Septic tank locating and risers in the Phoenix area

A contractor can find a lost septic tank and install a riser that brings the access up to ground level, so nobody has to dig up the lid at the next pump-out.

Call (480) 542-8315 Request service

Finding your tank

1. Check the county records. Maricopa County's online septic system search shows the records it has for permitted systems, which can help narrow down where the tank is.
2. Look for clues in the yard. A cleanout pipe near the house, a concrete or plastic lid, or a patch of ground that looks different can point the way.
3. Have a contractor locate it. They can probe for the tank or trace the line from the house to find it without digging up the yard.

Why add a riser

• Future pump-outs and inspections are faster, since nobody has to dig
• You always know where the access is
• A secured lid at ground level is safer than an old lid hidden under a few inches of dirt

What the job involves

The contractor digs down to the tank opening, attaches a riser that's sealed to the tank, and finishes it with a secure lid at or just above grade. It's a natural job to pair with a pump-out, since the tank is already open.

Reviewed by August Heckmann. Last reviewed October 9, 2026. How we check our information.