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Before Covering With Pavers

Heavy and compacted. Lifting pavers to find a lost access point is costly.

What is about to happen?

A paver patio, walkway, or driveway is being installed, which involves excavation, adding a compacted base, and laying the stones.

What hidden system could be affected?

Septic tanks, sewer main lines, and critical yard drainage pipes.

What clues or records may help?

Obtain septic as-builts from the county. Look for existing cleanouts near the foundation where the patio is planned.

What does the visible surface not guarantee?

Just because there is grass there now does not mean there isn't a 1,000-gallon septic tank sitting 12 inches below the surface.

What becomes expensive if wrong?

Pavers are meant to be a permanent, locked system. If you build over a septic lid, the tank cannot be pumped. You will have to pull up the pavers, excavate the base, and rebuild the patio later.

When should local confirmation happen?

Before the heavy equipment arrives to excavate the base. Have all underground systems precisely marked.

Need to verify?

Contact a Septic Specialist or Private Locator before you cover.

Call 877-735-2796 to connect with local specialists