Why You May Need To Relocate Your Septic System

Moving a septic system is complicated, but it is sometimes necessary. Below are specific reasons to relocate a drain field.

You Want to Expand Your House

The septic system carries wastes filled with microorganisms that can contaminate food (such as plants) and water and cause infections. Your septic drain field and tank should not be close to your house. Local health and building codes determine the minimum distances between septic systems and dwelling places.

As such, you might have to move your septic system to expand your house. Say you want to add a bedroom to your house, which would bring the house too close to the septic system. You can relocate the septic system and continue with the expansion.

You Want to Redesign Your Hardscaping and Landscaping

Landscaping and hardscaping can interfere with the septic's operation, inspection, and maintenance. For example:

  • Paving over the septic tank means you cannot easily inspect or pump the tank
  • Paving the septic drain field compacts the soil and prevents waste absorption
  • Planting deep-rooted trees near the septic system can allow the roots to infiltrate the pipes and break or block them

Thus, you might have to relocate your septic drain field if you want to redesign the hardscape and landscape, and the new design can interfere with the septic system.

The Current Drain Field Has Failed

A septic drain field fails if it can no longer handle the waste it receives. Causes of drain field failure include:

  • Soil over-compaction, for example, from pavements or construction activities
  • Improper or lack of septic maintenance
  • Flooding, for example, due to poor topography

You may restore the drain field, depending on the extent of the problems. Drain field relocation is the only solution in some cases.

You Want to Expand the Septic System

Lastly, you may relocate the septic system if you want to expand it but the current site cannot accommodate the increased capacity. For example, you may want a bigger septic tank or drain field if your household has doubled since you installed the septic system. In such a case, relocating the drain field makes sense if the current location cannot handle the increased capacity.

Septic system relocation is a major undertaking that requires an experienced septic contractor. Involve the contractor from the beginning to help you plan the relocation with minimal disruption to your daily activities. The contractor will also help ensure that the new system is adequate and efficient so you don't have to relocate or renovate it soon.

Contact a professional to learn more about septic system installation


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