- Dig a trench that’s 4 × 26 × 3 ft (1.22 × 7.92 × 0.91 m). Use either a shovel or an excavator to make a hole in the spot where you want your tank. Keep digging until the hole is 4 feet (1.2 m) wide, 26 feet (7.9 m) long, and 3 feet (0.91 m) deep.
Can you put a shed on top of a septic tank?
It is never recommended to build a structure over any portion of your septic system. No permanent structures should be built over any portion of the system, but at least in this case the homeowner can pump out their septic tank.
How close to a septic tank can I build a shed?
– A full foundation must be 10 feet from the septic tank and 20 feet from the leaching area. – A slab foundation such as a garage must be 10 feet from the septic tank and 10 feet from the leaching area.
What can you build over septic tank?
What Can You Put Over a Septic Tank? The only things that can go directly over a septic tank are decks or pergolas that have footings more than five feet away from the tank. Other structures, like concrete slabs, foundations, and even shrubbery can seriously affect the health and effectiveness of the septic system.
Can you build a garage over septic tank?
No, you cannot. The septic field needs to have no construction above it. It will stop working properly. If you want the garage where the septic leach field is, construct a new septic leach field.
Can I put pavers over septic tank?
You can’t build a paver patio on top of a septic tank, and doing so could be against the planning laws of your state or local area. Septic tanks can take very little weight without getting damaged, and you’ll also need access to the tank in the future too. You shouldn’t build a deck on one either.
Can you put a fire pit over a septic tank?
Can You Have A Fire Pit Over A Septic Tank. When you are building a DIY fire pit, you should never place it over a septic tank. Moreover, it would be best if you didn’t put it in the leach field for safety reasons related to underground pipes and methane gas.
Can I pour concrete over a septic tank?
Paving Over Your Septic Tank You should never pave over your septic tank. Although soil compaction is not a major issue for septic tanks, there are other dangers presented by placing an insecure septic tank underneath concrete and heavy vehicles. This is particularly the case for old, reused septic tanks.
Can you build a patio over a leach field?
A common question homeowners ask when building a patio is, “can you build a patio over a septic field?” The answer to this question is no. The reason for this is that the weight of the concrete in the foundation will cause too much pressure on your septic system and can lead to flooding or a damaged septic tank.
Can you put a garden over a septic field?
Planting over a septic leach field (drain field) is possible if it is done with care. If you have limited space on your property where you can garden, the leach field may be the only spot for landscaping. Vegetable gardening over a leach field is not recommended.
Can you put anything over a drain field?
To maintain the integrity and longevity of your drainfield, you should never put anything heavy on top of any part of it. You shouldn’t even drive over the drainfield, as the vehicle can crush the drainfield lines. Heavy items cause soil compaction.
Can you put hot tub over septic tank?
Installing a hot tub above septic components can cause significant damage, easily dislodging or even crushing the pipes in your septic drainfield.
How do you hide a septic tank cover?
The Do’s For Hiding Your Septic Tank
- Plant tall native grasses with fibrous roots around the opening to conceal the tank lid from view.
- Place a light statue, bird bath or potted plant over the septic lid.
- Septic tank risers and covers are an alternative to concrete and blend into green grass.
How far from a leach field can you build?
Common guidelines require at least 50′ clearance distance between a well and a septic system tank or 150′ between a well and a septic drainfield or leaching bed but you will see that different authorities may recommend different distances. Local soil and rock conditions can make these “rules of thumb” unreliable.
How big is a leach field?
The leach field is a series of trenches that may be up to 100-feet long and 1 foot to 3 feet in width, separated by six feet or more, depending on local requirements, and sometimes constructed leaving space between the original lines to install replacement leach lines when needed.
Can you move a leach field?
Yes, definitely. If you want to relocate your septic tank, the first thing you need to do is contact a certified septic system professional. The process of moving a tank can be very time consuming for untrained personnel.
Building Near and Over Septic Tanks
Posted on a regular basis In most cases, minimum setback rules imposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Equality (TCEQ) preclude the building of a new residence from occuring over any point of an existing sewage disposal system. Foundations, pools, property lines, wells, and other structures must be kept at a certain distance from the septic tank and drainfield in order to meet these setback requirements. It is possible that some homeowners will install objects such as patio decks or house additions over their systems, whether by accident or design.
Building over septic tanks
Construction of a building over any section of your septic system is not recommended. The most typical issue we see is when someone wants to pump out their septic tank but is unsure of where their tank is situated on their property. Tanks hidden beneath a hardwood deck, pool patio, driveways, or even room extensions are not unusual for us to discover and investigate. The majority of the time, this occurs because the homeowner is uninformed of the tank’s location and/or does not have a plan in place for future tank maintenance.
However, in this scenario, the homeowner will be able to pump out their septic tank because no permanent constructions should be constructed over any component of the system.
Building over drainfields
In order for the drainfield to function, water in the solids and some evapotranspiration must be absorbed. In order for bacteria in the soil beneath a drainfield to treat wastewater from a drainfield, the soil beneath the drainfield must have sufficient oxygen. However, if a permanent structure is constructed over a drainfield, it has the potential to reduce the amount of oxygen that can be absorbed by the soil and hence reduce evapotranspiration. The potential of causing the drainfield lines to collapse is a significant concern when constructing over them.
Depending on the age of your system and the restrictions of your local authorities, repairing or shifting your drainfield may need the installation of a whole new system.
We can assist you with any of your wastewater system needs, and our specialists can also assist you with your septic installation and maintenance requirements: 210.698.2000 (San Antonio) or 830.249.4000 (Austin) (Boerne).
How Remodeling Can Affect Your Septic System
Building near a septic tank and drain field may have a negative impact on the performance of any septic system, and it is easy to ignore this while upgrading a property. This is also true for people who are considering purchasing a property and intend to remodel it. It is preferable if you are aware of the exact location of your tank and drain field. This will prevent new construction projects from interfering with the normal maintenance of your system or causing damage to your septic tank. Before beginning on any big job that may include your septic system, make sure you have a solid understanding of septic systems under your belt.
Take a look at our ebook, which is provided below. It is an excellent resource that can help you feel much more confident about owning, maintaining, and renovating in close proximity to a septic system.
Building Near aSeptic Tank
What may possibly happen if you fail to locate your system? It is possible that your septic tank is in the route of a huge construction truck. It would be the least of your worries if your septic tank lid were to break. Cracks in the septic tank may be caused by the weight of building equipment on the site. It is possible that these will not be apparent soon after the event. Cracks will grow with time, however, and will pose a major structural threat over time. In most cases, a tank is clearly marked in some way to make it easier to locate.
- This will guarantee that the driver is aware of the exact location of the tank and that the tank has enough space to move about.
- In addition to causing damage to your tank, construction may prevent a pumper from entering the tank.
- This not only makes it difficult to locate the tank, but it also makes it difficult, if not impossible, to maintain it.
- If you have a deck or patio that prevents access to the tank, you may be forced to demolish the building, squandering the money you invested on its construction.
Building Near aDrain Field(Leach Field)
If a drainage field is destroyed, the expense of replacing it might be significantly higher. The most serious problem that might occur from building near a drain field is the damage that heavy construction equipment can inflict to the drain field. The weight of a large number of heavy trucks moving over a drain field will shatter the pipes in the drain field and compress the soils beneath the trucks. Compacted dirt in a drain field will impair the ability of the drain field to drain effectively.
Without any air pockets to fill, the effluent will be pushed to rise towards the surface of the soil, where it will eventually pour out onto the ground.
A few instances of how construction near a drain field might potentially result in a problem are shown below.
Problems Building Near a Drain Field
- Damage to a drainage field might result in a significant increase in the cost of the project. The most serious problem that might occur from work near a drain field is the damage that heavy construction equipment can inflict to the drain field itself. The weight of a large number of heavy trucks travelling over a drain field will shatter the pipes in the drain field and compress the soils beneath them. Drain fields with compacted soil will have less capacity to drain as a result of the compaction. The effluent accumulates in the air spaces between the soil layers. Without any air pockets to fill, the effluent will be driven to rise towards the surface of the soil, where it will eventually spill out onto the surface. Any new construction should be kept as far away from the drain field as possible. A few instances of how construction near a drain field might potentially result in a problem are presented below.
Having established the dangers associated with developing near your septic system, we can go on to discussing ways to avoid any difficulties from arising in the future. The most effective technique of preventive is to be aware of the locations of each component of your system.
How to Locate Your Septic System
Keeping track of where your system is at all times might be a challenge. A large number of consumers only get a glimpse of the entire system during the house purchasing inspection process. In the event that you still have access to your report, it may contain information on the system’s location, as well as a 2-D drawing of the system’s layout. We will provide photographs with our report in order to provide a more accurate reference for the location of the system components. The option to have someone come out and find your system is always available if you have misplaced your report.
Building near a septic tank and drain field can be hazardous, so exercise caution and use common sense while constructing any structure in the vicinity. To understand much more about having a septic system and how to properly maintain it, please see our booklet by clicking on the link below.
Raised Pre-built Shed over leachfield?
Hello and welcome to everyone. Okay, as the title indicates, I’m about to purchase and have delivered a pre-built 12’x16’shed. Unfortunately, I have only recently learned that the best position for it is directly over my septic drain field. My dilemma is that, due to the harshness of Michigan winters, I want the shed to be built on poured concrete piers and 4×4 posts that are approximately 18″ above ground level. Especially if the skids are laid on grade or on little concrete pads that you purchase, these shelters aren’t too heavy to move about.
- It would appear to me that with 18″ of airspace, I would not be preventing evaporation from taking place.
- There is no grade level water or anything like that.
- I did some research, and the consensus is that it is best not to BUILD over them, at the very least not with a slab or anything that is directly on grade.
- Thank you for any information you may provide.
Can you put a shed on top of a leach field?
Salutations to everybody! I’m about to purchase and have delivered a pre-built 12’x16’shed, as stated in the heading of this post. It’s too bad that I only recently realized that the best site for it would be above my septic drain field. I’m wondering whether it’s okay if I build the shed on poured concrete piers and 4×4 posts that are around 18″ above ground level due of the Michigan winters? Especially if the skids are laid on grade or on little concrete pads that you purchase, these shelters aren’t all that difficult to move about.
- In my opinion, I would not be preventing evaporation with 18″ of available airspace.
- Anything like grade level water was unavailable.
- When I conducted some research, I discovered that the majority of people believe that it is best not to BUILD over them, at least not with a slab or anything that is directly on grade.
- Thank you in advance for any information you may provide.
Can I build a garage over a septic tank?
Regarding the construction of a carport around a septic system Do not construct structures over or near your septic system. It will require some form of upkeep at some time. You should either reroute your pipes to the leach field or abandon the entire notion based on your sketch. Building on top of septic tanks is prohibited. Construction of a building over any section of your septic system is not recommended. No permanent structures should be constructed over any component of the system, however in this situation the homeowner has the option of pumping out their septic tank if necessary.
In addition to the front axle, the vehicle must have one or more rear axles weighing 32,000 pounds (14,500 kg) apiece and being at least 14 feet (4.3 m) apart on the back axles.
It is required that a complete foundation be placed 10 feet from the septic tank and 20 feet from the leaching area, while a slab foundation (such as an agarage) be placed 10 feet from the septic tank and 10 feet from the leaching area.
What kind of material can you use to cover a septic field?
It is also advantageous to use ornamental grasses because they have a fibrous root structure that helps to retain soil in place and because they provide year-round cover.
Can You Build Deck Over Septic Tank?
It is one of the most exciting and gratifying home remodeling tasks you can undertake to create an outside living space. A finished deck, no matter how complicated or basic, is a wonderful location to spend time with friends and family while also enjoying your house. What might put a kink in your deck-building plans, though, is the question of whether or not you can build a deck on top of a septic tank. Although it is possible to construct a deck over a septic tank, this does not automatically imply that it is a good idea.
Creating a deck over a septic tank requires careful planning and execution.
In this article, you’ll discover the fundamentals of installing decks over septic tanks, as well as the dangers and construction codes related with these projects, allowing you to determine whether or not this is a good idea for your home or not.
Can You Build a Deck Over a Septic Tank?
It is feasible to construct a deck over a septic tank, but it is not necessarily a smart idea. There are a variety of factors that should cause you to stop before deciding to build your deck over a septic tank. Building a deck without disrupting your septic system is a difficult task, and you will need to be resourceful. However, it is not impossible or difficult; it simply takes more preparation and adjustment. Consider it a one-of-a-kind design challenge that will push you to be more creative and strategic in your planning!
Risks of Building Over a Septic Tank
The construction of a deck directly over the tank will make it difficult, if not impossible, to pump out the tank. The tank’s upkeep is extremely vital, and covering the tank with a wood framework makes that task much more difficult to complete. Every three to five years, your septic tank should be drained and emptied, and older tanks may require more frequent maintenance. This makes it unwise to construct a deck over a septic tank unless you are forced to do so by circumstance. It is also critical to preserve the septic lines and drain field in their original condition.
This liquid, which is referred to as effluent, drains out into the drain field and dissipates in the earth and the surrounding air.
When something interferes with the process, however, it becomes readily apparent to the observer.
Building a deck over a septic field is not recommended since it will impede the natural draining and dissipation of the effluent from occurring.
This can cause damage to the septic system, as well as the release of unpleasant odors into the air all around your deck area. The dispersing effluent can also cause the deck to deteriorate from the bottom up. There is nothing more unpleasant than sitting on a deck that smells like a sewer!
Guidelines for Building Decks Over Septic Tanks
Construction of a deck over a septic tank should be avoided wherever possible. If there is absolutely no other option, construct your deck as high as possible to provide yourself and service employees with plenty of space to work. Adding a trap door or hatch onto the deck directly will make pumping and emptying the tank much less of a headache in the long run. When designing your deck, make a note of the precise positions of your septic lines and drain field and mark them off with flags to ensure that you do not construct over them.
If your home is equipped with an old, empty, or decommissioned septic tank that is no longer in service, it is permissible to construct a deck over the tank, lines, and drain field.
Deck Over Septic Tank: Footings and Framing
If you want to build a deck over a septic tank, you should be aware that each deck footing must be at least 5-10 feet away from the septic tank at all times, depending on where you live in the world. However, doing so may result in the footings being too widely apart to allow for the construction of a structurally sound deck that complies with code. Decks that are too widely apart will droop, and they won’t survive more than a few of years if the footings are placed too far apart. If you discover that your deck layout necessitates the placement of footings that are too far apart, you might want to consider framing the deck with steel rather than wood.
How Big Is a Septic Tank?
Septic tanks are available in a variety of sizes depending on the size of the residence; for example, a two-bedroom ranch will have a significantly smaller tank than a six-bedroom country estate. The Environmental Protection Agency advises sizing the septic tank depending on the number of users and the size of the home, as well as the amount of water that will be used. The usual size of a septic tank is between 750 and 1250 gallons in capacity. This is enough to allow the tank to filter and treat a few years’ worth of water and waste before it has to be replaced.
Tanks extend approximately one foot in each direction for every 250 gallons that the capacity required rises.
Septic tanks are generally made of precast concrete, plastic, fiberglass, or steel, with steel being the least popular due to the high cost and corrosion prone nature of steel tanks.
How Deep Are Septic Tanks Buried?
Contrary to popular opinion, septic tanks are not buried particularly deeply in the ground, as is commonly assumed. Septic tanks that are dug too deeply might be cracked or collapsed by soil weight, causing the effluent to leak and soak into the soil around the tank rather than draining into the drainage field. The majority of septic tanks are buried between 4 inches and 4 feet below ground level. This is dependent on the kind of soil, the slope of the yard, the tank design, and a variety of other factors.
To determine the precise placement and depth of the tank and septic lines, which you should do before constructing a deck over them, consult a professional. This will assist you in avoiding the placement of deck footings in areas where they might cause harm.
Rules and Codes Regarding Septic Tanks
Before you begin construction on your deck, you should research the building rules in your area that pertain to septic tanks. Construction of a floating deck over an existing septic tank is permitted in some locations. In others, it is prohibited, and violating the law can result in penalties and the removal of the deck. Septic tanks, drain lines, and drain field must be positioned at least 10 feet away from building slabs, roadways, decks, and other buildings in some jurisdictions, such as Ohio.
You will never be permitted to build over septic lines or drain fields; these regulations are only applicable to construction near tanks.
These requirements apply not just to decks, but also to other types of construction, such as walls and trees, foundations, slabs, and other types of landscaping.
How Close Can a Deck Be to a Septic Tank?
If possible, the footings of the deck should be at least 5-10 feet away from the tank at all times, depending on where you reside. This might result in the deck’s size being reduced or increased in order to fit these regulations. You may use this site to gather information on septic systems at the state level. Consult your local building codes or chat with a professional plumbing contractor or house inspector to have a better understanding! If your municipality permits footings closer than 5 feet to the tank, it is still advisable to maintain the deck footings at least five feet away from the tank.
Can You Build a Floating Deck Over a Septic Tank?
The construction of floating decks, which are essentially free-standing wooden platforms that are placed at or slightly above grade, should not take place over an existing septic tank. The weight of the deck on the supports might cause the septic system’s ability to properly process and drain waste to become displaced and disrupted. It is possible that you may become the proud owner of the stinkiest floating deck in the city if you ignore this warning. Construction of a hybrid floating deck, which uses underground footings similar to that of a traditional deck while remaining short and distinct from the home, is a straightforward option.
Can You Build a Deck Over a Septic Field?
It is never recommended to construct a deck over a septic field. In order for sewage to flow out into the groundwater or evaporate into the air, septic fields must be built to allow for this. When you disturb the septic field, it causes backup, which causes the ground to become murky with tainted wastewater. The stink and look will be quite visible, and it is possible that the entire septic system will need to be repaired. Even if you are planning to construct on top of an existing septic field, you should properly evaluate the soil to ensure that it is no longer dripping with water.
Once you’ve determined that the drain field is not in use, you can proceed to construct a structure on top of it as if it were normal ground.
What Can You Put Over a Septic Tank?
Septic tanks cannot be immediately overtopped except for decks or pergolas that are built on footings more than five feet away from the tank’s inlet and outlet. In addition to septic system components such as concrete slabs, foundations, and shrubs, other constructions can have a negative impact on the system’s health and performance.
Conclusion
It might be difficult to construct a deck over a septic tank. It is feasible, but it is not always a sensible decision. Even if you decide to create the deck, there are a number of considerations to bear in mind. Before you begin construction on a deck over a septic tank, conduct thorough study and planning, and always keep the septic system in mind. Have you ever constructed a structure over a septic tank? Do you have any further questions concerning your forthcoming deck project? Please let us know.
Eugene has been a DIY fanatic for the most of his life, and he enjoys being creative while also motivating others to be creative.
Can You Build a Deck Over a Septic Field?
Image courtesy of Eric Vega/E+/Getty Images & Images.
In This Article
- What a Septic Field Does
- How a Septic Field Works with Structures
- What Kind of Plants and Trees Are Appropriate for Septic Fields
- What Kind of Plants and Trees Should Be Avoided
You can enjoy the outdoors in complete comfort when you have a raised deck. If, on the other hand, the greatest location for a deck is directly over the septic field, you might reconsider your intentions for enhancing your property. An effective septic drain field requires exposure to sunlight and air movement to allow liquids to soak through the soil and evaporate into the atmosphere. In addition to interfering with the two tasks, a deck has the potential to reduce the lifespan of the septic system and drain field.
Tip
For a septic field to work correctly, it requires air movement and sunlight. A deck interferes with both, making that particular location an unsuitable location for a deck or any other construction. Septic systems are a type of sewage treatment and disposal system that is commonly seen in rural and semi-rural settings. It is necessary to transport all of the liquids and waste from the home into a tank. The solids sink to the bottom of the container and liquids disseminate into an aleach field, which is also known as a drain field or aleach field.
After flowing from the septic tank into the drain field, liquids slowly soak into the soil and evaporate into the air as they pass through the system.
Structures and Septic Fields
It is not advisable to build a deck or other building on top of a drain field. A deck provides protection from the sun and restricts air movement. Even if the supports are set with care between the leach lines, you run the chance of destroying the field, which is an expensive error that affects the entire household while the system is being fixed or replaced. An additional disadvantage of a deck is that it limits access to the septic system, which includes the concrete or polyethylene tank, which should be examined every three years and emptied every three to five years.
Because of the additional dirt in a raised bed and the base of a shed, a substantial amount of weight is added to the field, which can cause the pipes to get damaged and interfere with evaporation from the ground.
Plants Appropriate for Septic Fields
While constructing a deck or other structures to the property is not permitted due to the septic field’s design, creating a wildflower meadow or lawn is. Shallow-rooted grasses and flowers absorb moisture and nutrients from the leach lines, increasing the ability of the system to distribute the wastewater into the environment and reduce the amount of time it takes. Wildflowers such as native grasses and clover that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, as well as poppies and salvias, as well as a range of other flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, improve the scenery while preventing human activity over the septic field.
Planting deeper-rooted plants, shrubs, and certain trees along the perimeter of the septic field is permissible as long as they are kept at least 10 feet away from the drainfield lines.
Make use of smaller shrubs and trees, such as crepe myrtles, blooming cherries, and dogwoods, and place them at a distance that is equal to or more than their maturity height.
Plants and Trees to Avoid
Planting water-loving plants in close proximity to septic fields is discouraged. While the roots of most trees spread out to around twice the width of the canopy, the roots of willow trees seek find water to the extent that they spread out three to four times the average root spread of other species. Beech, elm, and red maple trees are among the other species that should not be planted near a septic system, according to the EPA. Planting a vegetable garden above drain lines is not recommended, even if the field is the sole sunny location in the environment.
Furthermore, avoid growing bulbs in the drain field, since this will need the digging of holes in the overlying soil.
Things You Can (and Can’t) Put on Your Septic System’s Leach Field
If you live near a sewage field, avoid planting trees that love water. While the roots of most trees extend to around twice the diameter of the canopy, the roots of willow trees reach out for water to a depth of three to four times that of other species’ roots. There are a number of additional trees that should not be planted near a septic system, such as beech, elm, and red maple. Planting a vegetable garden over drain lines is not recommended, even if the field is the sole sunny location in the landscaping.
It is also recommended that you avoid planting bulbs in the drain field, since this will force you to dig up and fill in holes in the surrounding soil. Putting in naturalizing bulbs in areas other than the septic field will let them to expand across a larger area with no effort on your part.
YouCanPlant Vegetation That Benefits the System
Planting water-loving plants in close proximity to septic fields is not recommended. While the roots of most trees grow to around twice the width of the canopy, the roots of willow trees search find water to the extent that they reach three to four times the average root spread of other species. Beech, elm, and red maple trees are among the other species that should not be planted in close proximity to a septic system. Do not establish a vegetable garden over the drain field, even if it is the sole bright location in the landscape.
Additionally, avoid growing bulbs in the drain field because this will need the drilling of holes in the overlying soil.
YouCan’tPlant Vegetation That Harms the System
While there are certain advantages to growing certain types of vegetation on your septic field, if you plant the wrong sort of vegetation, you may have difficulties. In addition to pussy willow bushes and Japanese willow shrubs, aspen trees and birch trees as well as blue mist spireas and edible vegetable plants are examples of vegetation that should not be planted on a septic field. Although a vegetable garden may appear to be beautiful, there is the possibility that hazardous bacteria, such as E.
Raised gardens are also not a smart idea since the additional weight of the soil and bed constructions can cause the septic pipes to become damaged or even collapse.
In certain cases, these root systems can wrap around septic field pipes, causing the septic effluent to be trapped and flooding the surrounding area.
YouCanInstall an Open-Air Kennel
However, if you have a dog and want to provide it with a safe place to play without worrying about it running away, you may build a basic open-air kennel on top of your sewage field, which will reduce the amount of weight that is placed on top of the septic field. Although it should be emphasized that the roof and any form of floor that would lie on top of the grass are not permitted since these modifications would obstruct the evapotranspiration process in the grass. The most basic definition of a suitable open-air dog kennel is a gated space where the dog may run about freely.
Aside from that, make certain that the fence posts are set away from the septic field pipes to avoid accidently damaging a pipe when digging a posthole for the fence. istockphoto.com
YouCan’tInstall Structures
Construction of structures around septic fields is not recommended and cannot be done in certain areas. As previously stated, Numerous individuals have suggested floating decks, tiny shelters, and even simple gazebos to help block out the sun; however, each of these modifications poses a risk to the septic system and should be avoided. Septic fields cannot be securely constructed over decks because they are too heavy; in addition, decks impede access to the system by inhibiting the establishment of grass and other useful flora, which helps to lessen the adverse effects of erosion.
It is not always true that a gazebo is too heavy for the field, but any building that shuts out the sun causes erosion in the field, which is why even an open-air kennel cannot be covered.
YouCanSet Up a Lightweight Swing Set
Some people may consider this large field to be a waste of space, but children and pets may play freely in it without encountering any difficulties, making it an ideal location for a lightweight swing set for the kids. Because of its tiny size and lightweight construction, this type of playground equipment is often reserved for children under the age of ten. These considerations also make it feasible to put up a swing set for some outside recreation time. Just make sure that the swing set does not have any large roofed portions that may obscure the sun and cause damage to the beneficial plants in the surrounding region before purchasing it.
YouCan’tInstall Semipermanent Playground Equipment
A permanent or semipermanent play structure may seem like an excellent idea given the amount of open space afforded by the septic field, but this might result in a slew of difficulties if it is not done properly. Large play structures are sometimes excessively heavy, placing strain on the septic field and potentially bending or breaking pipes that are only a foot or two below the surface of the ground. This type of play structure also normally requires a plastic sheet to assist prevent flooding and erosion surrounding the playground; however, when this barrier is placed over a septic field, it interferes with the process of evapotranspiration, which can result in both erosion and flooding in the field.
istockphoto.com
YouCanSet Up Volleyball and Badminton Courts
It is feasible to construct a couple of poles that can support a volleyball or badminton net without interfering with the septic system, however a regulation court with the required flooring is not recommended in this situation. Even though the grass should be left undisturbed and exposed to allow the current plants to help the septic field with evapotranspiration, a basic court may be created without causing any damage to the septic system by usingrope to create a temporary barrier around the area.
It’s important to remember that a volleyball court should only contain four people at a time, which means that a full-size volleyball court that can seat 12 people isn’t a smart option owing to the additional weight that would be placed on the pipes.
YouCan’tInstall Tennis or Basketball Courts
Tennis and basketball vary from volleyball and badminton in that they often require a paved surface in order to be played correctly. If you want to pave over your septic field for any purpose, whether to create a parking area, a patio, or to establish a tennis or basketball court, you should think twice. Because of the inclusion of concrete, not only does the process of evapotranspiration become impossible, but it also adds a large amount of weight to the septic field pipes, which may lead them to collapse.
YouCanBuild a Fence
The process of installing a fence in the yard becomes more difficult in the presence of an aseptic system because you must ensure that the postholes can be excavated and the posts installed without harming the septic field pipes is completed safely and without incident. When using an exact plan that specifies where the pipes are to be laid, it is feasible to construct an enclosed septic field, or even a pipeline that runs directly over it. Just be sure you take the time to correctly plan out the exact position of the fence posts and to continue with caution when you are digging the holes for these supports.
Additionally, ensure that the system may still be accessed for maintenance when it is required to do so.
YouCan’tAdd a Pool or Water Features
Pools, ponds, and streams are all wonderful additions to a property, but they must be maintained away from septic fields to avoid contamination. The presence of ponds or streams that are too close to the septic field increases the possibility of them becoming wastewater runoff points, lowering the efficacy of the system and generating areas surrounding the residence where hazardous pollutants, such as E. coli, can concentrate. Due to the fact that they must be dug out and erected in the ground where the septic pipes are located, inground pools should be a no-brainer, but even above-ground pools can cause issues.
Additionally, the weight of the pool, especially when it is full, will likely crush the pipes and cause the entire septic system to backup.
Homeowner Guidelines for Protecting the Drainfield
The drainfield area is far greater than the septic tank size, and it is also significantly more vulnerable to damage. Because the soil above the leach lines must be allowed to breathe, any action that compacts the soil puts the system’s integrity at risk. Aside from that, there is the possibility of crushing the drain lines. You can share the following recommendations with homeowners to help them protect their drainfields:
- This region is far larger than the septic tank and is therefore significantly more vulnerable to damage. Because the soil above the leach lines must be allowed to breathe, any operation that compacts the soil puts the system’s integrity at risk. Aside from that, there is a danger of crushing the drain lines as well. Some recommendations for safeguarding a drainfield that you may give to homeowners are as follows:
Glick Gail Andrews published a book in 2000 titled Septic Tank Upkeep and Repair.
Septic System Administration. The Well Water Program is run by the Ohio State University Extension Service. The most recent edition of this article may be found by searching for “Septic System Management” on the internet.
