and possibly the septic tank lid.
  • A high or low spot in your yard might indicate a possible buried tank.
  • Locate a 4-inch sewer pipe in your basement or crawlspace; follow that pipe outside your home – the pipe will lead you to the septic tank (the tank can be anywhere between 5 & 25 feet from the house). If all else fails, contact a professional septic service company that can locate your septic tank for you. We offer septic location services.

There are a variety of methods used to locate a septic tank lid. Your septic tank service provider would know the best option for your property.  Once the septic tank lid is located, it is a good idea to mark that exact spot for future pumping.  A large paver placed on top of the septic tank lid once the dirt is put back, is a common way to know the exact location of the lid for the next time.  A wishing well or bird bath can also be used as a marker for the septic tank lid.

locating septic tank