Adding on to a house with a septic system in the backyard?

Question

The house we want to buy has a septic system. It is located in the backyard, right behind the middle of the house. We only want to buy the house if we can add on, but how can you add an addition on to the back of the house if the septic system is right there? The house is set on 1.5 acres by the way.

Answer 1

u cant build over a tank....nor the lines and must stay back with any structure 5ft from any part of the system.....only thing u can do here is have another area of the and perked and see if u can relocate the septic system and then have the old one removed..

lic. gen. contractor

Answer 2

Here in Denver you can however inspections and permit required.The only catch is the line leaving the house,under the addition.It must be connected to PVC under new structure.

It is normal that there is a cast iron stub that protrudes about 4' to 5' out of foundation.This needs to be completed by a licensed plumber hence plumbing insp on permit.

Check with your local bldg dept for your code.I have had jobs red tagged because owner failed to get proper permits.There is also a min distance between house and tank,for obvious health reasons.

Good Luck

EDIT: It is located in the backyard, right behind the middle of the house.Now in case those didn't pay attention the first time.How far is right behind house?.There is a min dist between house and tank.If after planning addition is still within code addition is allowed.I had nothing to do with the UBC but they specify absolute min acceptable.Yeah,I'm a contractor too.

Answer 3

if you cover the tank ..unless you build on piers high enough to walk under you will loose access to your septic.however it is yous field lines that let the bad water evaporate.solids usualy break down.a good way to help the process is to use bakers yeast to ur septic from time to time.unless you are positive you will have no tank problems i would not build over it

Answer 4

It is not allowed in any state to block access to septic tank due to possibilities of water table being compromised if there is a problem.  You will have to have the tank moved further back on the property, or add on to the house upward, as in a second story.  That is actually cheaper anyway, since you don't need a foundation.

Answer 5

Maybe you could move the septic system, it probably wouldn't cost an awful lot. If you're adding bedrooms, you may have to upgrade the septic system anyway, regardless of where the addition is. Many jurisdictions base the size of the septic field on how many bedrooms the house has. I'd call the local building inspector/health department and ask a few questions before deciding. They may also be able to tell you exactly where the septic system is which might help your decision. And if the house has 1.5 acres, how come the addition has to go there and nowhere else? Sounds like there's lots of room available.