{"id":366,"date":"2021-02-08T04:16:58","date_gmt":"2021-02-08T04:16:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/?p=366"},"modified":"2021-02-08T04:16:59","modified_gmt":"2021-02-08T04:16:59","slug":"can-you-build-a-deck-over-a-septic-tank","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/can-you-build-a-deck-over-a-septic-tank","title":{"rendered":"Can You Build a Deck Over a Septic Tank?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We recently discussed how you can build a deck over a manhole or drain, but what about building the same over a septic tank? It\u2019s one thing to leave room for a manhole cover or a drain, or make an accessible hatch, but what does the code say about building a deck over a septic tank?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a plethora of questions that may arise in your mind if you have septic tank in your backyard. Can you build a deck over a septic tank? Is it safe? What, if any, dangers does it pose and what to do if you really must build it there?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, building a deck requires that you excavate the area, add dirt, compress it, build a foundation, and then lay your decking on top. If your septic tank is exposed, we wouldn\u2019t recommend building a deck over it. If, however, it is completely underground and you are sure there is no chance of damaging the tank, you can build a deck over a septic tank, but be very <\/em><\/strong><\/em>careful. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Is a Septic Tank? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Septic tanks or septic systems are wastewater treatment structures that are normally used in rural areas. Usually, these tanks are situated at a distance from houses, but it\u2019s not uncommon to find some underground tanks near houses where there is constricted space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These tanks combine nature and science to treat your house\u2019s (or even sometimes the whole neighborhood\u2019s) wastewater flowing through plumbing systems. So, it is natural to assume that these tanks are extremely hazardous for humans, should one get exposed to the gases or water inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, septic tanks consist of a tank and a drain-field. These drain-fields are usually soil absorption fields. When sewage water flows into the tank, the organic matter is digested by bacteria within. Oily matter floats while solids settle down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soil drain-fields usually direct the water from the tank into several perforated pipes (filtered to ensure no organic matter or solids make their way into the pipes). These pipes are buried in leach fields, chambers, or other units that are designed to ensure that water slowly seeps into the soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, some septic systems use pumps or gravity to assist the water to seep through sand. Some tanks simply use the same organic matter as filters (peat, sawdust, or foodstuffs, for example). The bacteria within, again, neutralizes any pollutants or disease-causing pathogens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It isn\u2019t uncommon for most US and UK states, counties, cities, or communities to prohibit building anything over septic system tanks or especially drain fields. <\/strong>If you are looking to build a deck over a septic tank, it is usually a good idea to consult your local environmental agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dangers of Building Over a Septic Tank<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The dangers around septic tanks can be divided into two categories; one where you accidentally puncture the tank or pipes and second, where you don\u2019t. The former are active dangers while the latter are passive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to remember that septic tanks, no matter how technologically advanced they become, are and most likely will continue to be health hazards for human health. This is because of the sewer gases that are trapped within, particularly carbon monoxide (which is a result of bacteria digesting organic matter), can be fatal to humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Septic tank poisoning is actually very common. The average lifespan of a septic tank is 15 to 40 years, after which the tank itself starts degrading. When that happens, the gases within start leaking, or worse, the sewage water finds a way out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is not only a risk to human health, but also to the environment. There are several diseases that can result directly from exposure to septic tanks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n