Septic systems are part and parcel of life on a hobby farm where city services are not within reach.
One thing that has made life a little better is installing a septic tank riser to make access easier for
pumping or inspection. According to the Pros I have spoken with, the best interval to pump you tank is
every four years. They went on to elaborate that elections are on the same interval and both tanks and
politicians are full of it in that amount of time. If not scheduled, old Murphy (of Murphy’s law fame)
takes over and the pumping will need to me done at the most inconvenient time. If you want to
pay a guy to dig up the access for you, it will cost you a C-note prior to anything actually leaving the
tank. If that sits well with you, well, you probably wouldn't be checking out a DIY site, now would you? So Plan ahead and be ready to install a riser during your next tank pumping. The parts will cost
you between $100.00 and $150.00. For the best deal call your local precast septic tank company and ask if they sell riser pipe (by the foot) and riser lids. 24 Inch worked for our system but 20” is another common diameter.
Here are three easy steps
1) Dig to expose the lid
2) Measure from the tanks surface to the highest point on the surrounding grade and add two inches.
3) Order the lid and pipe to fit (they will cut for you) Install and backfill.
Tips: use spray foam on tank top to seal where the pipe contacts the tank, leave concrete lid in place, in cold weather climates, install fiberglass insulation in pipe cavity between the lids.
Questions? Feel free to post them below in comments. Thanks and happy digging!
One thing that has made life a little better is installing a septic tank riser to make access easier for
pumping or inspection. According to the Pros I have spoken with, the best interval to pump you tank is
every four years. They went on to elaborate that elections are on the same interval and both tanks and
politicians are full of it in that amount of time. If not scheduled, old Murphy (of Murphy’s law fame)
takes over and the pumping will need to me done at the most inconvenient time. If you want to
pay a guy to dig up the access for you, it will cost you a C-note prior to anything actually leaving the
tank. If that sits well with you, well, you probably wouldn't be checking out a DIY site, now would you? So Plan ahead and be ready to install a riser during your next tank pumping. The parts will cost
you between $100.00 and $150.00. For the best deal call your local precast septic tank company and ask if they sell riser pipe (by the foot) and riser lids. 24 Inch worked for our system but 20” is another common diameter.
Here are three easy steps
1) Dig to expose the lid
2) Measure from the tanks surface to the highest point on the surrounding grade and add two inches.
3) Order the lid and pipe to fit (they will cut for you) Install and backfill.
Tips: use spray foam on tank top to seal where the pipe contacts the tank, leave concrete lid in place, in cold weather climates, install fiberglass insulation in pipe cavity between the lids.
Questions? Feel free to post them below in comments. Thanks and happy digging!
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