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Septic drain lines (or leach lines) are typically buried between 18 and 36 inches underground, and should be at least 6 inches below the surface. These pipes are perforated and surrounded by filtering materials like sand or gravel. Burying the lines at this depth helps minimize odors and allows bacteria and other biological processes in the soil to effectively treat the wastewater. Burying lines too close to the surface can cause issues unless the soil is very compact and stable.

Septic tanks come in multiple shapes, sizes, and materials. However, they’re often round or rectangular in shape and made from concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. There’s a range of septic tank sizes, with the average model measuring 30 to 40 square feet and holding 1,000 to 1,500 gallons of waste.

A septic tank riser features a base ring that you need to install flush to the opening of the septic tank. After thoroughly cleaning the opening of the tank, fit the base ring over the opening and use a butyl sealant rope to create an airtight seal with the tank’s rim. Cut the riser rings to the appropriate height and stack them on the base ring. Then, install the riser lid. This task might be taken on by an experienced DIYer, but you should always call a septic tank professional if you are unsure of your skills.

How deep your septic system needs to be into the ground depends on several factors. In extremely cold environments, the tank needs to rest below the maximum frost line, which can be up to six or eight feet deep. The standard burying depth for most systems is between a few inches and four feet below ground level. Depth can also depend on the slope of the landscaping and other property variables.