Driving over a septic tank

[Page2]

Gotta laugh at some of these answers - "I did this..." or "I do that...". Doesn't matter what some else said they have done. Simple rule - you NEVER drive over a septic tank with anything bigger than a riding mower.

 

[future_vision]

They make tanks that are H-20 rated which I believe can handle wheel loads up to 16K lbs but you have to specify that when you order. That being said, it's probably not a common thing for residential homes especially since the cost is nearly double.

 

[texaswren]

My front mower weighs 1200 pounds, and I regularly drive it over my tank when I'm mowing, HOWEVER, it has very wide tires, and a big chunk of the weight is in the deck (which rides on its own wheels.) I did accidentally drive the front of my Case 1390 (about 8k pounds with loader) onto one end of it, and cracked one of the port covers. I took the hint and counted myself lucky.

 

[aircommuter]

I used to install septic systems and I had one supplier I used that made a high load tank that I put in locations that needed it.
I have also replaced tops of existing tanks with a top I made on sight using street manhole risers and cast iron lids (bolt down and gas tight).
I also installed grease traps for restaurants which were the same kind of tank in parking lots with those same lids.
So my answer is it depends.
Also installed plastic septic tanks.

 

[paulsharvey]

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?

Tank, almost always, yes. Drain field, no

 

[smithpond]

Some cement tanks have a design weight up to which they can to driven over.

 

[bill karrer]

Why risk it? If it is not possible to avoid completely, put the weight to the edge(s), as there is much greater support there. As for lateral fields, as long as they are healthy and not leaking, you should have no problem. For 22 years, the lateral field at our old home was in a hay field. I mowed, raked and baled it all those years with zero issues. Been doing the same thing with our current home for seven years.

 

[SteveD55]

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?

I had a 1000 gallon concrete septic tank installed in my 1850's homestead after I bought it in the early 1980's. I don't remember how big it looked back then but here is what I found online. "A 1000-gallon septic tank typically measures around 102 inches in length, 60 inches in width, and 63 inches in height. However, dimensions can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, material (concrete vs. plastic), and the number of compartments." I don't let anyone, including myself, drive over it with heavy equipment. 8ft x 5ft x 5ft deep would be a big problem if something broke through.

 

[DadofTim]

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?

It is, till it isn't, as with most things, is the benefit worth the potential cost?

 

[RB5]

After much thought and reading on this topic I have decided to test my mom's septic tank with my Gravely ZT 60 inch deck and then my Deere 4044M with loader and 6 foot mower attached. I'll wait until she isn't home... yeah bad idea.