Patio over septic piping?

last year

Hello!
We’d like to add some kind of patio to our backyard. The issue is our septic location.
“C” on the diagram is where we need to access to pump it. The green is the area we’d generally like the patio.

Most of the guys I’ve had quote a patio paver over the septic piping say it won’t be an issue. I’m concerned about WHEN we need to replace/fix/etc. Common sense seems like way too much money to spend on a patio when it’ll eventually need to be ripped up.

We were also looking at Barrett outdoor livings insta deck. Has anyone used that? Would love any input!

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Comments (7)

millworkman
last year
" We were also looking at Barrett outdoor livings insta deck. "

Never heard of them but if something sounds too good to be true it usually is.
jackowskib
last year
Maybe inquire with the septic tank service professional for helpful advice.
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cecily 7A
last year
I'm wondering how old your system is?
PRO
Norwood Architects
last year
You will, of course, need to leave the access point to the septic tank uncovered by your deck to allow for pumping as you said. That will have to be incorporated into the new deck which shouldn't be a problem. Should you ever need to replace the septic tank any existing decking over it will need to come up too. Ordinarily septic tanks don't need to be replaced (in my experience) as all they really are is a big concrete box. Is someone regularly pumping your tank out now? If so, speak with someone at that company to get their opinion. Good luck!
Michelle Wright
Original Author
last year
Yes, we have it pumped every 2 years. Our system is old. But at the last pump they said it could last another 15 years.
I’ll ask them about decking above it!
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
last year
There are multiple types of septic systems and not all are "big concrete boxes". Many are just large plastic or fiberglass cisterns and any added weight has the potential to damage their successful operation. In most cases, one is instructed to keep the tanks and drain field free of any above ground obstacles other than planting a lawn or other low growing, shallow rooted plantings.

Before you embark on this project, check with your septic system and the company that monitors it to ensure that this is an acceptable practice. Replacing a damaged septic tank or drain field is an expensive proposition....easily more expensive than installing a deck or patio by a significant factor!
3onthetree
last year
An at-grade patio (not deck) should be based on your walk-out basement spaces, access from inside and from the decks, and the greater yard layout. With a patio you can't really cover the tank inconspicuously, so it would be better to avoid it. If you extend the deck(s), then you can have it (somewhat) over the tank because there is plenty of room under the deck to access it (height restrictions would need an access through the deck). You can even reconfigure the deck(s) to have a patio under the deck depending on what's going on with the house. In any case, you do not want the patio, or deck supports, to encroach on the leach field.

Patio over septic piping?

Comments (7)

millworkman

jackowskib

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Patio over septic piping?

Comments (7)

millworkman

jackowskib

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