Driving over a septic tank

[shooterdon]

I have an LS 4140 with cab and loaded tires. Estimated weight is 5500 lbs.

Would it be safe to drive over a septic tank buried 10” below grade?

 

[Mtsoxfan]

Lot of weight for plastic pipes running to and from. But then again, I drive 3k# over mine on occasion. My pipes are a bit deeper though.

 

[jyoutz]

Boy I sure wouldn’t drive over the tank with anything heavier than a riding lawnmower.

 

[JJT]

Don't do it. Nothing goes over my tank or leach field bigger than a zero turn mower.

 

[KCTractors]

I have an LS 4140 with cab and loaded tires. Estimated weight is 5500 lbs.

Would it be safe to drive over a septic tank buried 10” below grade?

Don't do it!!!!

 

[shooterdon]

Figured it would not be a smart move.

 

[oldnslo]

If it is a flat top tank you might be going for an unpleasant swim. If round tank they are less susceptible to collapse.

I have broken through the top of an unknown abandoned tank and it does surprise you to point of needing septic service

 

[Lineman North Florida]

I wouldn't be scared to drive over the drain field but I wouldn't be driving over the tank on purpose, most tank lids are only 2" thick.

 

[DarkBlack]

Septic tank shouldn’t be an issue if it’s at proper depth, and in good condition. I drive over mine pretty often.
The leach field is a different story. I avoid compacting the soil and possibly cracking pvc pipes

 

[chim]

Round tanks here (one septic and one pump because the drain field is higher). The pipes are a couple feet down. Drain field is PVC in a thick stone bed with at least a foot of soil over it. the only thing I don't drive over would be the concrete lids. I won't say it's the best practice, but that's what I've been doing since 1990.

 

[mrmikey]

Don't do it. Nothing goes over my tank or leach field bigger than a zero turn mower.

Same here, especially in the spring when the ground is soft and wet. I've got a small Iseki tractor that weights just under 1000 lbs, I always drive around the perimeter, never across the field.

 

[tmcj]

Agreed, typically nothing more than the zero turn or ATV goes over tank or sand mound. I have occasionally driven a vehicle over the drain pipe going to the tank without issues but typically avoid doing so. It's really not worth the risk, I can go another way.

 

[2515R Dude]

When I bought my property I did not know where my septic tank was. I used my tractor and a couple times a concrete delivery truck run over it( i found it later) no damage was done. I still run over it with my tractor when I bring cages loaded with firewood. It is a 50-60 year old concrete tank

 

[RayIN]

I don't drive over my septic tank intentionally, and it's got 2' of earth covering the lid. My Hustler commercial ZTR weigh's 1,200# and it's never caused a problem with the tank or leech field though.

 

[4570Man]

If it’s a newer tank with a one piece lid I’d have no hesitation to do it. I’ve driven my tracked skid steer over those tanks. If it’s an old tank with the 3 piece lids or an even older steel tank then no way.

 

[LD48750]

I drive over my tank but agree on trying to stay off the field.
No damage in 40 years.

 

[sixdogs]

A friend with a larger tractor and older septic system broke through the top of his tank. Worse, the loaded rear was in a hole and he couldn't drive out of it. There it sat for several weeks while he figured out what to do. It took a large backhoe to get it out and there was damage to the tractor and oil pan. Tank itself was apparently OK.

Only my zero turn Grasshopper goes over where my tank is. The same for the septic lines except a rare time or two in August with the ground extra hard.

When I mow over the septic in the spring, I go over the lines on 45 degree angles until things dry out. Driving straight with the septic lines when the ground is damp or wet increases compaction where you don't want it.

 

[stuckmotor]

A neighbor set a field on fire, the fire truck came and drove over the concrete septic tank breaking the lid.

 

[Gord Baker]

I have an LS 4140 with cab and loaded tires. Estimated weight is 5500 lbs.

Would it be safe to drive over a septic tank buried 10” below grade?

Avoid driving over your tank. Think of the consequences if it fails! Build a flower bed over it, leaving the openings accessible. Pump it out every 3 years or less.

 

[boatmoter]

I have an LS 4140 with cab and loaded tires. Estimated weight is 5500 lbs.

Would it be safe to drive over a septic tank buried 10” below grade?

I would not do it. my neighbor drives his cars over his but they only weigh out at 3400 lbs. my compact tractor weighs 1200 lbs I drive it over mine