While there is no maximum distance from toilet to septic tank, there are some factors to keep in mind when deciding how far your toilet should be from the septic tank. However, if you want to keep your septic tank in optimal working order, it’s important to ensure your toilet isn’t too far away. The recommended minimum distance from your toilet to the septic is 5 feet.
Factors Affecting the Distance from Your Toilet to the Septic Tank
Three factors will dictate the maximum distance from house to septic tank. They include:
Local Laws Governing Septic Installation
Many states have laws governing how to install a septic tank. These laws often state that you must be at least 100 feet away from any water source or building when installing a septic system. Some areas may require even more space, so it is important to contact your local authorities for more information on what regulations are enforced in your area.
Recommendation From Your Engineers
The engineers building your septic tank can also offer recommendations as to what is the maximum distance from house to septic tank. Most experts recommend installing your toilet within 10 feet of the septic tank because this offers ample room for installation and maintenance while ensuring no code violations.
How Much Space Your Property Has
Finally, the amount of space available on your property will determine how far a toilet can be from septic tank. If you live in an urban environment where many homes are built closely together, you will not have much space for plumbing needs. That means you’ll have your septic tank too close to the house.
Installation Needs for a Septic Tank Far From the Toilet
If your septic tank is going to be far from your toilet, you’ll need to take some extra steps during installation:
Installing cleanouts: If the distance between the house and the septic tank is more than 100 feet, you should install cleanouts in the sewer line. Cleanouts are crucial because they allow you to access the septic system so that it can be cleaned or repaired without digging up your entire system.
Have a leach field: A far away septic tank means there is plenty of space for a leach field. A leach field is where a perforated drain pipe runs along the bottom of an area, like a garden bed. The idea is that wastewater goes through these perforations after traveling through the septic tank, filtering down into the ground.
Tips for Positioning Your Septic Tank
The following tips will help you determine the best position for your septic tank and the maximum distance between toilet and septic tank.
- Check with your local building codes to see how far away your septic tank must be from your home.
- Locate your septic tank downhill from your home, if possible.
- Make sure the septic tank is accessible for maintenance and repairs.
- Place your septic tank at least 10 feet away from your home.
- If you have a well, ensure it’s at least 50 feet away from your septic tank.
FAQs
What Should be the Minimum Distance from House to Septic Tank?
Septic tanks should be placed at least 5 feet away from the house. However, most people place their tanks even farther, mostly 10 feet away from the home.
Bottom Line
There is no maximum distance from the toilet to the septic tank. But the farther it is, the more expensive it will be to install and maintain.
