Septic tanks are crucial in managing household wastewater in areas without centralized sewer systems. These underground structures quietly perform their essential function, often hidden from sight beneath our yards. However, not just anything can go on top of a septic tank, so what can you put on top of a septic tank?
In this article, we will discuss the various options for covering a septic tank and their respective benefits and considerations. We’ll explore practical solutions like access covers, safety markers, and decorative choices.
Explore further to make informed decisions and keep your system in top shape!
What Can You Put on Top of a Septic Tank?
Lightweight and easily movable items are generally safe to place on top of a septic tank. Small potted plants, lawn chairs, and temporary decorations can all be accommodated without issue. Grass or shallow-rooted ground cover plants are also suitable, as they do not interfere with the tank’s structure or access points.
But what can you build on top of a septic tank? We recommend avoiding constructing heavy or permanent structures over a septic tank. Buildings, sheds, decks, and concrete slabs should not be placed on the tank.
Similarly, avoid parking vehicles, installing swimming pools, or planting trees near the tank. These actions can damage the tank, obstruct necessary maintenance, and potentially result in costly repairs, system failures, or even a need for tank replacement.
Safe Options for Covering a Septic Tank
Grass and lawns
Planting grass over a septic tank offers a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution. Covering the area with a well-maintained lawn creates a natural and attractive cover that seamlessly blends with the rest of your yard. This approach enhances the visual appeal, helps prevent soil erosion, and supports the septic system’s functionality by absorbing excess moisture.
To maintain a healthy lawn without compromising the septic tank, it’s important to take a few precautions. Avoid overwatering and choose grass varieties with shallow roots.
Next, regular mowing is essential, but be cautious not to use heavy lawn equipment directly over the tank area. Additionally, fertilize sparingly to prevent excess nutrients from infiltrating the septic system. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a beautiful lawn while ensuring the proper care of your septic system.
Shallow-rooted plants
Ornamental grasses, perennials, and small shrubs with shallow root systems are ideal for planting over septic tanks. These plants add visual interest to your yard and pose minimal risk to the septic system. Consider varieties like lavender, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and sedum for this purpose.
In contrast, deep-rooted plants and trees should be kept from septic tanks, as their roots can infiltrate and damage the system. To protect your septic system, employ shallow gardening techniques and avoid digging deeply. Regularly monitor the growth of your plants and trim them as needed to prevent overgrowth that could obstruct access to or maintenance of the septic tank.
Decorative Landscaping Ideas
Mulch and ground cover
Mulch and ground cover plants provide an aesthetically pleasing solution for concealing your septic tank area while offering practical benefits. These options help retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature while creating a visually appealing landscape that requires minimal maintenance.
When choosing mulch, select lightweight organic materials such as pine straw, bark chips, or cocoa hulls. For ground covers, consider low-growing plants like creeping thyme or Irish moss. To maintain a neat appearance, replenish organic mulch annually and trim ground covers as needed, ensuring they do not add excessive weight to the septic area.
Rock gardens
A well-designed rock garden can transform your septic tank area into a stunning focal point. You can achieve a visually appealing and low-maintenance landscape by incorporating various small to medium-sized rocks, pebbles, and drought-resistant plants.
We advise you to opt for lightweight materials such as pumice or lava rocks to avoid placing undue pressure on the septic system. Arrange the rocks in a natural, flowing pattern, leaving space for small plants and ensuring adequate drainage.
However, avoid large boulders or dense rock layers that could obstruct access to the septic tank for maintenance or inspections. This approach will help preserve both functionality and aesthetics.
Lightweight Structures
Raised beds and planters
Raised beds and planters offer a practical solution for enhancing greenery over your septic tank area while safeguarding the system from potential damage. These structures can be crafted to be lightweight and easily movable, facilitating quick access for necessary tank maintenance.
When building raised beds, opt for lightweight materials like cedar or composite boards. To avoid invasive root systems, select shallow-rooted plants such as herbs, annual flowers, or small vegetables for these beds.
It’s crucial to ensure that the beds have adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging, which could impact the septic system. Additionally, consider installing a landscape fabric barrier at the base of the beds to prevent roots from creeping into the septic area.
Benches and outdoor furniture
Lightweight outdoor furniture can turn your septic tank area into a charming and functional space. Consider options like resin Adirondack chairs, aluminum benches, or small bistro sets, which offer comfortable seating while minimizing strain on the tank.
When arranging your furniture, do not place it directly over access points to the tank. Choose movable pieces to ensure easy access for septic system maintenance and inspections.
Besides, furniture with adjustable feet can help accommodate slight unevenness in the ground. Avoid large, heavy items like outdoor sofas or bulky fire pits, as these could stress the septic system and hinder maintenance access.
What to Avoid Placing on Top of a Septic Tank
Heavy structures
Placing heavy structures, such as sheds, gazebos, or concrete pads, on top of a septic tank can cause significant damage. The excessive weight may crack or collapse the tank, leading to expensive repairs and potential environmental hazards.
Furthermore, these structures can obstruct access needed for routine maintenance and inspections. To avoid these issues, choose alternative locations for heavy construction, ideally in areas of your yard that are distant from the septic system.
If building near the septic area is unavoidable, consult our professional team to ensure adequate distance and proper weight distribution. Even seemingly light structures can become problematic if they are filled with equipment or furniture.
Trees and shrubs
Trees and large shrubs can pose serious risks to septic systems due to their aggressive root growth. As roots seek out water and nutrients, they may infiltrate the tank and pipes, leading to blockages, leaks, and structural damage.
To mitigate these risks, avoid planting willows, maples, and beech trees near your septic system. We recommend keeping the trees at least 20 feet away from the septic tank, with even greater distances for larger species.
Similarly, when planting shrubs, choose shallow-rooted varieties and position them at least 10 feet from the septic area. By following these guidelines, you can help protect the integrity and functionality of your septic system.
Conclusion
When choosing what to place on top of a septic tank, it’s important to ensure functionality and aesthetics. To sum up, what can you put on top of a septic tank? Lightweight and easily movable items like small potted plants, lawn chairs, and shallow-rooted ground covers like grass are generally safe and effective.
For decorative purposes, consider using mulch, ground cover, or a well-designed rock garden to enhance the area without impacting the tank’s operation. Raised beds and lightweight outdoor furniture can also be suitable, provided they are easily moveable and do not obstruct access to the tank.
However, avoid placing heavy structures, such as sheds or concrete slabs, and planting trees or large shrubs to prevent root damage. Contact us if you require expert advice on septic system maintenance and installation. Our team at Septic Tank Installation Riverside will ensure your system stays in excellent condition, allowing you to focus on creating a beautiful outdoor space.
