Replies

1. 
   COH | Aug 21, 2003 06:16pm | #1

   Looks like a sewer cleanout. For accessibility you will need clearance for cleanout. Check code in your area.

2. 
   TKanzler | Aug 21, 2003 06:31pm | #2

   My rain gutters drain into the storm sewer system in the street, as do all the others on my street.  I have a couple of cleanouts in the lawn, similar to what's in the picture.  Stick a garden hose in one of the leaders, and see if you can hear water running in the stack (assuming your leaders go into underground pipes).  If access is a problem, make sure you can remove a deck board or two to get a powered snake into it from above the deck.

   Be seeing you...

3. 
   ProDek | Aug 21, 2003 07:22pm | #3

   Those are clean outs for a drain field(sewer). The drain field is usually 4' under those caps.

   You will need to find out where the septic tank is located. You are not supposed to build over the septic Tank.

   You can obtain a plot plan for the residence from the building department which will show the location of the septic system but even they are not that accurate. I built a carport per the plot plan and crushed the drain field.

   Instead of letting me hook up the the next leg of the field I had to hook up to sewer which cost me $30,000. 

   "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

   Bob

4. 
   johnnyd | Aug 21, 2003 09:12pm | #4

   They are dead ringers for what they put in as inspection/pumping ports into my septic tank. If that's what they are, then even the existing deck is probably not in compliance with the 10 foot rule...that you can't have any structure closer than 10' from a septic tank. 

   But my septic tank guy said that rule is for accessibility to be able to get to the ports with a hose to pump the septic tank out.  For sure you need to find out what's underneath these...whether it's part of your drain field or septic tank...before digging any holes or running heavy equipment even a bobcat over this area.

   According to Minnesota code anyway, you could have drain tile as shallow as 12" underneath finished grade.

1. 
   keithw1 | Aug 21, 2003 10:47pm | #5

   Well, just found out from the family that it's a septic tank below.  According to Jersey code, a structure must be at least 8 feet away.  Thanks fellows!

1. 
   johnnyd | Aug 21, 2003 10:50pm | #6

   so you going to rip the deck out or is there still room for the pumper truck to get close enough to bring his hose to the port? They usually carry a pretty long hose.

2. 
   G80104 | Aug 22, 2003 02:52am | #7

   I guess you might want to move the Ride with the fancy paint job away from the Honey tanks!