In the event that a septic tank is no longer used (because of an alternate connection to city sewer, tank replacement during system upgrade or repair, etc.), the tank must be properly abandoned. This applies to old cesspools, leaching pits, dry wells, seepage pits, vault privies and pit privies. Access for future discharge to the system must be permanently denied. This can be accomplished by removing the piping or filling the end of the supply pipe with grout.
Local codes may list specific requirements for this activity and must be followed. In the absence of specific code requirements, the following procedures
Abandoning Septic Tanks and Soil Treatment Areas
Precautions must be taken to render the area of the old tank safe and free of environmental or public health impacts
May 30, 2019
| by Sara Heger, Ph.D. |
