DIY guideSeptic system

Sewer or septic? How to tell

Check your bills, see which way the drain pipe leaves, and look for a tank lid in the yard: know where your drains go before anything backs up.

5 steps

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A sewer charge on your water or tax bill means city sewer. No sewer charge, and a well, usually means septic.
In the basement, find the big drain pipe and see which way it leaves the house: toward the street, or out to the yard.
Walk the yard on that side: one or two round lids or a low cap in the grass, often a few steps from the house.
The seller's papers, the town office or a neighbour can confirm it. Write down what you have, and where the tank is.
Never lift a septic lid or lean over an open tank: the gases in it can kill. To find, open or pump the tank, ask Handyman for a septic pro.

Handyman says: Leave the lid on. I'll find a septic pro.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.