Don’t Put a Patio Over Your Septic System

This is a follow-up to a short video that stirred up a lot of opinions—specifically about putting a concrete patio over top of a septic system. Many people said, “Who cares? It’s the homeowner’s property.” And while that’s true, in this video I explain why it’s still a really bad idea and why septic professionals aren’t just “fishing for money” when they warn against it.

Septic systems require routine maintenance, including pumping every 3–5 years for most households. Modern systems are designed with proper manhole access so tanks can be cleaned thoroughly. Older systems often only have small cleanouts, which makes effective pumping difficult and increases the risk of sludge making its way into the drain field.

When you pour a permanent structure like a concrete patio over a tank, you eliminate access to critical components—especially the outlet baffle, which is one of the most common failure points in older systems. What could have been a simple, inexpensive repair can turn into thousands of dollars in concrete demolition and replacement.

This video breaks down how septic tanks work, why access matters, and why professional recommendations are usually based on experience—not greed. If you have a septic system, are planning hardscaping, or are buying an older home, this is something you really need to understand.

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