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Records to Check Before Covering

Where to find plans and notes that prove what lies beneath the dirt.

The Paper Trail

Before you dig or cover, consult these documents to find hidden risks:

  • County As-Builts: The official diagram of where your septic system was actually installed.
  • Home Inspection Report: From when you purchased the home; often lists locations of cleanouts and main shutoffs.
  • Property Survey: Shows utility easements where you legally cannot build permanent structures.
  • Irrigation Map: Sometimes provided by the installer, showing valve locations and pipe routes.
  • HOA Guidelines: May have restrictions on altering grading or drainage paths.