If you recently purchased a new home and are wondering where the septic tank is located, then you may have a bit of a puzzle on your hands. While it would be nice if septic tank locations were marked in some obvious way, often new homeowners need to do a bit of sleuthing around to find them. To this end, here are some tips to help you locate the septic tank on your new property so that you can have it serviced and avoid damaging it if you re-landscape your yard in the future:

Tip: Look for a Lowered or Raised Rectangular Area in the Yard

Since your new home's septic tank is likely rectangular in shape, you will often see a raised or lowered rectangular area just above the tank. This is due to the ground settling over the tank or the hole above the tank having been refilled by a bit too much dirt. If you see a rectangular area, then you have likely located the septic tank.

Tip: Look for a Rectangular Area of Excessive or Less Grass Growth

If the previous owner of your home planted grass over the septic tank, then you will likely see a rectangular-shaped area where the grass hasn't grown as well, or, if the tank is leaking, then an area with excessive grass growth. 

Tip: Look for Unusual Stones or Wooden Stakes That Don't Go with the Rest of the Landscaping

If you see a unique stone or even a wood stake somewhere near your home, this may be the location of the septic tank. Many homeowners will mark their tank's location in this way. Look around the perimeter of your home and see if you can find any landscaping objects that look out of place.

Tip: Look for Electrical Boxes or Large-Diameter Pipes Protruding from the Ground

Finally, if your home's septic system uses a mounded tank configuration, then you may find an electrical box or venting pipe near the location of the septic tank. If you find one of these two things, then you will be able to use the other clues above to locate the septic tank. If you are still unable to locate it, a local septic maintenance company can come out and send down a beacon that will make noise under the ground when it hits the tank. By tracing this noise, the contractor will be able to definitively locate your new home's septic tank.