Questions & Answers about clearances for septic tank, drainfield, soakaway bed, & wells.

This article provides answers to common questios about the required diistances between septic system components and other site feature, including typical septic tank and field clearances

In this article series we give detailed septic distances tables describing the distance requirements between septic components (septic tank, leach field, cesspools, drywells) and other site features such as wells, water supply piping, streams, trees, property boundaries, lakes, etc.

Septic Setbacks & Clearance Distance FAQs

Recent Septic Component Clearance Distance Questions & Answers posted originally

at CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM - topic home page.

Be sure to see the distances and tables given there.

In our annotated septic absorption bed layout photo above we marked the height and dimensions of a proposed septic mound system on a photograph of the property to help owners visualize the effect of placing the septic mound location.

On seeing that effect it was decided to use a slightly less intrusive location.

Question: OSSF Clearance Distance for Septic in Texas

2019/11/10 Kristina Daddio

Buying a house in the country with a well and septic system on an acre of land.

We were told that Texas requirements are that there must be two acres of your property between you and our neighbor.

This discussion moved to SEPTIC CLEARANCE DISTANCES - TEXAS

Question: how close can a deck be built to a septic tank in Gloucester Va

William:

how close can a deck be built to a septic tank in Gloucester Va

Moderator reply:

See CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM

You'll find that "decks" are not going to be explicitly cited in septic codes or plumbing codes,
and that "decks" isn't clear: really the concern would probably be the location of the supporting deck posts - they'd better not punch through a septic drainfield, pipe, tank, trench, etc.
AND
the deck must not block access to the septic tank for pumping and cleanout

Question: irrigation well distance to septic system

Anonymous · July 15, 2020
How far should a irrigation well be from drain field of your septic tank

Moderator reply:

Please see the septic clearance distance tables at

CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM - topic home

Question: neighbor's septic makes property line soggy

Beverly Ban - 2019/08/10

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

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.

On 2019-06-11 by (mod) - routing of septic system drainfield or pipes under power line

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

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.

On 2019-06-11 by ray rohmeyer

what is regulations on septic field lines under power lines

On 2019-05-28 by (mod) -

Did you talk to your neighbor? I would think that the neighbor would not want to install septic components that she later could be required to move.

On 2019-05-23 by Bob

What can you do if the nieghbors is installing a septic syatem and his engineer measured wron distance from your well? What is the minimuim distance from street and storm drains in mass?

On 2019-05-03 by (mod) - open drainage ditch downslope 25 ft from my septic tank

Anna and Anonymous:

The issue is less likely one with the septic tank and more distances from the drainfield or absorption system - as you can read distances on the page above. Please check that data.

But be sure you are on-site when the work begins and that you point out the locations of your septic tank AND drainfield since driving equipment over either of those risks a disaster.

On 2019-05-03 by Anna

The county wants to dig an open drainage ditch downslope 25 ft from my septic tank and the system underground

Whats the required distance between septic tank and underground system and open drainage ditch down stream

We purchased a home in the county. It has a septic tank & system. We wanted to dig an open ditch to run floodwatwr on our property. What is the required distance by law between septic and open ditch?

On 2019-02-24 by (mod) - deep is the septic tank

Mitch

In the ARTICLE INDEX found near the end of this article please see

SEPTIC TANK DEPTH

On 2019-02-24 by Mitch

How deep is the septic tank for a single house?

On 2018-12-26 by (mod) - Drainfield trench separation distances

Dallas,

Drainfield trench separation distances vary by the type of drainfield or soakaway bed design, materials, and soil conditions.

See details at https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Septic-Drainfield-Size.php SEPTIC DRAINFIELD SIZE

On 2018-12-20 by Dallas

How far do drain fields have to be apart from each other

On 2018-11-09 by (mod) -

Indenture

Please take a look at U.K. OFF-GRID SEPTIC REGULATIONS & SEWAGE SYSTEMS at https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Off_Grid_Septic_Regulations_UK.php

On 2018-11-09 1 by indenture@hotmail.co.uk

hi

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 2019-06-11 by (mod) -

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

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.

On 2019-06-11 by ray rohmeyer

what is regulations on septic field lines under power lines

On 2019-05-28 by (mod) -

Did you talk to your neighbor? I would think that the neighbor would not want to install septic components that she later could be required to move.

On 2019-05-23 by Bob

What can you do if the nieghbors is installing a septic syatem and his engineer measured wron distance from your well? What is the minimuim distance from street and storm drains in mass?

On 2019-05-03 2 by (mod) -

Anna and Anonymous:

The issue is less likely one with the septic tank and more distances from the drainfield or absorption system - as you can read distances on the page above. Please check that data.

But be sure you are on-site when the work begins and that you point out the locations of your septic tank AND drainfield since driving equipment over either of those risks a disaster.

On 2019-02-24 23:12:27.851969 by (mod) -

Mitch

In the ARTICLE INDEX found near the end of this article please see

SEPTIC TANK DEPTH

On 2019-02-24 by Mitch

How deep is the septic tank for a single house?

On 2018-12-26 by (mod) -

Dallas,

Drainfield trench separation distances vary by the type of drainfield or soakaway bed design, materials, and soil conditions.

See details at https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Septic-Drainfield-Size.php SEPTIC DRAINFIELD SIZE

On 2018-12-20 by Dallas

How far do drain fields have to be apart from each other

On 2018-11-09 by (mod) -

Indenture

Please take a look at U.K. OFF-GRID SEPTIC REGULATIONS & SEWAGE SYSTEMS at https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Off_Grid_Septic_Regulations_UK.php

On 2018-11-09 by indenture@hotmail.co.uk

hi

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 2019-02-04 by (mod) - minimum distance a septic tank can be to a run-off creek

Please see the distances given at

CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Septic_Clearance_Distances.php

On 2019-02-03 by Kevin Tisdel

What is the minimum distance a septic tank can be to a run-off creek in Greene County Missouri?

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

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

On 2018-08-28 by Anonymous

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

On 2018-07-23 by (mod) - locate my septic tank near a residential power pole.

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.

On 2018-07-23 by Charles

In Virginia I want to locate my septic tank near a residential power pole. How far from the pole must I be?

On 2018-03-10 by (mod) - minimum 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.

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.

On 2018-03-10 by Andy Thompson

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 2017-11-30 by Jody

What is the reason for the minimum distance from a structure to a septic tank?

On 2017-07-22 by (mod) -

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

On 2017-07-21 by TJN

Is there a maximum distance for the septic tank from a road or driveway to allow for cost-effective servicing?

On 2017-06-07 by Derek

Hello. I've read thru Table 1 for proper distance clearances of tanks, leach fields, etc. I noticed it states in the Drainfield Distance column that Structures - Tanks/Leach Fields must generally be 20' away from OCCUPIED structures. Which I assume means "residential." However, I'm interested in building a combination storage shed, garden shed, and wood shop next to (not on top of) the drainfield here in Missoula County, Montana. How close (or far) must an UNOCCUPIED structure be from the drainfield? Thank you in advance for your anticipated guidance.

On 2017-03-21 by (mod) -

Anon

See the model septic distance data at CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Septic_Clearance_Distances.php

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

On 2017-03-21 by Anon

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 2018-11-09 by (mod) - neighbor's Septic in the UK is just 20m from a stream that's a water source

Indenture

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

where you'll see the required setbacks.

On 2018-11-09 by indenture@hotmail.co.uk

hi

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 2018-10-13 by (mod) - where to pull septic clearance distance measurements

The distance is measured on the ground surface, from closest edge of the septic field to closest edge of the well casing, at ground level.

Typically no one is going to come to your property and force you to upgrade a septic or well to modern sanitary and safety standards (for well water sanitation at any rate), but also typically, any new work or renovation or repair needs to meet current codes.

So, for example if a field has failed and is too close to the well, the new field will need to be re-located to a proper distance.

On 2018-10-13 by Debbie L

Does the 100 ft clearance of your septic seepage pit and well get measured from where the well pipes go down into the ground start the measurement?

Or is the depth of the actual well count toward it?

If it doesn't, is there any 'grandfathering' in for older properties that do not meet the requirements? I'm in NJ.

On 2018-07-23 by Mick

How far from boundary line does the septic output pipe going to the absorption area have to be - the contractor has run it nearly hard up against the fence

On 2018-06-17 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.

On 2018-06-16 by Doug

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 2018-06-14 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.

On 2018-06-13 by Rob

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 2018-05-30 by (mod) - Septic Regulations for B.C.

Anonymous by private email:

My neighbour has installed a septic drainage for his rv last summer and lived in rv for 9 months. it is meters from a creek that flows from his property to ours. We fall under the ALR in Maple Ridge BC. I'm curious as I am concerned and wonder if it should be inspected.

(mod) reply:

BC Septic & Sewage regulations are found at the link I give just below.

You'll see that in BC a sewerage effluent dispersal system must be 30 metres from a permanent fresh water body.

That's about the same as the 100 ft. guideline I gave you before. (30 Meters = 98.43 ft.)

See CANADA SEPTIC & SEWAGE TREATMENT REGULATIONS for details.

On 2018-03-17 by (mod) - North Carolina Septic Tank Clearance distances

Perry

North Carolina Septic Tank Clearance distances:

• septic tanks cannot be placed where there may be flooding every 10 years or less, unless the septic tank is watertight, anchored, and storm-water-entry-proof
• at least 5 ft. from any building foundation
• at least 10 feet away from property lines, water lines, and the up-slope portion of drainage systems..
• at least 15 feet between septic tanks and basements, embankments, drainage system side-slopes, and swimming pools.
• at least 25 ft. from property line
• at least 25 feet setback for groundwater lowering ditches and devices, and the down-slope of drainage systems at least 50 feet from any lake or pond
• at least 100 feet away from private or public water supplies, streams, and reservoir.

See NORTH CAROLINA SEPTIC SETBACKS & CODE [PDF]

retrieved 2018/03/17, original source: http://www.alamance-nc.com/envhealth/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2013/10/SepticRulesCompleteEff10012011.pdf
In this document see 15A NCAC 18A .1950 LOCATION OF SANITARY SEWAGE SYSTEMS

On 2018-03-17 by Perry required distances for installing a garage from septic tank and tail lines in Wilkes County North Carolina

What is the required distances for installing a garage from septic tank and tail lines in Wilkes County North Carolina

On 2018-03-09 by (mod) - South Carolina's septic regulations & clearance distances

Mike,

South Carolina's septic regulations are at https://www.scdhec.gov/Agency/docs/septic-regs/61-56.pd but I've not been able to get that page to load.

You can also check with your Dillon SC Cooperative Extension at 200 S. 5th St., Dillon 29536 (843) 774-8218 (843) 774-7249

I found these South Carolina septic system distances & clearances

Minimum Distance from Septic Components in South Carolina

Separation Distances for Septic Systems*

• Building .................................. 5 feet
• Property lines ......................... 5 feet
• Private well........................... 50 feet
• Public well .......................... 100 feet
• Surface water ....................... 50 feet
• Drainage ditch ...................... 25 feet
  

*Based on S.C. regulation as of 1996. Additional separation distances are required for certain types of alternative systems. Check with your county health department for any changes or additional local restrictions.

On 2018-03-08 by Mike - septic eistance to well in Dillon County South Carolina

If u have a well already set how much clearance do u need to set a septic tank and drain lines and how close can u be to the property lines in the county of Dillon South Carolina

On 2018-02-16 by (mod) - Virginia Septic Regulations and Clearance Distances:

Robert

My recommended setback is 150 ft. as a recommended septic component setback distance, as we treat the spring as a "surface water supply" and as "septic system" is being used generically without specifics. Obviously site shape and drainage are important as well as the general problem of difficulty ever assuring that any surface water supply remains potable.

That's not specific to Virginia.

Searching the Virginia Department of Health http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/ I could not find any guidance on setback or clearance distances for the state except as I give below, leading to a guess at 200 ft. for your situation.

I'm researching this question further.

Here is how the VA DOH describes the state's program at "Sewage Disposal System Construction Specifications"

ONSITE SEWAGE & WATER PROGRAM

Septic systemEnvironmental Health Specialists work to protect drinking water and groundwater resources by ensuring sanitary handling and disposal of sewage and protection of drinking water supplies.

We conduct site and soil evaluations (“perk tests”); issue sewage disposal system construction permits and inspect finished sewage disposal systems.

We issue construction permits for drinking water wells to make sure they are located and constructed properly.

We inspect and permit businesses which pump septic tanks and dispose of sewage.

We investigate reports of sewage spills or other kinds of groundwater contamination.

The following text is given at the bottom of what's essentially a blank sheet titled xxx on which the installer sketches the septic design:

Show the lot lines of the building lot and building site, sketch of property showing any topographic features which may impact on the design of the system, all existing and/or proposed structures including sewage disposal systems and wells within 200 feet of sewage disposal system and reserve area. The scale drawing of the sewage disposal system shall show sewer lines, pretreatment unit, pump station, conveyance system, and subsurface soil absorption system, reserve area, etc.

When a nonpublic drinking water supply is to be located on the same lot show all sources of pollution within 200 feet.

You can find all of Virginia's Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage-water-services-updated/job-aid/onsite-sewage-forms/

On 2018-02-15 by Robert Hunt set back requirement for distance between a septic system and a natural spring or spring branch In the state of Virginia

What is the set back requirement for distance between a septic system and a natural spring or spring branch . In the state of Virginia

On 2017-11-13 by Angela

if I build on a conrete pad what are my setbacks to the actual drain field

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

On 2017-11-12 by cblottner

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 2017-11-11 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 fishes that lead down words from 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.

On 2017-11-11 by Judy

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 2017-10-26 by Dan edgerly

How far away from a drain field before I can start a 45% cut

On 2017-10-20 by (mod) - septic absorption field must be at least 100 ft. away from a well and the septic tank at least 50 ft. away.

Rosemarie

No, your septic system cannot legally, nor safely be over the well. 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.

On 2017-10-16 by Rosemarie McKinley 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 2017-09-18 by Dreamer

How far from the septic clean out can an above ground pool be placed?

On 2017-07-30 by Roger Blain

I am adding a modular attachment to my home. How far apart do I have to keep the waste pipe from the pex waterline that will feed it?

On 2017-07-24 by (mod) -

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

On 2017-06-28 by glenda milliken

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?

How far does my neighbor's septic need to be away from my residential water well. I live in Northern California Glenn County

Moved to CA SEPTIC CLEARANCE DISTANCES

On 2017-04-21 by (mod)

Anon

In the septic clearance distances table at CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM see the line whose left side heading reads

Water well, Private
[Potable]

On 2017-04-18 by Anonymous

How far a well must be from your septic system

...

Continue reading  at CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM - topic home or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see this

Article Series

• CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM
• SEPTIC COMPONENT LOCATIONS
• SEPTIC & SEWAGE TREATMENT CODES & REFERENCES
• SEPTIC & SEWAGE TREATMENT REGULATIONS, OTHER
• SEPTIC INSPECTION & TEST LAWS & PROCEDURES
• SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS - home
• SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN ALTERNATIVES - home
• WELL CLEARANCE DISTANCES for required distances between wells and septic systems and other site features
• WELL LOCATION, HOW TO FIND

Suggested citation for this web page

SEPTIC CLEARANCE DISTANCE FAQs-2 at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly.

Comments & Questions are Welcome Here

If you posted comments here and no longer see what you wrote, please check for your comment in the Reader Q&A found above on this page.

Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.

---

ADVERTISEMENT

---