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Top 5 Things We Find Built Over Septic Tanks
“Why would they do that?”
That’s the question we often don’t know the answer to. Often homeowners build over their septic tanks. Sometimes because they don’t know where the tank is, sometimes they don’t even know they have a septic tank. But other times, the added structure is planned to be over the tank, and at least those are usually accessible. Here are the top 5 things we find built over septic tanks.
- Decks. This is all too common. Some homeowners have made hatches where the boards can be removed for access, while other times we find the support beams placed right on top of the septic tank lids.
- Patios. Yep, this happens often as well. Concrete pool patios, patio extensions, flagstone patios, crushed granite sitting areas, etc.
- Landscaping. Whether its beautiful lush plants or flowers, landscaping rock, mortared rock edging, sprinklers or drip hoses, we’ve seen it all!
- Driveways & Sidewalks. Even custom-built homes are not exempt from this category. Often times, the owner or builder is not aware that there may be two access lids on the tank, so they leave only one accessible.
- Room additions. Bedrooms, sun-rooms, guest houses and more. Not only is this a problem for tank access, but typically the system is not under-sized.
While there are setback requirements, they aren’t always followed after the septic systems installation inspection. We have methods that can locate tanks under concrete, decks, room additions, etc. If you don’t know where your septic tank is with 100% certainty, call use to locate it before you build. One call could save you a lot of headache and additional expense down the road.