What is a Sanitation Vault? - InspectionNews

Pat Rodio · #1 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 10:58 PM

Was inspecting a 60-70 yr old home in Collinsgwood, NJ last week, and saw this metal cover on the ground at the left front side of the house that said Sanitation Vault. It was filled with dirt and did not seem to be in use. What could it be? Part of an old septic system? well system? Drainage?

The homes on this street have been public sewer for decades.

Thanks guys!

Jerry Peck · #2 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 06:50 AM

I've heard septic tanks called "vaults" before, so I think you are probably right thinking it is (was) an old septic tank.

Pat Rodio · #3 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 07:17 AM

Okay, thanks JP.

Ralph Stakely · #4 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 01:49 PM

Size??? Could have been a below grade trash can receptale.

Pat Rodio · #5 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 03:39 PM

Ralph - True. didn't think of that one. It's about 12 inches in diameter. The lid, that is.

Jerry Peck · #6 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 05:37 PM

Pat,

Do you have a photo?

If flat and heavy steel, it is likely a septic tank lid.

If domed, light weight, and hinged, it is likely that trash can receptacle.

Recently, there was a thread with a photo of one, did it look like that one (domed and hinged)?

I've never heard those things called "vaults" though.

Pat Rodio · #7 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 06:17 PM

Flat, steel.

neal lewis · #8 (**permalink**) 02-26-2008, 05:15 PM

It's definitely for garbage. My mother lives in a retirement community in South Jersey, and every single house has one. They still use them.