How to Determine If You Have a Septic System

Quck answer

A septic system is a wastewater treatment system commonly used in rural areas. To determine if you have a septic system, look for these signs:

1. No access to a public sewer: If your property is not connected to a municipal sewer line, it is likely you have a septic system.

2. Manhole covers or inspection ports: Septic systems usually have access points for routine maintenance and inspection.

3. Drainage field or leach field: A septic system will have an area where wastewater is dispersed and absorbed into the ground.

4. No monthly sewer bills: If you don’t receive a bill for sewer services, it indicates that you have a septic system.

5. Local regulations: Check with your local health department or building department to see if septic systems are common in your area.

Remember, proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and functionality of a septic system.


It may not be a topic that crosses your mind often, but it is important to know the type of waste system you have on your property. Whether you are connected to a neighborhood sewage network or have an independent septic system, there are several signs that can help you determine if you have a septic system.

Step 1

Consider the location of your residence. The physical location of your home plays a significant role in identifying the type of waste system you have. If you live in a city, town, or subdivision, it is highly likely that your waste system is connected to a sewer system that serves the entire neighborhood. The sewer system is connected to a network of pipes that lead to a sewage treatment plant. On the other hand, if you live in a rural area with considerable distance between you and your neighbors, it is probable that you have a septic system.

Step 2

Take a walk around your yard and look for an elevated area of grass on one side of your house. A noticeable sign of a septic system is a domed section beneath the grass. The size of the elevation will vary depending on the size of your house and the number of toilets you have. It may not be a drastic hill, but rather a slight rise of up to one foot above the yard.

Step 3

Survey your street to find sewage access ports or manholes. The presence of these indicates that you are connected to a sewage system, eliminating the possibility of having a septic tank.

Step 4

Contact the appropriate branch of your local government that handles land-related matters, such as the registry office or assessment bureau at the city level. By providing your name, address, and property location, a clerk at the office can provide you with specific information about your property.

Step 5

Get in touch with a licensed real estate agent and inquire about your property. They can often access a database to determine if your property is connected to a sewer system or has a septic tank.

Step 6

Reach out to a septic pumping service in your area and inquire about the prevalence of septic systems in your street. If the previous owner of your home or your neighbor has a septic system, they may have used the same septic pumping service in the past.

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