You not only own a home but don’t forget, you may also own a septic system. The moment you stepped in and settled into your new home, the feeling is overwhelming. Finally, you have spent your money on something that will last for generations to come. Yet in the midst of your house warming, you should not forget that there is a living organism underneath your house that helps you live a very comfortable and healthy life. Part of your septic system is your distribution box or D-Box for short. No, it’s not a dragon, a friendly pre-historic creature, or a kingdom of fairies that does you good from under the surface of your property. It is your septic system that makes health and safety possible for your household. It is only fitting that proper maintenance and care be given to this object that serves you everyday. But how do you do this? First, you have to locate the distribution box lid of your septic system.
While the septic tank and pipes should be well maintained, you really will want to know the location of your D-Box and its lid. Finding the exact location of your distribution box and its lid can pose a problem especially if you have no idea where the system may be located in your yard. It is just one of the great technicalities of being a homeowner that you didn’t seem to think as that important at the time. It seemed enough for you to know that somewhere beneath your lot is a box made of concrete that is vital to your septic system maintenance. Don’t fret. Just have the perseverance and the patience and you will find that distribution box lid. These steps can really help to locate how deep below the surface is my distribution box lid.
- Installation records should be checked
First step in your mission is to make sure that the installation records should be checked. This is pretty easy to do because every septic system installation has a permit. It should have a file in the office where the permit was obtained by the one who installed your septic system. When you find the records, sort out the diagram or blueprint of your septic system. This will show you the exact place where your septic system was installed in your property. It will definitely include the pipe routes, drainfield location, and where the distribution box was fixed into. But take note that this diagram may just be the plan of the designer or installer. The actual installation might have been changed so it may not tell you exactly where the distribution box really is. Nevertheless, it is a great way to start your search.
- Locate the field lines
Once you have the diagram, try your best to locate the field lines. The location is characterized as a level part of your yard that is large and free of any shrubs or woody plants. The smaller plants on it such as grass should be dark green, fast-growing, thick, and lush. Follow the pattern to your house. Find the intersection of the dark green grass and this would most probably indicate the location of your distribution box. Dig up that suspected area so that you can confirm this notion. It is possible that the distribution box is installed two to four feet underground.
- Use a metal detector
A metal detector could help you is you cannot get your hands on the diagram or design of your septic tank. This device could help you locate the metal distribution box underneath all that grass. Just go to the suspected area of the field lines and scan that area towards your house. Even if the distribution box is of concrete material, there is a metal re-bar that reinforces it. The metal detector should be able to pick this up.
- Use a prybar
This may be considered as your last means to find the distribution box. You could just simply drive the prybar or a metal rod into the area of your yard where you suspect your distribution box is installed. This is an invasive means to find it. Keep driving the prybar two to four feet deep into the ground until you hit concrete. Just make sure that it is concrete and not just some large piece of rock. If you are unsuccessful the first time, mark the place you dug up and start in another area. This can really exhaust you and waste a lot of time but with positive thinking, you will find that distribution lid.
Don’t worry. You will eventually find that distribution lid. What’s important is that you know that it is about 2 to 4 feet underground. This is a fair start in your effort to maintain your septic pipes.