I really need to re-grade my yard because the neighbor raised their grade and it causes water pooling along the lot line.
I had heard that you can’t add additional soil on top of a leach field or it won’t dry out.
Is that true?
I really need to re-grade my yard because the neighbor raised their grade and it causes water pooling along the lot line.
I had heard that you can’t add additional soil on top of a leach field or it won’t dry out.
Is that true?
Get expert guidance on finding a fixer-upper that's worth the effort.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial NowDig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.
Start Your Free TrialGet complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.
Already a member? Log in
We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.
Replies
No
It likely depends on your local authority having jurisdiction over septic installations AND exactly what the depth of added soil will be.
Leach fields are best located close to the surface because that's where the most aerobic biological activity is that mitigates the effluent. Deep leach fields become anaerobic (i.e. little oxygen) which inhibits the breakdown of the effluent.
If you're increasing the soil cover over the septic tank only, you may be okay IF the tank's cover can safely handle the weight of the added soil.