Exposed Septic Pipe

[CalebC]

I am installing doors below my deck so I can use that space for storage. Part of this involved digging a small ditch along one side of the deck. In doing so, I uncovered a large pipe (looks like PVC, 4-5" wide) that was buried about 8" deep. I believe it is the pipe that runs from my septic tank to the field.

I am planning to lay a landscape timber over it with just a thin layer of dirt between the timber and pipe. Should I wrap the pipe with insulation before continuing to prevent a freezing situation? If so, what type of insulation should I use?

My guess is that it is not necessary to wrap the pipe for two reasons. 1) It is buried only 8" deep which is above the frost line (1 foot). 2) It is mostly an empty pipe as water does not remain inside of it (it runs into the septic field).

Thank you for your time and attention to my question!

CalebC

[ballvalve]

The issue would be crushing rather than freezing. Perhaps you need some cement supports.

[CalebC]

The timber is not putting weight on the pipe as it is resting on dirt but it may touch it. That being said, it is not very heavy and will not have any weight resting on it (its just acting as a track for the sliding door (mesh) above it. Without the timber, dirt would enter the trench and block the door.

The pipe is located in a part of my yard that we frequently walk over so it should be able to take a weight of a person, let alone this timber.

Thanks for your help!

[Redwood]

The issue would be crushing rather than freezing. Perhaps you need some cement supports.

I'll agree with crushing being a strong possibility with the timber contacting the pipe.

[CalebC]

I neglected to mention that the timber is horizontally arranged and is less than 2 feet long (3" x 4" timber). Since it will not be supporting weight, I cannot see how it would crush this pipe, but please correct me if I am wrong.