Before you start any project in your yard—whether it’s planting trees, installing a fence, trenching, running a drain line, adding a building, pouring a concrete slab, installing a patio, or even putting in a pool—there’s one critical step that should never be skipped: locating your septic system.
Failing to identify where your septic tank, drain lines, or other underground components are before breaking ground can cause serious damage and lead to expensive repairs, sewage exposure—and with a high chance of hitting a septic component during digging, the risk is greater than most homeowners realize. Here’s why locating your septic system is essential before any type of yard disruption.
Why It Matters
Your septic system is a vital part of your property’s plumbing infrastructure, and it’s buried underground. Disturbing any part of it without knowing where it is can disrupt wastewater treatment and require costly remediation.
What Can Go Wrong?
- Cracked or Collapsed Septic Lines: Drain field lines are often only 6” below the surface. Trenching, digging footers, or driving anything into the ground without knowing where these lines are can crush or puncture them, causing system failure.
- Punctured or Damaged Septic Tank: Septic tanks can be damaged by digging too close or driving over them with heavy equipment. Cracks can lead to leaks and structural failure—requiring expensive excavation and replacement.
- Compacted Soil Over the Drain Field: Adding concrete, a patio, a shed, etc over a drain field can compact the soil, restricting the ability of wastewater to filter properly. This causes backups, odors, and system overload, which leads to replacement.
- Blocked or Damaged Components: Adding a pool, outbuilding, or underground piping in the wrong location can interfere with your septic system’s layout or access, potentially damaging pipes, disrupting flow, or compromising the treatment process.
- Contamination and Health Hazards: Broken septic lines or tanks can result in raw sewage leaking into your yard or groundwater, posing major health risks to people and pets, and potentially affecting nearby wells and water sources.
- Code Violations: Many counties, including those in North Carolina, require permitting and inspections for work around septic systems. Damaging or altering a system without approval can result in forced repairs or system replacements.
Common Yard Projects That Can Damage Septic Systems but Not Limited To:
- Planting trees or shrubs
- Installing fences or posts
- Trenching for irrigation or drainage
- Running electrical or water lines
- Adding detached buildings, sheds, or garages
- Pouring patios, decks, or concrete pads
- Installing in-ground pools or spas
How to Locate Your Septic System
- Schedule a Septic System Locate: Hire a licensed professional to locate and mark your tank, drain field, and any pump or distribution boxes. This protects your system and ensures compliance with local health department regulations.
- Mark the Area Clearly: Use flags, spray paint, or barriers to clearly identify the system boundaries. Make sure anyone working on your property knows to avoid these areas.
- Plan Projects Accordingly: Work with contractors who understand septic systems and are willing to adjust their plans to avoid interference.
Protect Your Investment
At Creech’s Plumbing & Septic, we provide expert septic locating services to ensure your property improvements don’t turn into costly septic disasters…don’t dig blind!