By Tony Carrick | Published Aug 23, 2023 2:39 PM
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Though much of your septic system sits out of sight and out of mind beneath the surface of the yard, not all of it is concealed below ground. Septic systems have visible manhole-like covers and vent pipes that can jut several feet out of the ground. While there are things you should never bury or build over these unsightly components of your septic system, there are safe methods for concealing them. From ornamental landscaping to garden gnomes, plenty of creative ideas can help to disguise these waste-management eyesores. Ahead, find out what you can do (and what you shouldn’t do) to mask those ugly septic tank covers and vents.
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While placing a large rock on top of your septic tank cover is a no no, there’s nothing wrong with setting a lightweight fake rock on top of it. Faux rocks, such as this artificial garden stone from Arlmont & Co at Wayfair, are made to fit over the top of the septic tank cover. Since these fake boulders are made from lightweight fiberglass, they won’t apply excess weight to the septic system, and they’re easy to remove when it’s time to service the system.
Avoid putting boulders or heavy pavers on top of the septic cover. Some septic tank covers are designed to support only about 100 to 125 pounds of weight. Even if you have a septic tank cover that can hold hundreds of pounds, that cover must remain accessible for periodic service, so whatever you place on top of it must be relatively easy to remove.
One way to mask the visible components of a septic system is to create a screen of ornamental grasses. Ornamental grasses have shallow root systems that won’t wreak havoc on your septic system, but grow tall enough to create an effective visual barrier to hide septic tank covers and vent pipes. Just be prepared to replace them occasionally if they must be dug up for servicing the tank.
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While you might be tempted to plant shrubs and trees around your septic system’s visual components to hide them, doing so can cause major problems down the road. Many shrubs and trees develop large root systems as they get bigger that can grow into your septic field and its plumbing, leading to damage and a hefty repair bill down the road. Septic companies typically say to avoid planting any shrub or tree within a minimum of 20 feet of the septic field.
Disguise that unsightly septic system lid by putting a planter over top of it and filing it with flowers. One of the best types is a half-barrel style planter that’s large enough to cover the entire septic tank cover. Look for a planter such as this plastic barrel from Breakwater Bay at Wayfair that has a hollow bottom and is larger in diameter than the cover, so that it rests on the ground around the cover as opposed to on the cover itself.
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Never bury a septic tank lid. Doing so makes it harder for a technician to access it when it needs service and also allows rainwater to drain into the septic tank, which can cause the system to overflow into the yard or even back up into the house. Always make sure the septic tank lid sits a few inches above the ground. If grass grows around the area, be sure to keep it trimmed enough around the access covers to find them when needed.
Septic system ventilation pipes can extend several feet out of the ground, making them a particularly unsightly component of a septic system. Consider buying an ornamental vent cover to disguise it. These covers come in a variety of looks, including bird houses, bird baths, and even landscape lighting.
That septic system vent that extends out of the ground in your yard may be an eyesore, but it serves an important role in the operation of the system. Blocking it can prevent methane gas and carbon dioxide from venting out of the system, trapping these gases inside the tanks. As the pressure created by these gases builds up, it can cause the septic tank to back up and even cause a backflow into the home.
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While you should never place heavy weight on your septic tank lid, you can place smaller objects that weigh less than 100 pounds on top of them. Decorate your septic tank lid with a fun yard ornament such as a garden gnome. A small yard ornament will mask the lid while being lightweight enough to remove when it’s time to service the septic system.
While you might be tempted to build something over the top of the septic tank cover to hide it, such as a gazebo, shed or deck, the weight of these structures can damage the surrounding septic field and make it impossible to access the septic system for regular maintenance. With that in mind, avoid building any large permanent structures over your septic system.
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If a faux rock, lawn ornament, or planter isn’t in the budget, then consider turning that ugly septic tank cover into art. Paint the cover a solid color to blend in with the surroundings or add a fun pattern or design on the cover. If your cover is concrete, consider using small tiles to create an attractive mosaic pattern on the lid.
While building a fence around the septic system covers and vents might seem like a great way to hide it from sight, doing so could damage the system. Fences require posts that extend several feet into the ground. There’s a good chance you could dig into the PVC pipes in your septic field while digging the holes for these posts.
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