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Septic tips

How to Find Your Septic Tank: Where Is It Buried?

By the Foster’s Team · October 19, 2026

A shovel standing in a grassy yard
Photo: Andres Siimon on Unsplash

A lot of people don’t know where their septic tank is. If you just moved in, or nobody marked it, here’s how to look.

Start at the house

Find where the main sewer pipe leaves the house. There’s often a cleanout, a short pipe with a cap, near the foundation. The tank is usually 10 to 25 feet out from there, in a straight line.

Check the county records

When a septic system is put in, the county keeps a permit. Many permits have a drawing that shows where the tank and field are. Call your county or check their website. Have your address ready.

Look for clues in the yard

  • A low spot or a bump in the grass
  • A patch where the grass grows different
  • Lids, risers, or a white chlorine tube for aerobic systems

Or let’s find it

We can find buried tanks for you. Once we find it, we can put in a riser so you never have to look again. We also write down where it is, so you have it for next time.

Please don’t dig blind near the house. Gas, water, and power lines may be buried there too. Call 811 before you dig.

The Foster’s Team
Foster’s Septic, Maxwell, TX

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