I have two options I'm looking at, adding a shop onto the back of my 2-car garage or putting a free standing shop at the back of my property. I am leaning toward the addition only bc it would allow us to put a very large extra bedroom above the new shop for more space in the house (not to mention an easier sell for my wife....). However, this plan would require digging up and redoing the septic layout as the addition would mostly cover the whole tank. What kind of money and overall headache would this be? Thanks.
Anyone ever relocated a septic tank?
- Thread starter scab
- Start date
PECVD2
Well-known member
I can't imagine relocating one.
I had to install a new and larger septic (three stage concrete) when I built my garage because the additonal shower and toilet put us at 4 full baths (3 in home) and the state/village would not allow it.
It cost me about $200 bucks to pump old out and another $1200 to demo the old one (concrete) and get it inspected.
New tank permit cost me $100 bucks and $3200 to install at new location which would be greater than 10 feet from new detached garage location.
I had to install a new and larger septic (three stage concrete) when I built my garage because the additonal shower and toilet put us at 4 full baths (3 in home) and the state/village would not allow it.
It cost me about $200 bucks to pump old out and another $1200 to demo the old one (concrete) and get it inspected.
New tank permit cost me $100 bucks and $3200 to install at new location which would be greater than 10 feet from new detached garage location.
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cyamaha2007
Well-known member
It depends on how old the tank is. If its poured in place just abandon it. Also depending on where you are and regs, once you pull the tank it may have to be brought up to today's standards. Now if your not getting a permit its no biggie. The tank will have lifting hooks on it pump the tank down and lift it out with a trackhoe. Ive moved them and it cost me 400 bucks to rent a trackhoe big enough to lift it and set it back in the ground that also included the pipe needed. Also keep in mind any dirt you disturb under the new build needs to be properly filled and compacted. Thats really important. Some times they are stuck with suction to the ground. Lifting one corner generally breaks the seal.
Bondo
Well-known member
Ayuh,.... Great post,...
Scab's got 300' to play in,...
Just abandon what's there 'n do a new install, 'n tie in from the house, 'n to the field...
Hopefully the existin' tank is concrete....
Whatever it is, ya might get away with just pumpin' out the poo, 'n fillin' it with flowable fill, then just backfill, compact, 'n build over it...
The house was built in 1998.
So, basically, if I do it on the sly, it's no big deal.......hmmm.... I'm assuming this sort of thing would require a permit but I haven't gone far enough to check on that. I'm out in the country so there are no neighborhoods or coevenants to deal with (if that even matters).
If it isn't too much of a general question, how much do the tanks weigh empty?
A lot depends on your distance between your house and your field. I tried to move my tank but in doing so I lost all my positive flow. It added over 50 ft of overall distance between the house and the field which meant 7" more slope. I ended up with a new tank and field. 1500 gallon tank and field was 7500.
cyamaha2007
Well-known member
I would say under 5000lbs
AZ Pete
Well-known member
How much does it weigh? Depends on what it is made of, they can be precast concrete, cross link polyethylene (plastic), fiberglass or?
Do you know the capacity in gallons? Might be a 500 gal., 600 gal., 1000 gal.?
When I was involved in abandoning septic tanks, we were required to pump them clean, sanitize them and pierce the bottom to assure that they could not collect water, then back fill them, if they were to be abandoned in place, otherwise we removed the tank and back fill.
We sanitized the tanks by spraying them with chlorine bleach and water.
Do you know the capacity in gallons? Might be a 500 gal., 600 gal., 1000 gal.?
When I was involved in abandoning septic tanks, we were required to pump them clean, sanitize them and pierce the bottom to assure that they could not collect water, then back fill them, if they were to be abandoned in place, otherwise we removed the tank and back fill.
We sanitized the tanks by spraying them with chlorine bleach and water.
AZ Pete
Well-known member
Looks like you need to get out a shovel and dig down to the top of the tank to do a little research
Looks like you need to get out a shovel and dig down to the top of the tank to do a little research
Yeah, I know, I've just been too busy lately.
Pluribus
Well-known member
Your regulating municipality (city/township/county...) will likely have the septic design in their files if your house was built in 1998, and you may even be able to look it up online using your property parcel number. Where I am, they call the drawing(s) the "as-built" ie: as it was built. From that, you should be able to get the tank size and material, plus all sorts of other information on location, slope, etc.
nehog
Well-known member
Most likely the state has septic tank rules that will govern this... Relocation is probably going to be equal to a new system, unless your drain-field can be re-used as it sits which would likely not give you much movement.
At least in NH (I checked, at one time I wanted to move mine) it was a major PITA to do anything (even repairs!) to an existing septic system. As for doing it on the 'sly' I'd be worried that at some point someone will notice it has moved (the state likely has the plans for the original) and then there may be hell to pay.
At least in NH (I checked, at one time I wanted to move mine) it was a major PITA to do anything (even repairs!) to an existing septic system. As for doing it on the 'sly' I'd be worried that at some point someone will notice it has moved (the state likely has the plans for the original) and then there may be hell to pay.
hidollartoys
Well-known member
This all depends on what your state laws are that govern ground water resources. Generally, states are required to adopt FEPA rules and at least here in the central US, these laws are enforced by the respective county's environmental depatrment.
I just replaced a tank in an existing property(May 2012), located outside any city jurisdictation, and was still required to have the project reviewed and permitted by the county environmental dept. At least in Kansas, failure to obtain the proper approvals will result in your arrest and criminal action. You may be circumventing the federal environmental laws in your failure (knowing or unknowing) to obtain the required approvals.
I just replaced a tank in an existing property(May 2012), located outside any city jurisdictation, and was still required to have the project reviewed and permitted by the county environmental dept. At least in Kansas, failure to obtain the proper approvals will result in your arrest and criminal action. You may be circumventing the federal environmental laws in your failure (knowing or unknowing) to obtain the required approvals.
cyamaha2007
Well-known member
It amazes me how much things change area to area. Around here no permits required just a simple form to show where the tank will be on your property.
nehog
Well-known member
Missouri seems confused!
I think you got lucky... http://extension.missouri.edu/p/EQ401 said:
The Boss
Well-known member
At some point you will likely sell the house and somebody is going to want to know why there's an addition where the tank used to be.
If you are getting a permit for the addition, get one for the tank too.
If you are getting a permit for the addition, get one for the tank too.
cyamaha2007
Well-known member
See i thought there had to be some kind of rules but the building dept said no big deal just do it and re submit the property lay out. Its pretty laid back right now, my building permit required me to draw my shop on a envelope and pay 12bucks. They just wanted the sqft and how many doors. No code enforcement is nice and bad. I like it since ill still do quality work. But others will rehab a house not follow good practices and pass it on to a un suspecting buyer.
hidollartoys
Well-known member
if you mess with your tanks you going have to get a new perk test and maube new field lines if they upgraded the codes. even if you do it without them knowing, the location of the old tank is on file and could burn you when you build. Health dept doesnt play well with others. your tank moving can cost as much as $20,000. this is one reason i tell people put the tank and system in front yard.Nobody builds in front yard
Kevin_b_c
Well-known member
I am dealing with my septic system being in the way of my build. I think I will be abandoning the current tank and installing a new one.
From what I've concluded, it's more hassle to move the tank than to install a new one. At least in my situation it is. Here's a link to the thread I started about my septic.http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=174374
From what I've concluded, it's more hassle to move the tank than to install a new one. At least in my situation it is. Here's a link to the thread I started about my septic.http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=174374
Dick in Wisconsin
Well-known member
I had the stomach flu really bad one time. After what seemed two days on the throne, I swear I must have moved the septic tank. Probably not as far as you need yours move ... but as least a foot or two.