How can I tell where our septic leach field is?

Question

We bought this house two years ago. I want to install a semi-privacy fence between the house and garage to make the back yard more private and keep the dog in the back yard since there's a busy road out front. My husband says we can't put fence posts in where the septic leach field is, but how can we tell where it is? I think I know about where the septic tank is because there's one spot about 4 x 4 ft. where the grass looks greener in the back yard. But this is an old house and I don't know how to find out exactly where the leach field is.

Answer 1

I think you are on the right track with the Grass idea i have always found that to be true where I have had septic systems especially if it is taller than the rest and it has not rained in your area for a while.but one sure fire way of fining out is to check your paper work out from when you bought the house look at the deed it should tell you some where in the papers you signed.or you could get a septic company to tell you you need to get the tank drained out like every 3-5 years so if its time that would kill to birds with one stone.P.S I think that maybe your husband just really doesn't want to put up the fence LOL

Answer 2

one way is to locate the lid to the tank then dig around it till you find the field lines(leach) start and what direction they are going and how far down they are . then you can take a metal rod and push down into the ground and follow the lines

Answer 3

Talk to the township zoning enforcement office, or maybe the county drain commissioner.  If your county or township kept records, they should have a record of your house lot plan, and where the drain field sits.  If not, do you have an area of the lawn that stays greener longer?  The water from the septic tank will flow downhill from the tank, so that may give you a clue.

If you haven't had the tank pumped, consider calling someone to do that, and ask them when they come out where they think the drain field is located.  But that's a long shot, and it won't tell you anything about where the edges of the field are.