Your commercial septic system is comprised of multiple components, including a septic tank, distribution boxes, drain lines, and the drain field. Knowing where all of these parts are located is crucial to simplifying maintenance and planning future plumbing upgrades. If your commercial septic system doesn’t currently have a map showing where it is, you can always get one made. Keep reading to learn how the pros do this and why it matters so much.

Reviewing Existing Site Plans and Property Records

The first thing professionals do is check the property records and original blueprints. These often include detailed explanations of the exact location of the septic tank, distribution boxes, and drain field. Still, just because a property record shows a component in a certain part of the yard, that record doesn’t necessarily mean the location is still accurate. If the property changed ownership throughout the years, there’s a chance the septic system was redesigned or expanded to meet new demands.

Visual Inspection of the Property

Next, the plumbers walk the grounds to look for surface clues. Septic drain lines often release moisture into the surrounding soil, which can make the grass right above them look much greener than the rest of the property. The plumbers may also notice obvious giveaways, like plastic caps, shallow dips, or heavy metal lids. They’ll usually walk a perimeter of the property that extends about 50 to 100 feet from the main building since this is where most commercial septic components get installed. When they locate key system components, the plumbers will note the coordinates and mark them using survey flags.

Plumbers will often use these tools to find buried lines:

• Pipe locators
• Ground-penetrating radar (GPR)
• Electronic line tracing equipment
• Radio frequency transmitters and receivers
• Septic tank probes
• GPS mapping devices
• Sewer inspection cameras
• Electromagnetic utility locators
• Metal detectors
• Sonde transmitters

Using CAD and GIS Software for Accurate Mapping

The next part of the mapping process entails putting the field findings into CAD and GIS mapping software. This takes the guesswork out of documenting the system’s layout and location. These programs are specifically designed to create highly detailed maps by transforming raw data points into precise, multi-layered digital schematics of the subsurface infrastructure.

Here are the different pieces of GPS data that get used to map out commercial septic systems in CAD and GIS software:

• Septic tank location and dimensions
• Distribution box locations
• Drain field boundaries and layout
• Underground pipe routes and connections
• Property boundaries and easements
• Building footprints and structures
• Elevation and grading measurements
• Inspection ports and access point locations
• Distances between key septic components

The Benefits of Having an Accurate Map

Having a complete map of the septic system streamlines maintenance and repair efforts. Plumbers won’t have to spend as much time searching for buried components when they need to pump the tank or locate a blockage. A map also helps you better plan your landscaping around the commercial building. All trees, plants, and shrubbery should be at least 20 to 50 feet away from the septic tank and drain field to reduce the odds of the root systems growing into the pipes and causing costly damage.

Contacting a reputable plumbing company that specializes in septic services is a smart move for getting your commercial system mapped. Certified technicians have the right high-tech tools to find every buried tank and hidden line without tearing up your yard. Contact us at Happy & Clean Septic Rescue in Muncie, IN for reliable, prompt commercial septic services.