Driving over a septic tank

[DarkBlack]

What is “proper” depth? Around here any dirt covering the top is proper depth.

Valid point. It’s going to vary by location for sure. Unless your land slopes steep from the house foundation, you need to go deep enough for the proper drain pipe slope 1/4” per foot, unless you’re using a pump. Usually you want it hidden with grass growing so you need at least 3” for that. For us in cold climate, we get better winter bacterial activity having it 1/2’ or more deeper to keep the temperature up. I guess some don’t care, and have the top right at the soil surface.
In those cases, I wouldn’t drive over it either

 

[Tx Jim]

My septic lateral domes installed in 2001 with permits & inspected by county inspector has no gravel under lateral domes

 

[dieselscout80]

My septic lateral domes installed in 2001 with permits & inspected by county inspector has no gravel under lateral domes

Mine are that way too. I’ve wondered if they had say 6” or so of gravel below them if they would be better?

 

[Locoweed]

I have followed this with some interest. My zero turn mower is having problems with one of the drive motors again & I am not going to fix it this time. Using one of the tractors with a midmount mower is my first choice to replace it. My "yard" contains my septic tanks & drain field. The tractor with mower, loaded tires & me is over a ton. Last night I tried it for the first time. All went well thankfully. This is not a recommendation, just how it went for me.

 

[4570Man]

Mine are that way too. I’ve wondered if they had say 6” or so of gravel below them if they would be better?

The whole appeal of chambers is the labor savings of not having to move gravel. If you were going to bed the chambers with gravel you might as well go old school and IMO still the best and do the traditional gravel/pipe system. As long as the ground is pretty dry and it’s not cutting ruts you can drive over a gravel pipe system without a lot of concern. The chambers are delicate and won’t support driving over them.

 

[danielk]

I drive over my tank and leach field regularly. Kubota L3010 with implements, so I'm supposing about 3500 lbs.

 

[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?

NO

 

[olenjohn]

If you move across the tank quickly, it won’t damage the tractor.

 

[Skypilota72]

If you move across the tank quickly, it won’t damage the tractor.

 

[saxtonhill]

I've been driving over my field with a NH subcompact for over 20 years without issue. I probably shouldn't have said that though as I may have jinked myself. I would never drive my L4600 anywhere near it.