One of the best ways to locate a septic tank is to simply go for a walk around your home. Septic tanks can commonly be spotted by looking for signs of a large buried object in your land. A probable indicator would be a large divot or hill, which often occurs when the initial hole dug for a septic tank is too large or small, respectively.

There are a few spots where you don’t need to search. Typically, a septic tank won’t be installed under or near a well water system, and they’re rarely buried under paved surfaces, like patios, sidewalks, or driveways. You can also rule out areas close to any major landscaping or yard features, such as a pool.