Lots of homeowners are building patios onto their homes. It sounds like a great idea, right?
Not only will a new patio add value to your home, but it gives you more livable outdoor space in any season. Who doesn’t want to sit and listen to the birds sing with their morning coffee or have the option to grill out year round?
The biggest question you have is where you will build this new patio. Your landscaping is already done and there is the swing-set out back. Can you put the patio over your septic tank? Or will this interfere when septic tank maintenance is required?
After all, the septic tank is underground, and it’s not like you will be driving on your patio.
The simple answer is no. You can’t just throw a patio up over your septic tank and call it a day.
Why Can’t I Build a Patio Over a Septic Tank?
For starters, in almost every jurisdiction, in order to build onto your house, you will need to get a permit. You can obtain this from your local zoning board. In addition, most places will also require you to check with and get permission from the local health department.
In order to get these required permissions you will probably need to submit a sketch showing the current locations of buildings and structures on your property (this includes your septic tank and any wells).
Finally, the next step of the process, they will consider the information you submit, in addition to the information they have on file, and decide whether or not to grant your permit.
Many states will let you build a deck or patio with no foundation very close, or even up to, the edge of a septic tank. But, not over it. However, if your deck includes posts or your patio has a foundation or a roof, it is likely you will need a specified distance between the edge of the new structure and your septic tank. In most states, this distance starts around 10 feet but may be more depending on your exact jurisdiction.
What If I Build Over My Septic Tank Anyway?
Whether you just go ahead and build over your septic tank, or you make an honest mistake and build over it, you are likely to have major problems down the road.
Should you decide to sell your property or get into any type of property dispute, your patio built over the septic tank will come to light. This could also happen if you decide to get a permit to build another new structure like a storage building.
If your illegally placed patio is found out, you may face fines and penalties. You could even be asked to remove the structure. If you are forced to remove the patio, not only do you lose your patio and any investment you have made in it, you will also have to pay to remove it. In this case, it just isn’t worth the trouble it can cause.
Furthermore, at some point you will eventually need to have septic tank repairs or have your septic tank replaced. When this time comes, the patio will have to be removed to access the tank. Again, you would be losing the patio and paying to remove it.
Mullin Septic in Broken Arrow, OK
If you want a new patio, they are definitely worth it. Just make sure you aren’t building over your septic tank. If you aren’t sure where your septic tank is or you need septic repairs, call Mullin Septic at (918) 922-7867. Our staff is standing by and ready to help with your septic service needs.
