Septic Tank & Field Clearance Distance FAQs

Index to Q&A on Required Distances
Between Septic System & Wells, Streams, Trees, etc.

Septic System Measurement Basics FAQs

How do I measure the right distance from septic sand mound to water well?

When measuring the distance between well and sand mound where do you measure from the distribution box on sand mound ? On 2018-08-19 by Charles

Answer by (mod) -

Charles

You would measure from whatever mound component (such the nearest end a distribution pipe) is closest to the well.

How do I calculate the number of tons of rock needed for my leachfield?

can someone tell me the formula for calculating the number of tons of leach field rock needed for my leach field? On 2016-01-20 by Tom m.

Reply by (mod) -

Tom:

Typically you calculate the volume of rock needed, not the weight; That's the volume of the trench less the volume occupied by the pipe and by the fill-cover. When your septic contractor has recommended a specific rock size and type we might find estimates of the pounds per cubic foot if you still need weight.

Septic Distances from Bedrock or High Water Table FAQs

What are the risks of well contamination if our septic and well are both on solid rock?

We have a drilled well uphill on a mountain side 100 ft deep. The terrain where we're building is almost solid rock.

We have a proposed site for the septic tank 100 feet from well slightly downhill. Will hydrastatic pressure in the rock shelf cause contamination of the well? On 2017-11-11 by Judy

by (mod) - building a septic system on solid rock

Judy,

I don't think the problem would be described as hydrostatic pressure, but rather whether or not there are rock fiissures that lead down wardsfrom the septic tank to the aquifer that is feeding your well.

That's not something I could guess at from a text message.

But you might ask well drillers in your area what their experience has been and what type of rock is on your property.

Septic drainfield bottom may be too close to high water table

I was interested in a piece of property which I understand that cannot accommodate sumping.

I am under the impression (because I have not gotten to the end of figuring out why just yet) that this is because it is a waterfront property and/or the water table is too close to the surface thus reducing the availability of sufficient drainfield without causing water contamination.

So my question is; is there another approved alternative to the absorption field to effectively control liquid effluent retention? - D.M. 8/29/2013

Reply:

From your email I think you need an onsite septic design engineer - there sounds like a confusion of terms, codes, and requirements, and in my own case I'm not sure what you mean by "sumping" nor "liquid effluent retention" - those terms are not ones I use for onsite wastewater disposal.

If you are asking about a holding tank (sewage is retained and periodically pumped and removed by a waste hauler) some communities permit that design along a waterway but many do not.

If you are asking about how sewage and (separated) effluent are handled at wet sites, there are some designs that can handle that case, sometimes combining treatment above ground with disinfection; but again, not all communities will approve them.

That's why you need an onsite expert who also knows local codes & officials.

Some options you might want to discuss can be found in the article link I give just below. Also take a look at Anish Jantrania's book listed in the references section of that article. Dr. Jantrania has described wastewater treatment systems that can function effectively entirely above ground, producing sanitary wastewater discharge.

Septic Tank or Drainfield Distances vs. Required Piping Slope FAQs

How high does my bathroom floor need to be above the septic tank to drain into the tank?

I am adding a bathroom to the garage I already have the septic in the ground for my house I want to tie into about 40 ft away . How high does my floor need to be for it to drain? On 2022-10-21 by Levi

by InspectApedia (Editor) - floor height for proper drainage

@Levi,

Your drain line itself needs to slope between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch per horizontal foot of run for the entire distance between the toilet drain and the entry to the septic tank.

So to that change in elevation you add the connection point at the far end you have to go up from that point and your floor and toilet need to be of course sufficiently above that connect the toilet Bend.

Measure the distances involved in feet and multiply that by no less than 1/8" per foot to calculate the total rise needed.

Otherwise you can put in a sewage ejector pump.

Septic System Distances to Electrical Component FAQs

Required distance from a pad mounted electrical transformer and septic tank

How far does a pad mounted Transformer have to be from a Septic tank? On 2022-07-30 by William R. Eagle

by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - not given, but be sure to not block access for maintenance

@William R. Eagle,

That's not a specific clearance that you will find in the model codes however I think to meters or 10 ft is reasonable. There's a little more to it than that. You want to be sure that you're not blocking access for maintenance.

Septic Tank Distance FAQs

What's the minimum and maximum allowed distance from the house foundation to the septic tank?

What is the minimum and maximum allowed distance from the house foundation to the septic tank? And what is the minimum and maximum depth for the top of the septic tank? On 2018-10-03 y Anonymous

Reply by (mod) -

Anon:

Generally we keep the septic tank 10 feet or about 3 meters from the building wall. The distance can be greater than that but will be limited by the fact that going further makes us put the tank deeper in the ground - as we explain

at SEPTIC TANK DESIGN DEPTH.

Also you will want to see SEPTIC CLEARANCE DISTANCES

Watch out: when excavating and installing a septic tank close to a building, take care not to dig nor drive heavy equipment close to a building foundation wall lest you damage the foundation wall itself from the weight of earth and machine pressure. The damage risk is still greater if the foundation is made of concret block or stone.

Required distance between new septic tank and the old one?

When you put in a new septic tank how far does it have to be from your old septic tank in Ravenden Arkansas On 2022-06-08 by Alan collins

by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - Separation between old and new septic tank

@Alan collins,

Separation between old and new septic tank is not a distance that I've seen specified in any of the plumbing or building codes.

There are of course practical considerations having to do with routing of the piping in and out of the new tank.

Keep in mind that the old septic tank needs to be properly abandoned.

Distance from septic tank to seepage pit

Hi, my Ceptic tank is 20 feet from my house but the leech well is between 8-10 feet, my question is, is this legal? On 2016-11-15 by Jr

Reply by (mod)

Jr

I am guessing that you have a septic tank and a seepage pit rather than a drainfield. The distance between them that you cite should not be an issue.

But

Watch out: see our warnings about using a seepage pit for a "septic system" - detailed

at SEEPAGE PITS 

But if you meant a water well, it'd be a different story:

A water well that is only 10 feet further away from the septic tank would not meet modern building codes or plumbing or sanitary codes in most jurisdictions.

And there is a very great risk tha such as well is contaminated by sewage.

Septic System Component Distances to Water Features or Wells FAQs

Tip: See the table in the article CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM and you'll see distances from 50 ft. to 200 ft.

Why do septic components have to be some distance from any body of water?

Why does a leech field have to be 50ft from a waterway, stream or wetland? On 2022-01-21 by Justine

by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - Why does a leech field have to be 50ft from a waterway, stream or wetland?

@Justine,

To reduce the risk of sewage contaminants from the septic system entering the Waterway where they kill wildlife, contaminate the environment, and make other people sick.

What is the law for measuring the exact distance between well and septic

What exactly is the law from distance between well and septic. Is it to edge of tank or to cleanout or where? ours is 49 feet from edge of septic but farther from clean out. There is some problem getting financing on our house because of this. Please what is the answer? (June 26, 2014) wendy

Reply:

Measurement is made from well casing horizontally to nearest portion of the septic tank.

How do I measure the 50 foot distance from well to septic field

How do you measure the 50 foot requirement from well to septic field? Is it from well to field or well to the pipe run in the field? (Sept 4, 2014) Anonymous

Reply:

Measurement is made from the closest edge of the well itself - e.g. the steel well casing - to the nearest corner of the septic soil absorption field.

We refer to the well itself, not the water piping connecting well to the building.

Can your septic system be above where your well is?

Can your septic system be above where your well is? If so, is there a risk? On 2017-10-16 by Rosemarie McKinley

by (mod) - septic absorption field must be at least 100 ft. away from a well and the septic tank at least 50 ft. away from your well

Rosemarie

No, your septic system cannot legally, nor safely be directly over the well nor can it be close to it. The risk is a very likely sewage pathogen contamination of drinking water.

In the article CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM you'll see that typically the septic absorption field must be at least 100 ft. away from a well and the septic tank at least 50 ft. away.

How far do a camp, well and septic have to be from the stream

Hi there, we were thinking of building a camp with a well and septic on our property. We have a spot in mind that is near an existing stream. How far does the camp, well and septic have to be from the stream in Herkimer county new york? Thank you! On 2017-03-21 by Anon

by (mod) - find the high water line & add 100 ft.

Anon

See the model septic distance data at CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM

There you'll see that in NY most municipalities want at least 100 ft. from the stream high water edge to the nearest septic component

Neighbor's Septic in the UK is just 20m from a stream that's a water source

My neighbour has put a septic tank in and it is only about 20m from a main stream that runs into a main water source is there a specific distance that is required by law, On 2018-11-09 by indenture@hotmail.co.uk

Answer by (mod) -

Indenture

Please take a look at U.K. OFF-GRID SEPTIC REGULATIONS & SEWAGE SYSTEMS

where you'll see the required setbacks.

Septic Component Distances to Drives or Roadways or Power Lines FAQs

How far from the road can we put the septic tank and still get it pumped?

Is there a maximum distance for the septic tank from a road or driveway to allow for cost-effective servicing? On 2017-07-21 by TJN

Reply by (mod) -

Typically septic pumper truck hoses are 2 to 4 inches in diameter, usually 3 inches. d

The hose length maximum is determined by the lift height that has to be pumped and the distance and the power of the pump on the vacuum truck or septic pumping truck.

50 meters or about 150 ft is probably the absolute maximum pumping length or distance that a conventional truck could extend its hose. So you would be safe staying within 100 ft.

Engineer says keep driveway 20 ft. from septic drainfield

I have a client that has been told by the drainfield engineer that the driveway, because of where it runs along the drainfield, needs to be 20ft from the drainfield. What would the reason be for the drive clearance? We have a very tight site because of a very steep slope. Thanks On 2018-06-13 by Rob

by (mod) - driveway needs to be distant from drainfield by ?

Rob

How interesting. As the cops told Anna when she complained that the Hudson Rail Line should stop tooting their whistle, "Well that's one I've never heard before."

I would be grateful to learn what the engineer is thinking. Perhaps

1- she thinks people are going to drive off the driveway and wants to keep them off the fields

2 - there's a concern for snow plowing, loads of snow, snow melt, salt?

3 - the engineer knows of local codes or building inspector policies that are not in the national or state or provincial models?

If the engineer would be kind enough to explain and maybe give a source I'd be glad to add that specification to the table above.

What's the necessary separation distance between my driveway and my septic tank?

I want to reroute my driveway and I need to know how far I need to be away from my tanks. On 2021-02-26 by shannon childs

by danjoefriedman (mod) - driveway distance not cited in clearance distances

@shannon childs,

The "Continue reading at " suggestion below points to this article that should be helpful;

CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM

But you won't see driveways as a specific item;

Principally you''ll want to be sure that during drive construction equipment doesn't drive-over and damage the septic tank nor drainfield nor any of the system piping.

Also consider the weight-bearing ability of your drive to include heavy tanker trucks such as septic pumper.

What's the setback distance from railroad tracks to drainfield leach line

How far do you set back from railroad tracks with a leach line drain field (Jan 31, 2016) Roñir

Reply:

That's one I"ve not heard before, Roñir, but I'd expect that as long as your drainfield meets local regulations for distance from your property line, adding the railroad right-of-way to that, your local inspector should say you're ok.

What's the law on septic drainfields under power lines?

What are the regulations on septic field lines under power lines? On 2019-06-11 by ray rohmeyer

Reply by (mod) -

I'm not aware of an explicit regulation per say describing the routing of a septic drain field under a power line.

Watch out: However because electrical power lines are normally constructed over a right-of-way which is owned by the power company, it seems to me that if a septic drain field has been installed under a power line it may be in violation of the property rights involved. In particular the field may have been installed across someone else's land.

Distance between my septic tank near a residential power pole?

In Virginia I want to locate my septic tank near a residential power pole. How far from the pole must I be? On 2018-07-23 by Charles

Reply by (mod) -

Charles

Our septic clearance distance tables are at https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Septic_Clearance_Distances.php

There you'll see clearances to property boundaries. If the pole is right on your property rather than at its boundary, then darn, I don't have a clear answer.

I think, however that there's a practical answer, even though we won't find this in a typical septic code.

Normally the power company has to have a right-of-way wide enough to drive a bucket truck to get to the power pole or line for repairs or even for future pole replacement.

You do not want anybody driving a truck over your drainfield as that'll compress and damage it. Search InspectApedia for DON'T DRIVE ON SEPTIC to read details.

So you probably need to provide a right-of way space - say 12ft. wide - to the pole - that doesn't include your drainfield.

What's the distance that a gas line must be from the septic tank and/or drain field?

Hi, I was wondering if there was some guideline about how the distance that a gas line must be from the septic tank and/or drain field?

We are having an old home completely renovated and new gas lines placed and they seem to have placed the lines about 1-2 feet from where the septic tank is and it seems unsafe to me. Any thoughts/suggestions most appreciated. My appreciation in advance. - Christi cblottner@gmail.com On 2017-11-12

by (mod) - distance that a gas line must be from the septic tank and/or drain field?

CB

I would start with a look at the codes for gas meter and gas piping clearance distances given at GAS METER CODES & CLEARANCE DISTANCES

Septic Mound Clearance Distance FAQs

Is there a required separation distance between two septic mounds?

Is there a restriction in WI or a best practices limitation to how close two above ground septic mound fields can be to each other? In other words, how close to an existing septic mound can a new separate mound be placed for a new construction project. On 2021-02-13 by John

by danjoefriedman (mod) - code citation for distance between two adjacent septic mounds

John

at the Continue Reading link below we suggest taking a look at CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM

that's more complete than an off-the-cuff guess. Please let me know if that leaves you with further questions or suggestions.

But we won't find a code citation for distance between two adjacent septic mounds - that's an unusual situation in my experience and one that usually is dealt with by the septic design engineer in getting local authority approval.

If, for example, the 2 mounds are on separately owned properties then typical codes want the mound to be at least 20 ft. from a building and 10 ft. from a property line - to the edge of the mound.

by John

Thanks, I'll contact a design engineer.

by danjoefriedman (mod)

Thank you for the follow-up to let me know what you're told and it may help other readers.

by John

@danjoefriedman, I talked with the county land and water management division and he said with the two fields draining the same direction (I think) it makes no difference, they can be next to each other.

He was more specific about setbacks from lot lines, 5 ft and how you measure that (the inner core, stone, sand, etc). He said the plumber/installer would make a final determination, but as long as the soil can handle the moisture, it didn't seem to matter to him.

by danjoefriedman (mod) - exactly where to take measurements for clearance distances

@John,

Thank you for the follow-up that will be helpful to others. We should be careful however that local authorities may differ in their opinions about exactly where to take measurements.

For example, some with whom I've spoken measure to the edge of a trench and others to the edge of an allowable field area.

What's the necessary distance between a septic mound and a water well

How far does a well have to be from a septic mound? (Mar 10, 2016) Anonymous

Reply:

Anon it depends - see CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM and you'll find distances from 50 ft. to 200 ft.

Septic Component Clearance Distance to Property Lines / Boundaries FAQs

What's the minimum distance allowed between septic tank and the property line?

How close to property line can the septic tank be placed? On 2020-08-02 by Mark

by Mod - 10 ft.

Typically 10 feet, Mark but your local code official is the final legal authority and local codes vary depending on where you live.

Is my neighbor's septic field too close to my property line and to my house?

I live in Colorado where the soil has a high content of clay and drains very slowly. My new neighbor has just put in a septic tank about 25 feet from our border and 70 feet from my house.

He has run his leach field 12 feet parallel to my border and about 50 feet from my house.

Can this be legal? I do have a call in with the health dept. but they haven't gotten back to me yet. Any help on this will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. On 2017-02-22 by Tony

by (mod) re: report septic failure to health department, check clearance distances with building department

Tony

Check with your building department about septic component setback requirements from property lines.

If you see evidence of drainfield failure - effluent seeping to the surface - then your health department will want that corrected.

My neighbor's septic makes my property soggy

I was told a dry well for septic system was put close to my property line.
The area is mushy and trees have shot up tall.
It could have puncture system with tree roots.
How can I make them fix it? Beverly Ban - 2019/08/10

Reply:

Unfortunately if asking doesn't work you're going to need help from an attorney. You'll need solid photo and written documentation of the problem including property lines, septic schematics, reports of an onsite expert inspection.

But first you might see if your health department can assist as generally it's not permitted to release sewage effluent to the ground surface - as your note suggests.

Neighbor's septic system is on my property -

A neighbor's field line is possibly across the line on to my property . He claims if it is there , it is grandfathered in . I have tried to work it out with him on a land trade. He refuses. I want to put a natural gas line in . If I cut his field lines , am I in trouble? On 2018-06-16 by Doug

by (mod) - neighbor can't put their septic on your property

Doug

It's a perfectly fair question but one that you need to take to a local attorney. I speculate that unless there's a actual document granting your neighbor an easement on your property that he has no business running his septic line there and it's most likely also in violation of septic or plumbing codes.

Setback distances from septic tank to property line

What is the distance requirement for septic tank being away from neighbors property line On 2016-03-31 by Chris

by (mod)-

Chris, in most jurisdictions the required setback distance from septic system features to a property line is 10 feet.

However my OPINION is that depending on where other site features of a neighboring property are located, the required clearance distances to those features may rule.

For example, if a stream passed just ten feet from my property line, I couldn't locate my septic fields ten feet back from that property line, because the required distance from my septic fields to any nearby stream, lake, river, etc. is likely to be 100 ft. (depending on local regulations and where you live).

Can I let my neighbour build a septic mound on my property?

If I own property but my field is on a separate deed, can my neighbor build a sand mound on my property for their use? They do not have enough room for a sand mound and need it to sell their house..my current septic system is in good working condition On 2018-03-10 by Andy Thompson

by (mod) - Mminimum distance from a structure to a septic tank?

Andy

This is a question to take to your lawyer. She will need to read the separate deed that describes the land where your septic system is installed to see just what rights and ownership you have.

My OPINION is that you're inviting some sticky issues.

Once the legal questions are answered, if you grant access to your neighbor, you need to take great care: when some idiot drives heavy equipment over your existing septic field, say in the process of adding other septic system components that you decided to grant, your system is likely to be destroyed.

Septic System Component Distances to House or Other Building FAQs

What's the maximum distance allowed between septic tank and the house?

What is the maximum distance I can have my 1200 gallon septic tank from my house? On 2020-07-04 by Tracy Cox

Photo: the septic tank in this photo is just a few feet from the building foundation wall.

Reply by (mod) -

Tracy

There is no "right" answer to your question; the maximum distance a septic tank might be from a building is limited by site conditions (area, the need to slope the drain 1/8 to 1/4" per foot, cost e.g. to install a sewage grinder pump system, site space, shape, clearances from wells and waterways)

What's the maximum distance between house and septic tank?

Is there a maximum number of feet that you can have between a house and the septic tank?

My son is building a new home on a piece of land with an existing septic system.

The new location for the house is approximately 225' from the existing septic tank. Is this too far away by code or if I can get the proper 1/8"-1/4" per foot of slope to the inlet line from the house to the tank can we reuse the existing tank? On 2017-01-18 by Ray Cecil

by (mod) re: The maximum distance from house to septic tank depends on these factors:

Ray

You ask a fair and common the maximum distance from house to septic tank is not, by anything I've read, specified by codes or standards but rather by the following limitations:

- you need to maintain proper slope in the drain piping - typically 1/8" to 1/4" per foot of run

- the septic tank must meet other clearance distances given in this page - so you can't put your septic tank on the neighbor's property nor even too close to it, etc.

- there may be practical limitations: very long gravity-operated sewage runs may be prone to clogging

So I would expect a septic design engineer to go to a grinder pump and a "forced main" to move sewage over long distances (or up-hill).

Maximum distance, septic tank to house

How far can you locate a septic tank from the house? (Aug 23, 2015) Andrew

Reply:

I haven't seen a maximum but your piping elevations, pipe slope, periodic cleanout access ports along a long run, and other clearances still have to work.

That is, haven't seen a maximum distance as a general statement; the working distance will depend in part on the elevations OR on the installation of a grinder pump system to move waste to the tank.

What's the effect of distance when I connect a new more-distant home to an existing septic system?

I purchased a single wide mobile home as a replacement home it is located 70 feet from the septic itself.

Will I have to do anything different in order to hook this tank to the home. Or will it function ok as is? On 2017-06-28 by glenda milliken

by (mod) - you need enough slope for the drain to feed the septic tank by gravity -

Glenda,

I don't know enough about your situation to be very confident but generally as long as your drain line has adequate slope between house and tank and perhaps a mid-distance cleanout port you should be ok

You need 1/8" to 1/4" of slope per foot of horizontal distance. So over seventy feet, you need around a foot of drop in elevation between the point where the home drain enters the soil to the point where it enters the septic tank.

If you don't have that much drop in elevation you can still get the septic system to work by using a sewage pump system. - Daniel Friedman

Septic clearance distance to house in Harris County Texas

How far away do i need to be away from the secptic tank to the house in harris country texas On 2017-04-11 by Roger

by (mod)

Roger,

Septic tank clearance to the building itself is often permitted to be quite close - 10 ft.

Check with your local building./ engineering department for local septic regulations.

Harris County Department of Engineering , 10555 Northwest Fwy #100, Houston, TX 77092, USA Phone: +1 713-274-3900

New deck post will be close to septic tank lid - is that OK?

My contractor is extending my deck to make it a covered deck.

The post he wants to put will be 1-2 ft away from septic lid. He says it’s fine and won’t interfere with access, thoughts? On 2020-05-28 by Chris

Answer by (mod) -

Let's be picky and more precise, Chris.

A deck post is not the only limiting factor in accessing the septic tank; the edge of the deck or its framing may also block access.

If the closest edge of the entire deck structure is a foot or more from the outer edge of the septic tank top then it's going to be more than a foot or two away from the septic tank access opening. That won't prevent removing the opening, nor pumping the septic tank,

but if the septic tank pumper needs to use a septic tank muck rake - a tool to break up sludge and scum layers - to perform a thorough septic tank cleanout, then his access will be impeded - he may have to work from just two or three of four possible directions.

So more distance is better in that regard.

A second worry is that some dope drives a post or chops a hole for a deck post pier and breaks open a sewer line or effluent line.

So take care.

by Chris

Thanks! And just to be clear, is their any code preventing from the post being so close or is it more of a pain for the septic people. And no sewer or effluent line near where post is going

Answer by (mod) -

Doubtful, but IMO relying only on code-authority can be a mistake.

Building codes set the **minimum** standards for construction.

Making things difficult to maintain or service is, ultimately, more expensive and more trouble than not doing-so.

Clearance Distances Between Multiple Septic Systems or Fields

Clearance between multiple mobile home septic fields

I own 2 1/2 acre lot with a mobile home and septic already on property. I wanted to buy another mobile home to put on property. What is the clearance between one septic to another. (Mar 9, 2015) rita besa

Reply:

Rita the second home's septic component clearances need to meet all of the specifications in the table above, including property line (5 feet).

So for example you can't install a septic drainfield on your property that meets the clearances for your property if at the same time it would violate the clearance distance to a neighbour's well.

Comment:

21 April 2015 bluarc

"Septic Field" not the same as "Septic Tank" 50 (Fifty Feet) for the Tank "SEPTIC FIELD" is 100 ft. (One Hundred Feet) for the leach field.

Sewer lines from Wells distance is also 50 ft. (Fifty Feet).

Reply:

Thanks Bluarc, those distances are indeed reflected in the tables at CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM.

I edited the table, rearranging its lines alphabetically to make information easier to find. Note that distances to the drainfield can vary among various jurisdictions in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., Ireland India, and other countries.

How close can an old septic drainfield be to a new field?

How close can an old field be to a new field? On 2018-08-28 by Anonymous

Reply by (mod) -

There are different approaches to separating versus interspersing replacement septic absorption beds or drain fields. For example you may leave space between leach line trenches to install a replacement trenches later. Most standards want two feet or more between the edges of those trenches

Septic System Clearances From Buried Pipes FAQs

Allowable distance between septic drainfield and city water pipes?

Is it permissible for septic drain fields and city household water pipes to be in the same area? On 2020-02-11 by Anonymous

Reply by (mod) -

Anon

Yes, see

CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM

But regarding "same area" you'll need to be more specific.

 

How far away from a well head should I put my septic system?

How far away from a well head can I put my septic system. My well is 320 ft deep On 2019-05-04 by William Meeker

by (mod) -

William please see CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM at

and don't hesitate to ask if that leaves you with further questions

Additional details are at WELL CLEARANCE DISTANCES

Septic Setbacks and DIstances for Specific Provinces or States

Tip: See the complete U.S. SEPTIC AUTHORITIES & DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS - start of this series where you'll find links to septic laws and regulations by country and state

Also see CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM.

• ARIZONA SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQs
• CALIFORNIA SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• CANADA, BRITISH COLULMBIA - BC SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• CONNECTICUT SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQs
• FLORIDA SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• ILLINOIS SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• INDIANA SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQs
• MASSACHUSETTS SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• NEW YORK SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• NORTH CAROLINA SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• OHIO SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQs
• PENNSYLVANIA SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• VERMONT SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• VIRGINIA SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• WISCONSIN SEPTIC RULES FAQs

• SEPTIC REGULATIONS in ITALY FAQs

NY Septic Component clearance distances Q&A

Tip: See these NY Septic Regulations

New York State septic regulation: septic to modular home

In New York State exactly how far from a new modular home does a septic tank have to be? (July 26, 2015) Ron

Reply by (mod):

Ron, the state code does not amend the clearance distance from house to septic tank for modular homes. However check with your local building department as there may be local regulations that change the data from that given in the table in the article above.

I live in Seneca County, NYS and want to know the distance between the septic leech bed and neighboring boundary lines. - On 2017-02-26 by Roger

by (mod): Seneca County New York Septic Clearance to Property Line

Roger, as there may be local variations from the NYS and other model septic codes cited above, check with your building department about septic component setback requirements from property lines.

Seneca County Code Enforcement Department, 31 Thurber Dr # 4, Waterloo, NY 13165, USA Phone:+1 315-539-1950

What do circles and triangles and 3x eff. dia. mean on septic plans or codes?

What does the circles and triangle with 3x eff. dia. mean? On 2017-01-18 by Holly

by (mod) - re: de-coding abbreviations in septic clearance distance table

Holly:

That specification, 3x eff. dia seen in the page top sketch at CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM - topic home page - says keep those two seepage pits at least as far apart as three times the diameter of each pit.

The abbreviation is for "three times the effective diameter"

So if you have two seepage pits each of which is four feet in diameter, the distance between the closest edges of the two pits would be 12 feet (3x4). This is before noting that seepage pits may dispose of effluent but they don't treat it - it's not a permitted design in many jurisdictions.

Florida Septic Clearance Distance FAQs

Tip: See these FL Septic Regulations

An irrigation well within 50 feet of a septic in Florida? What do we have to do to meet code?

What has to be done for code compliance if my irrigation well (not in use) is located within 50 ft of septic system soon to be replaced in Florida? (Sept 13, 2015) Lyn

Reply:

Great question, Lyn. I don't know an authoritative answer. My opinion is that an irrigation well, that is a well not used for production of potable (drinkable) water, can probably be used for lawn or crop irrigation with less concern.

I'd check with your local health department. Let me know what they want. I'd be surprised if they say you have to abandon the well - if so there are instructions for that here at InspectApedia.com;

When replacing the septic system near a well that is to remain in use for *potable* water and that is too close to the well, you'd need to relocate the septic.

For a not-in use well you still may be asked to properly abandon the well. A concern is that the well can route sewage effluent into the aquifer, contaminating not just your well but the whole aquifer. Check with your local health authority.

Distance beween swimming pool and septic system components in Florida

What is the distance allowed between a in ground swimming pool and a septic tank and field lines, in the State of Florida On 2016-03-29 by Anonymous

by (mod) - what is the distance allowed between a in ground swimming pool and a septic tank and field lines, in the State of Florida

Anon:

Not all states specify all possible septic system clearances to all site features. But Florida's 2013 septic code does mention swimming pools including these examples

In Florida, 64E-6.004 Application for System Construction Permit - you are required to include the pool on the layout drawing

Florida 64E-6.005 Location and Installation.

(2) Systems shall not be located under buildings or within 5 feet of building foundations, including pilings for elevated structures, or within 5 feet of mobile home walls, swimming pool walls, or within 5 feet of property lines except where property lines abut utility easements which do not contain underground utilities, or where recorded easements are specifically provided for the installation of systems for service to more than one lot or property owner.

64E-6.009 Alternative Systems.

(f) There shall be a minimum 4 feet separation between the shoulder of the fill and the nearest trench or absorption bed sidewall.

Where a portion of the mound slope will be placed adjacent to building foundations, pilings or supports for elevated structures, mobile home walls, swimming pool walls, retaining walls, or similar obstructions there shall be a minimum 5 foot separation between the sidewall of the absorption area and the obstruction.

Such obstructions shall impact the slope on no more than 50 percent of the shoulder perimeter.

Be sure also to see SEPTIC to POOL DISTANCE

How to Replace a Florida "grandfathered" septic that's too close to water?

If you have a property with a grandfathered septic system in Florida how do you proceed in replacing it when you are too close to a body of water? If you need a minimum of 75 feet, but dont have 75 feet distance, are you just not able to live there or replace the septic? Please advise asap! Thank you! On 2022-06-21 by Logan Jones

by InspectApedia (mod) - grandfathered septic system replacement

@Logan Jones,

I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but in most communities, where there has been an essentially unacceptable septic design previously installed, when replacement time comes the local authorities usually require the property owner to find a different, and more-workable solution.

Visit your local health or plumbing authority to find out what alternative septic system designs they will accept, then hire a local septic engineer to propose a workable and acceptable system.

Is a Florida Phosphate Mining company allowed to put an Effluent Pipe 150 from my house?

Is a Phosphate Mining company allowed to put an Effluent Pipe 150 from residence?

The Mosaic Phosphate Mine [In Central Florida] [Company's website] has a hidden Effluent Pipe 127 ft from our well . Its a pipe carrying used mining water . Had a relief valve. Is that allowed by law ?

Mosaic Phosphate Mining Company has an EFFLUENT pipe hidden in field 130ft from our home and 127 feet from our well. Is that allowed? We have no neighbors except the mine. On 2020-02-26 by Rose

by (mod) -

Thank you for the interesting question about phosphate Mining and clearance distance to water wells. I haven't seen a specific standard for well clearance distances that addresses specific materials being mined.

I would expect that the authorities approving a mining operation would consider more than a standard distance. They would also need to consider the ultimate destination or flow direction of mining wastes.

We don't know what that effluent pipe is actually carrying from just from the text in your message.

You certainly can bring that question to your local Building Code Compliance inspectors.

I can understand why you would be concerned. What does your local code official require?

Depending on the country and state or Province where you live you will have a Department of Environmental Protection or Department of Environmental Conservation.

Because regulations vary by country and Province or state you want to start by identifying where you are and asking your DEC or DEP what regulations pertain.

I think the concern would be not be the location of the pipe as much as its quality and Assurance against leakage and also of course there's the question of what actually is being carried and to what destination and is that destination legal and safe.

As an opinion and a mere example you could be thousands of feet away from Phosphate Mine but if the well of concern is at the bottom of a mountain or hill down which mining wastes flow, distance may still not be sufficient

Required distance between water main & private septic systems in Illinois

Tip: See these IL Septic Regulations

For Will County, Illinois, what is the required distance that a 24" high pressure water main is to be located from an existing homeowners septic system? Thank you. (Oct 8, 2014) Gayle Gutkowski

Reply:

Gayle check with your local health department for confirmation but generally the distance between a pressurized water main and septic components is 10 feet.

Required distance between septic drainfield and a river in Vermont

Tip: See these VT Septic Regulations

How close can a septic field come to a river or body of water in Vermont. What type of system in best to use in this case. (Oct 14, 2014) g-f-lewis@hotmail,com

Reply:

GF most states use the same distance for rivers, streams, and lakes: 75 feet to the high water line. Your state may differ.

Pennsylvania distance required from sand mound to property line or neighbor's well

Tip: See these PA Septic Regulations

In Pa. how far does a sand mound need to away from neighboring property lines also from neighors well. Is the sand mound grandfathered in by law,

and how to you measure from the distance from the base of the sand mount, center or ends. the base of the neighbors mound is only3 feet away from the property line. (July 31, 2015) Linda

Reply:

Linda I think the well clearance distances have to be respected regardless of whether they are on the same property as the septic system or on a neighboring one.

Standard septic clearance distances are given in the table above. Measure from the nearest edge of the septic mound or field to the site feature being checked.

Then check with your local building department about local codes or regulations on clearance distances as those may differ from the model building codes.

In my opinion 3 feet sounds a bit close, but 3 feet from what is not quite clear.

What are the Massachusetts septic system clearance distances?

Tip: See these MA Septic Regulations

How far does a house have to be from septic in Massachusetts (Feb 18, 2016) Anon

Reply:

See the MA Title 5 column in the table given in CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM

Septic System Clearance Distances To Fruit Trees or Gardens FAQs

What's the require distance between drainfield and fruit trees when using overhead irrigation

When you have overhead irrigation for fruit trees, how far away from the main line would a drain field have to be placed? (Feb 3, 2016) Lisa

Reply:

Lisa you might want to take a look at PLANTS & TREES OVER SEPTIC SYSTEMS