The main issue is access. You can build anything over your septic tank as long as you don't cover the access of to the tank. We recommend ALL 3 access points are accessible in case you need camera searching or repair work performed.
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.
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.
Yes, you can. One caveat. Provide access to the top for cleaning. It's inevitably going to need pumping out. DO NOT slab over the drain field or distribution box. The distribution box is one of the other most accessed devices in your system. The drain field need weather to operate properly.
Building a shed over a septic tank is generally not advisable for several reasons: Access for Maintenance: Septic tanks require regular maintenance, including pumping and inspections. If a shed is built over the tank, it can obstruct access, making it difficult or impossible to service the tank when needed.
When you are going to build a deck or patio, there are certain permits you will need to get and, legally, you can't put a patio over a septic system. That would leave no access for repairs and maintenance and the whole patio would have to be taken up before the septic tank could even be accessed.
No structure may be built on top of any portion of a septic system. A setback of 10 feet is required between any structure and the septic tank, and 20 feet between any structure and the soil absorption system.
Perennials and grasses (including ornamental grasses) work best around your septic tank and drain field. Their shallow root systems are less likely to invade the underground system and cause it damage. For the same reason, small, non-woody ground covers are a good choice.
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.
Ride-on mowers and other garden care equipment will not harm your leach field. You should, however, stay away from it with cars, pick-up trucks, and rubber tired heavy equipment like backhoe loaders.
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.
Don't Put Anything Non-Biodegradable in Your Septic System
Cigarette butts. Disposable diapers. Paper towels.
Finally, it's important to locate your septic tank so that you can protect it. Never place anything heavy over it, think sheds, or above ground pools, etc. It's probably not the best place to set up your kids' trampoline or swing set either.
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. Still, it's important to be cautious of what you choose to do over your leach field to ensure it's working properly.
Technically, you can (unless local codes forbid it), but you definitely don't want to. Septic tanks need to be accessible from the top to be cleaned periodically and if they ever need to be repaired, which is rare.
Are you planning a new garage, deck, or even a pool on your property? If so, you may be wondering how close you can build to your septic system, and specifically your leach field. In order to keep your septic system running properly, you should avoid building on or near your leach field.
Follow Septic Sam's landscaping do's and don'ts: Don't: Plant a vegetable garden on or near the drainfield. Put plastic sheets, bark, gravel or other fill over the drainfield.
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.
The best plants you can put on top of a septic drain or leach field are shallow-rooted herbaceous plants. These include perennials, bulbs, turf-grass, weeds, groundcovers, and more. A few examples are holly shrubs, boxwood shrubs, azalea shrubs, hollyhocks, wild violets, and spring bulbs.
How often should your tank be cleaned? In general, a septic tank should be pumped every 2 - 5 years, however, there are other factors to consider.
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.
It is never recommended to build a structure over any portion of your septic system.
Use Baking Soda
By flushing 1/2 cup of baking soda down the toilet weekly, you can help to maintain the pH balance in the tank and encourage beneficial bacteria to break down waste.
Under the right conditions, a well-designed and built septic system can sit for years with no problem. But there is also a really good chance that things have changed since the septic system was last used. And even a minor problem can turn into a big problem if left untreated.