Digging up Septic Cover

[RalphVa]

Mine in La was only about 4-6" deep. Think the one here it about that, too. In dry weather, I can see its outline because the grass above it gets browner quicker.

I made a video just after we had all our underground utility lines marked from the street and covered where the septic tank is located. Keep the video in a fire-proof box.

Mine in La fell in while we had the house on the market. Fun. It was metal. Don't know why they put in a metal septic tank in such a wet climate, or anywhere. Put a new concrete one. No problem driving over that one.

Ralph

 

[DaveNH]

"Using two 100' tapes, you just cross those two measurements over each other and the septic cover is directly below. "

Gee, what would happen if you got the two measurements backwards?
You know, while having one of those senior monents.

Would the tank cover mysteriously move?
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[MossRoad]

Until you find it the first time, I'd go the locating rod method to find the tank, then use a shovel. If you don't know what the tank is made of, where it is, how deep it is, or what condition it is in, I wouldn't drive my tractor on it. Even if you can drive your tractor on it to mow the lawn, once you start taking dirt off it, things change. Think of a culvert pipe. Laying on the ground or even half burried, if you drive a tractor over it it will crush and collapse. But bury that pipe under 10" of dirt and it'll hold a large truck.

Now, my septic tanks are just the clay pipe type burried on end. They are about 24" across and a few feet deep. Not much danger to me if they collapse. But our drywell is about 12 feet deep. That goes and I could be dead real fast.

As for marking them once you know where they are, I, like Junkman, have measured all my lids from two corners of the house and recorded those measurements with my important house papers. I have mine pumped every two years(it's only $150-$200, cheap insurance) and this method of marking them really saves a lot off time. Also, since I don't drive over the lids and keep flower beds over them, the dirt is very soft and only takes a few minutes to dig with a shovel.

 

[rbarker]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I have a concrete tank, so I was not concerned about the weight of my BX (about 1500-1600 lbs with me and weight box).

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I doubt it would be significant in this case but your estimate is a bit low. The tractor is 1255, the loader is 430, add yourself and the weight box and you are likely around 2100 pounds.

Don't want any surprises, right! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[frank_f15]

all septics are not the same distance below groung. TAYLORTRACTORNUT told u the best way to find the dept of the cover, from there u can figure how u want to go at it.be careful tho, don't know how old your tank is, don't want to crash thro, would ruin your whole day /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[frank_f15]

all septics are not the same distance below ground once u know the diststance u can see which way is bet to uncover it.

 

[SteveH_CT]

Thanks Moss - I agree - I think I could get into some serious trouble if I start probing around with the backhoe or FEL. The septic is about 7 years old, so I'm assuming it's well engineered. My Wife to be has the number of the fellow that installed it. I think I'll start there and see if he has some details that will point me in the right direction.

Thanks again to everyone for your advice.

 

[kevincook]

Does the septic tank have a vent? My tank has a p-trap and vent just before the pipe enters the tank. If you measured down to the bottom of the p-trap, you could estimate the top of the tank would be about 12" less than this.

My tank top is down about 30 inches so I had the pumping guy install risers for the covers so they are only about 4-6 inches below grade now. Much easier to uncover when needed.

Kevin

 

[SteveH_CT]

I'll check it out - If the ground thaws enough this weekend I'm going to take a shot at locating the tank. Right now we still have a very solid cover of snow - man oh man am I ready for spring!

 

[disk_drive_eng]

Good advice above. In addition, the county or city health or building dept. should have on file a copy of the septic plan showing approximately where the tank is in relation to the house. May not be exact but will get you within striking distance. (sorry if this was already discussed)