So long as the fence posts do not hit the septic lines, it will not be a problem. The only other consideration is access if you need to have the septic tank pumped out. A company that provides that service should be able to tell you how close their truck would have to get.
However, with an accurate blueprint that indicates where the pipes are installed, it is possible to put up a fence around the septic field or even running through the septic field.
Grass is the ideal cover for drainfields. Grasses can be ornamental, mowed in a traditional lawn, or in an unmowed meadow. Or, you can try groundcovers and fems. The key to planting over the drainfield is to select shallow-rooted, low-maintenance, low-water-use plants.
You are not supposed to build or drive (creates compaction problems) over any part of a septic system. A septic system drainfield allows liquids to settle down into the ground and sewer gases to filter up through the soil.
How Much Weight Can a Leach Field Hold? While you should consider all of the factors above, many professionals believe that the maximum weight for a leach field is around 10,000 pounds.
Best Practices for Mowing Near a Septic System
We advise establishing a zone over and extending at least 10 feet around your drain field where you only plant grass and no heavy machinery rolls over it. This area should also be free of any trees or shrubs with extensive root systems.
Typically, the drainfield consists of three to five trenches that are 18 to 24 inches deep, up to 100 ft long, with a perforated pipe in 12 to 18 inches deep gravel covered by 12 inches of soil.
Plants over a septic field can help to prevent erosion and suck up excess moisture from the drain field. 1 The best types of plants are grasses, groundcovers, and some shallow-rooted shrubs and trees.
Your pool should be far enough away that it doesn't interfere with septic cover access or block the truck from reaching your cover. In-ground pools can't be built over the pipes leading to your septic tank, which makes this process crucial for avoiding disasters.
In short, the answer is no — the generally accepted advice is that you shouldn't be building a deck on your septic tank. If this was your original plan, it's best to go back to the drawing board to see if there's another option.
In addition to the potential contamination from pathogens, crops grown above your drainfield may also be exposed to household chemicals that are still present in effluent before it filters through the drainfield. Many of these are not safe for your septic system, let alone safe for human consumption.
Since septic tank drain field pipes are just a few feet below ground, they're vulnerable to things happening above ground. Don't build heavy sheds, decks, or patios above the leach field, and avoid driving stakes or poles into the ground near leach lines.
A properly designed, installed and maintained field will need to be replaced once every 15 to 30 years. If the field is not designed and constructed adequately or receives poor maintenance, it may need to be replaced before the 15 years.
Plant grass or keep existing native vegetation. These are the best covers for your drainfield. Direct all surface drainage away from the septic system. Use shallow-rooted plants (see plant list above).
Most septic tanks need to be 5 to 10 feet from buildings. Leach fields, which are typically installed adjacent to the tank itself, should be 10 to 20 ft from any structure.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, a leach field typically refers to the specific area where effluent is discharged into the soil, whereas a drain field encompasses the entire system of pipes and distribution components involved in wastewater dispersal and treatment.
Tat's not a good idea. You wouldn't have access to the area for necessary septic tank pumping in Petaluma, CA and there are other reasons to avoid doing just that.
Household wastewater is treated by a septic system before it filters into the soil. Recycled water from a septic system can help replenish groundwater supplies; however, if the system is not working properly, it can contaminate nearby waterbodies.
Shield Your Field: Don't: Park or drive on your drainfield.
In general: Your septic tank and leach field should be 100% within your property line, so putting a fence on the outside edge of your property won't be a problem as you won't hit either the leach field or the septic tank. If you want to run a fence through the leach field, beware!
Generally speaking, septic drain lines are buried between 18 and 36 inches underground, and the pipes are surrounded by gravel and sand to aid in the filtration and water treatment process.
In general, the EPA discourages building on septic drainfields, but there are a few things you can do that are generally considered safe. These can include open-air kennels for pets, lightweight swing sets, or small volleyball or badminton nets.
“The most suitable plants to grow on top of septic system disposal fields and fill extensions is grass. It is also permissible to grow flowers, but only if the soil is not roto-tilled and minimal watering is done.
Wet Or Soggy Areas
If you see dead grass and the ground is wet or soggy, especially when it hasn't rained, that's not good either. This usually means the wastewater isn't being absorbed and filtered through the soil properly, making the surface too wet – it's a sign your septic system might be leaking.