Buried septic tank? Start with records and access

If you do not know where the tank or lids are, tell the septic company before booking. Existing plans and service records can help; the location and access still need to be checked on the property.

Published September 15, 2026

Look for the last useful record

A prior service report may describe the tank location or the work needed to reach its lids. The approved septic plan can also give the provider a starting point. Yavapai County offers a route for researching septic permits and site-investigation records.

Find the county’s septic-record request information

Locating and uncovering are different tasks

Ask whether the appointment includes finding the tank, exposing buried lids and pumping, or whether these are separate services. If access has changed since the last visit, describe what changed: a fence, landscaping or new paving can matter to the proposed work.

Keep the access conversation practical

Share the records you have and identify gates or other visible obstacles. Let the provider determine where its equipment can safely go. The EPA advises keeping vehicles off the drainfield; an open patch of ground is not automatically a place to park a truck.

EPA: protecting the drainfield

A local locating option

D&S advertises tank locating, buried-lid dig-ups and camera inspection of accessible lines. Ask which of those tasks your appointment includes before arranging pumping or repair.

Compare pumping quote details

A local service option

  1. Featured provider

    D&S Septic Solutions

    Ask D&S about tank locating

    D&S handles septic service and related access or excavation work across Yavapai County.

    Ask D&S about tank locatingCall D&S Septic Solutions

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D&S Septic Solutions is a marketing client of Reavis Digital, which publishes this guide.