Anyone who owns a home that depends on a cesspool or septic tank should know where the cesspool or septic tank is located. But not all properties are created equal, and waste systems could be either so well hidden they escape notice, or so obvious they become eyesores for your landscaping. While it’s simple to assume your cesspool is a few yards away from the back of your home, it’s not always that simple. Read on to learn how to identify where your cesspool or septic tank is.
Look for a Cesspool Cover or Lid
Many homes with cesspools have covers or lids that rise up out of the ground for ease of access. Older cesspools will often have concrete lids, easily identifiable by steel rebar handles sticking out of the top. Otherwise, lids might be made of black or green plastic. Either way, the openings are about two feet wide, enough space for a septic pump hose to be lowered in.
But what do you do if you can’t find an obvious cover or lid?
How to Find a Buried Cesspool Cover or Lid
In this situation, you need to be creative and have a bit of knowhow. If you have access to your home’s building plans, consult those first. You may be able to contact local government records for blueprints and find the cesspool that way. If that isn’t an option, you’re not out of hope.
Check for large dead spots in the grass. Shallow-buried cesspools and septic tanks leave big dead spots sometimes, which might be made extra-obvious if they are rectangular in shape. There may also be a dip in the flatness of the yard as well, especially if water often puddles in the same spot during periods of lots of rain. In these situations, the septic or cesspool cover is buried, or has been overtaken by weeds and dirt over time. If all else fails, you can trust the professionals and call Maui Pumping and order their septic and cesspool locating service any time, day or night.
How To Care For your Cesspool or Septic Tank
When you locate your cesspool or septic tank, mark the location of the lid to make future access easier. Be sure to get your waste management system pumped every 3-5 years, depending on household size and level of use. Be careful what you flush, wash down the drain, and watch what chemicals are in your soaps and cleaning solutions. For any other maintenance, call Maui Pumping or schedule an appointment online.
