Drain field systems treat home sewage, whereas septic systems are self-contained tanks. Tanks, pipes, and absorption zones make up this structure. Maybe you've found the perfect spot in your yard for pavers, but a septic tank is there. Can you put pavers over the septic tank? We have an answer for you based on our research.
You should not put patio pavers over a septic tank. Doing so may violate local or state zoning restrictions. Septic tanks cannot sustain heavy weight. Putting too much weight on them may cause damage.
Covering a septic tank with pavers could lead to problems because you'll probably need to access the tank in the future to monitor or maintain it. Building standards have specific criteria for the installation and maintenance of septic systems. Continue reading to learn the rules and regulations for septic tanks. We will cover this subject in further detail below.
Should You Pave Over A Septic Tank?
Paving is restricted over a septic tank to safeguard the system. This is due to the volume and weight your tank can support. Your septic tank should be easy to access, ideally without requiring you to remove any pavers.
It is not a good idea to pave over a sewage tank. This includes paving for a driveway, a porch, or a tennis court. In addition to preventing direct runoff, concrete adds a substantial amount of weight, which could lead to the collapse of the pipes in the septic field.
Check out these decorative pavers on Amazon.
Other Septic System Considerations
Here are some factors to consider for your sewage system.
Avoid Gardening
The two most typical types of vegetation that cannot be grown on a septic field are shrubs and edible vegetable plants.
Even if a vegetable garden is aesthetically beautiful, harmful microorganisms can contaminate food if plant roots consume them. A raised garden is also not a good idea because the extra weight of the soil and bed supports may damage the sewage pipes.
Do Not Build
You should not install a structure over a septic field. Decks are too heavy to be put securely over a septic field. They also obstruct system access while inhibiting the establishment of grass and other beneficial flora that decrease the adverse effects of erosion.
Do Not Plant Trees
Trees and other plants with broad or deep root systems might impede septic system operation. These plants may even wrap the septic field's pipes, trapping sewage and causing flooding.
It's not surprising that these plants can compress septic system pipes because massive tree roots, in particular, are infamous for having enormous root systems that can pierce rock, pavement, and even house foundations.
Don't Set Up Play Structures
Large play structures are sometimes massive, putting pressure on the septic field and raising the risk of pipes bursting or bending just a foot or below the surface. Some playground equipment can block evapotranspiration, leading to flooding and field erosion.
Pools Are Not Permissible
Considering that in-ground pools should be dug up and built near sewage lines, this is a clear obstacle. Above-ground pools can also be problematic. Swimming pools can compress pipes, clogging the septic system and preventing oxygen from entering the sewage pipes.
What Can Go On Top Of A Septic Tank?
Knowing how a septic system works can help you protect and care for your investment. Maintaining your septic system can save you time and money and help the environment. Listed below are the things you can place over a septic field:
Landscaping
Annuals, perennials, bulbs, and decorative grasses are typically the finest plants to utilize in septic drain fields. Ornamental grasses also have a fibrous root system that helps to stabilize soil and provide year-round cover.
Outdoor Kennel
An open-air kennel is a fenced area where a dog can run freely. Any modifications to this straightforward design could jeopardize the septic field or obstruct access for crucial maintenance. Keep fence posts away from septic field pipes to avoid accidentally damaging a pipeline while digging a fence post hole.
Check out this fence enclosure on Amazon.
Portable Swing Set
A portable swing set is designed for children due to its compact size and lightweight construction. Just make sure the swing set doesn't have sizable roofed sections that would block the sun and harm the nearby beneficial vegetation.
Check out this swing set on Amazon.
What Materials Are Used For Septic Tanks?
Your personal preferences may influence the material used in your septic tank project. Concrete tanks are heavy and may give the best buoyancy resistance.
Fiberglass or plastic installations are appropriate for small families since they do not require specialized tools. The typical materials used to construct septic tanks are listed below.
Fiberglass
Septic tanks made of fiberglass are more durable than polyethylene plastic tanks because they have glass fiber reinforcement.
Fiberglass is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to install. With a fiberglass septic tank, substantial ground anchoring may be required to avoid shifting in areas with high water tables.
Synthetic Plastic
Plastic septic systems use castings made of polyethylene or polypropylene. Depending on how much water is present, the specific gravity of the tanks could make them float out of the ground.
Septic tanks made of plastic withstand rust and corrosion. The perforated or tubular design could enhance the tank's structural performance.
Check out this septic tank riser cover on Amazon.
Fabricated Concrete
Most homeowners, especially those who live in rural areas, prefer precast concrete tanks. Concrete is a long-lasting, corrosion-resistant, impermeable substrate for storing and treating household wastewater. Concrete is a common material used in modern septic tanks, making them much more durable.
How Is A Septic System Maintained?
The most prevalent reason for septic system failure is poor maintenance. Fortunately, keeping your septic system in good operating order and avoiding expensive repairs is simple. To keep your septic system functioning properly, follow the guidelines below.
Regular Inspection
Have the tank examined and drained regularly. Check and pump the tank to monitor the condition of the pipelines and the system. Former homeowners may have failed to do this.
Check out this sewer kit on Amazon.
Don't Park Or Drive Over The Tank
Take care not to park or drive over the tank or downspout. This activity might cause the tank to collapse, compress the dirt, and break the drain lines, which could reduce the sump's effectiveness.
Proper Waste Disposal
Avoid utilizing toilets or sinks as trashcans. Dumping cooking oil, home cleansers, or cigarette butts into toilets or sinks will cause the sludge layer in the tank to thicken, necessitating more frequent pumping. Vegetables, eggshells, and bones will contribute more muck to the tank.
Check out this garbage disposal cleaner on Amazon.
Reduce Water Use
Every drop of filtered or drained water enters your septic system. To prevent a water overflow, repair leaking faucets and toilets. Try not to use too much water at once to avoid overburdening the system. On a wet day, a saturated drain field may have difficulty absorbing water from multiple loads of washing.
Check out this faucet stem assembly on Amazon.
Don't Use Chemicals
You can buy oil and grease-eliminating treatments to fix a clogged drain, but they don't eliminate or lessen the requirement for septic tank pumping.
Using chemical solvents can break down substances into tiny particles that float on the tank's bottom. This microscopic grit will eventually settle in the drain field, where it may clog the pipes after drifting through the water.
Indicators Of Septic System Failure
Septic system failure can have a serious impact on the environment. It might contaminate local water sources such as wells, groundwater, streams, and rivers.
Although a properly maintained system is necessary, it can be expensive to repair or replace a malfunctioning septic system. The following are the signs of a failing septic system.
- Poor toilet and sink drainage.
- Reverse plumbing.
- The pipes are making strange noises.
- Sewer stinks in the home or yard.
- Sloppy or damp backyard soil.
- Puddle of grayish stagnant water.
- Flourishing green grass in the yard.
- Pollutants in groundwater.
Final Takeaway
You should never put pavers over a septic tank. Although sewage tanks don't pose problems with soil compaction, putting pavers or heavy concrete over a tank can lead to problems.
Septic tanks are prone to cracking under pressure because manufacturers do not include such security elements in their products. Do not pave over septic components for your safety. Hire an expert to ensure your septic system is securely installed, efficiently operated, and maintained.
For additional ideas on backyard paving, check out the links below:
15 Great Concrete Paving Backyard Ideas
Paver Base Panel Vs. Gravel: Which Is Better For Your Home Project?