Protecting the septic tank is important for the health and safety of your property. It’s crucial to make sure the septic tank on your property doesn’t get run over by a truck. Why does running over a septic tank present a risk?
Driving over the septic tank puts too much pressure on the system. This can restrict the airflow and cause damage to the system. The extra weight could lead to the septic tank collapsing. Driving over a septic tank during wet conditions could also cause a shift in the ground. This is very dangerous to the septic tank.
Do you have a septic tank on your property? If so, have you thought about how you’re going to keep it protected? Today, we’re going to cover some of the most efficient ways to keep a septic tank protected from a runover or other accident involving a vehicle. Read on to learn more.
Is It Ever Okay to Drive a Truck Over a Septic Tank?
You should never drive a truck over a septic tank. This also applies to cars, recreational vehicles, and other types of heavy equipment. When a vehicle drives over a septic tank, it compacts the soil on top of it.
So, why is this a risk? As the soil compacts, it causes damage to the pipes and tank of the septic system. It also restricts the airflow in the area, which can lead to a number of problems.
While we’re on the subject, it’s not just trucks and vehicles you need to keep off of the septic tank. You should avoid placing any type of heavy structure over the top of the system. The problem is, there’s no set weight limit for what the septic tank can handle. This is why property owners need to use their own discretion.
If you’re planning on building a structure on your property, you will want to avoid the area where the septic tank is buried. The weight of any building is too extreme for the septic tank. This is why it’s important to make sure the septic tank is installed in an area with little to no traffic.
Can You Drive Over a Septic Drain Field?
It’s not a good idea to drive over a septic drain field. This is why it’s important to know where all the key components of the septic system are located. You will want to make sure that nobody drives over or parks on top of this area.
It’s not just trucks and heavy-duty equipment that are the problem. Even smaller vehicles, like cars and ATVs, can put stress on the system. This leads to early wear and tear, among many other problems.
Driving over a septic drain field can put the system in jeopardy. Now, you don’t have to panic if you’ve recently driven over. Doing so once in a while shouldn’t cause any problems. However, if the field gets driven over regularly, long-term damage is much more likely to occur.
How Do I Stop Trucks from Driving Over My Septic Tank?
Now that you understand why you shouldn’t drive over the septic system, it’s important to make sure nobody else drives over it. You may be able to relay the message to personal visitors you invite to your property. However, that doesn’t send a clear message to workers, like oil delivery trucks, pool water trucks, or other vehicles that may come onto your property.
Here are some ways you can ensure that nobody drives over the septic tank.
1. Flag the Area Where Septic Tank is Buried
You can flag off the area where the septic tank is buried to prevent people from driving on it. This way, you won’t have to worry about touching base with every vehicle that comes onto your property.
One of the most common ways to do this is with the flag system. Placing specific colored flags in an area signals what’s underneath the ground. Green flags symbolize sewer and drain pipes. This is a great way to mark off the area while getting the message across.
There are several other ways you can do this. How you choose to do this will depend on where the septic tank is located on your property. You can block it off with ropes or a small fence. You can also flag the area with a “do not enter” sign or a sign with a similar message.
2. Position Septic Tank in Area With Minimal Traffic
Choose an area where people are less likely to drive over it when you’re planning to have a septic tank installed. This is something you should consider if you have a large property.
Take a look at where the high-traffic areas are located. Some things to consider are:
- Where do oil delivery, pool water delivery, and other large trucks you’ll need to come to the property drive? Make sure they have a clear area to do their job without interfering with the septic tank’s setup.
- Are you planning on building any structures on the property? Make sure the septic tank is located away from the area you want to build on.
- Will there be an RV parked on your property? Consider where you plan to park this or other large vehicles.
3. Run Sewer Line Under Driveway (If Necessary)
Sometimes homeowners have no other option than to run the sewer line under their driveway. Always use appropriate materials to protect the sewer line if you need to do this. You should also ensure that the sewer line is installed deep and below a protected trench.
So, what is the best material to protect the sewer line from damage? The best thing to use is sand. Make sure the pipes are installed on a bed of sand and then cover the pipes with sand for protection before burying them.
What Should I Cover My Septic Tank With?
One thing homeowners hate about their septic tank is how it becomes an eye sore. Even though the tank is buried underground to be safe, the lid is above ground so it can be accessed. You will need to cover the septic tank with something you can easily move.
Most homeowners prefer something that looks natural. This way, the septic tank will blend in with the natural surroundings. So, what should you cover your tank with?
- Paver stones
- Decorative rocks
- Flagstone
- Bricks
Some homeowners will use pea gravel or mulch. This is a very aesthetically pleasing look. However, it can be a time–consuming task to remove all of them when you need to access the septic tank.
Is there something you think will look good that we didn’t mention today? Go ahead and place it over the lid. As long as what you use is removable and not a heavy-duty weight, you can use it.
Conclusion
You shouldn’t drive over a septic tank. This can cause damage to the septic tank system and the property. If too much damage has been caused underground, it could collapse. You should also avoid driving over a septic drain field.
We suggest marking the area if you’re worried about other vehicles driving over the septic tank. It’s also a good idea to have the septic system installed in an area where there’s limited traffic.
Ruben has a diverse background in the home services industry, with experience running a construction company, a kitchen and bath showroom, and a moving and relocation company. This breadth of experience has provided him with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various areas of home improvement in general and specifically in the heating and plumbing niche.