There must be a better way

[RobertN]

Did you get the "As Built" plan from the county?

We were not sure where the tank was for our Granny flat. We went to the county office and got that "As Built" paperwork. It made finding the tank real easy. We wanted to put up a wall, and were more concerened with affecting the leach field; it was also on the "As Built".

 

[ns_in_tex]

We don't have many basements here in East Texas. Everything is just under the slab.

This bath has a sunken tub, which may make the lines and tank a couple ft lower than normal. Then if the lines come out one wall, the field lines have to fall about 5', or if it exits the house on the other wall, either the tank is high & field lines low, or the tank has to be moved down the hill, away from the house to get to a level area for the lines.

 

[ns_in_tex]

I don't think we had advanced that far when this house was built in 79 and it has changed owners several times.
I don't think there were any required codes in this area at that time.

He does have the floor plan the house was built by, but hasn't helped us much. Maybe it is just us, or maybe the light bulb will turn on by tomorrow.

We did call the previous owner & he thought he knew about where it was, but admitted he had never done anything to it or had actually seen it. He couldn't remember where he got the info he thought he knew.

 

[Lucky1]

If you look above where the waste pipe goes thru the basement wall you will probably find the distance from the out-side wall marked on one of the joist. I have installed quiet a few and I have never seen any in this area that have not been marked. Good luck.

 

[midlf]

The drain location is a good way to start. On our place it would not get you anywhere close. Ours heads out heading straight south, tank is about 15' south of the wall BUT 20' feet to the west. Fortunately The previous owner knew where it was for the sale pump and inspection. Now we have a concrete stepping stone with a bird bath on it to mark the spot. The county was not any help as they said we would have to have the name of the original owner, or the builder, they weren't sure, and the year and month the permit was issued for them to find it.

 

[RedRocker]

Basements are rare things in Texas, slab foundations seem to be the norm.

 

[gates]

Neal,
They make pipe locators for this problem. You put an electric pulse on the line and use a receiver to trace it. It works kind of like a metal detector. You will be able to trace out the line and ultimately the tank. If you have a plastic pipe you can insert a drain cleaning snake or a fish tape and do the same thing. You should be able to go to a rental shop and get one.

Ron

 

[ns_in_tex]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( should be able to rent one )</font>

Thanks for the info.
I am hoping a friend will have access to one. Should find out today.

I never thought about being able to rent one, but if necessary, I will try.

 

[LBrown59]

Bet you won't make the mistake of covering it up again;that is if you ever find it.

Good luck on your quest.

 

[goneandbrokeit]

In some cases talk to the nieghbor can do more than give luck. I was sitting in my neighbor's garage shooting the bull when we see the fellow who had just purchased the house on the other side doing the re-bar thing.
My friend says wonder what he is doing ( as a retired plumber he darn well knew and was testing me). We walk over and start up a conversation, sure enough he is looking for his cesspool. Not gonna find it that waythe plumber says...I saw them put it in and then plop the mobile home right over it. Sure enough the cesspool was underneath the pad, bet the real state agent didn't tell them that!