How to Find a Distribution Tank

We are getting ready to resubmit our blueprints to the Health Department. This time with only 3 bedrooms. We will be proposing to relocate our septic tank and tie it in with out current drain field. So as part of the submission we have to locate our distribution tank (totally uncover it so the inspection can lift the lid) and diagram the drain field. So Brian, my brother, came over this afternoon to find the distribution tank.

Step 1: Find the edge of the septic tank and the pipe that leads to the distribution box.

Step 2: Follow the pipe by poking a metal rod through the ground every couple inches making sure that you hit the pipe. Mark the pipe line with red paint so that this process doesn't have to be repeated!

Step 3: Dig until you find the distribution box. The distribution box is where all the sewage water is disbursed to the drain field. It is helpful to have a niece for a cheerleader! Her constant chatter and directives will keep you amused. I think she told Brian at one point to cut a particular tree down and put it on the garage roof! hmmm...

Step 4: Open up the distribution box. The hope would be to see where the pipes are running. When we opened up the cracked lid our box was full to the brim of dirty looking water. I wonder if that's a problem? I'm afraid we just opened a big can of worms. Can the Health Department tell us that we have such a crappy (no pun intended!!) system that they demand that we get a new one? Even though ours seem to work for us? Only time will tell.