Driving on drain field

[ssaamm]

We have a septic tank and drain field in our yard. A landscaper told us that no one should drive over it. Today some other people were doing some work and drove their big pick-up and winch through the yard while I was at work. There are some ruts where they drove through and over the septic system. It's a mature lawn. Should I be concerned and avoid this in the future. Or, is it no big deal and everything will be fine. I don't mean to be paranoid--just curious. What do you think? Thanks

[Wave Runner]

I don't allow any driving over the system I have at my cabin. You probably won't have any trouble from this one occasion but I wouldn't let it continue to happen...

[trapperdirk]

Your likely fine because its not winter time yet and it's in winter you have to worry about it because the frost gets driven into the ground . Do not drive on it even with a snowmobile in the winter time or be prepared to do without a septic system and be crapping in a pail .

TD

[efgh]

Driving over the drain field is a BIG NO NO. The drain pipe are usually plastic with 1/2 in. holes in them, a screen like sock is pulled over the drain pipe, they are usually between 18- 24 ins. in the ground, the ground is saturated under, over and on all sides, I would get it inspected by a licined septic tank installer , if it needs fixing it is easier to do it now. Then send the bill to who ever drove over it. Maybe you should call who ever drove over it and tell them what you are going to do. Just a though.

[ssaamm]

Appreciate the replies guys. How do I know if there was damage done? Could I tell right away or would it be obvious after the frost sets in? Yes, they will be getting the message not to do that again. Again, thanks for the tips.

[Surface Tension]

You don't want the soil compacted over the drain field. In the winter you want to keep the snows insulating value up so don't pack the snow down either.

Driving over it once won't pack it down to bad but were that rut is it could have put a little dip in your line. Not the end of the world but something you'd like to avoid. I doubt it would have broken the line.

Theres really is no way of telling if theres any damage now. Mark the ruts, come spring look for standing water in those areas.