One to two days, depending on tank depth and system complexity.
Cost
$100–$500
Doing the labor yourself goes a long way.
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
Soil probe
Shovel
Measuring tape
Electric drill
Wrench
Pry bar
Safety gloves and goggles
SUPPLIES
Septic tank riser kit
Butyl sealant rope
Broom
Wire brush
Your home’s septic tank is a crucial element in your home’s septic system. Regular preventative maintenance comes with a price—like the cost of pumping your septic tank—but it’s required to continue treating and expelling your home’s wastewater appropriately. Unfortunately, septic tanks are buried in the ground, so accessing them for these critical checkups and repairs can be a challenge. Instead of digging up your tank’s lid every time a pump or other maintenance is needed, you can take advantage of a riser. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to install a septic tank riser so you can have inspections and maintenance performed with ease.
Cautions Before Installing Septic Tank Risers
When it comes to installing septic tank risers or any home project, safety is the top priority. Before you get started with any digging or other workaround with your septic tank setup, here are a few important safety tips that you should keep in mind.
First and foremost, make sure you gear up properly. Grab some sturdy gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from any unexpected sharp edges, flying debris, or nasty sewage fumes. Also, take a moment to check for utility lines like electricity, gas, and water around your septic tank. The last thing you want is to accidentally mess with those and create a whole new set of problems.
You’ll also be dealing with heavy, toxic odors, so be cautious around your open tank lid. It’s a good idea to wear a respirator mask to protect yourself from those fumes. Because of all these dangers, it’s a better idea to have a local septic pro handle this job instead of trying it yourself. If the steps below seem daunting, call a professional to help.
Locate Your Septic Tank
Photo: Natalia / Adobe Stock
If you’re not sure where exactly your tank is buried, the first step in installing a septic tank riser is, of course, finding your septic tank. Its location won’t necessarily be obvious, so you’ll likely need to consult your home’s blueprints, look for evidence of the buried tank, or use a soil probe to locate the tank lid. Consult a professional if you're not sure where to start.
Uncover and Remove the Septic Tank Lid
Photo: Natalia / Adobe Stock
Once located, you’ll need to uncover your septic tank lid so you can remove it and attach all the riser kit components to it. Using a shovel, carefully dig around the lid until it is fully exposed. Be mindful not to damage the tank during excavation.
Most septic tank lids are secured with screws or bolts around the rim. Depending on how your tank’s lid is secured, you may need to use an electric drill or wrench to loosen and remove the screws and bolts and possibly a pry bar to lift the lid free. Be sure to have a helper available to lift the lid off of the tank if it is too heavy for a single person to remove.
Be extremely cautious while working around an open septic tank and keep children and pets away from your work to prevent falls and injuries.
Clean the Top of the Tank Thoroughly
During this process, you’ll be using sealants and adhesives to attach the riser to the tank’s opening. This process requires the shelf or rim of the tank opening to be as clean and free of dust and debris as possible. Using a broom or a wire brush, remove any dirt, debris, or obstructions from the area that the base ring will be installed to ensure a clean working surface.
Install the Riser Kit's Base Ring Onto the Tank Opening
Your septic tank riser kit will include a base ring, which will be installed flush onto your tank’s opening. Carefully place the base ring of the septic tank riser kit onto the cleaned area and be sure it fits appropriately. Use butyl sealant rope on the base ring where it will connect with the rim of the tank so that you have an airtight seal and a strong adhesive.
The height of your riser rings will depend on how tall you want your riser to be once installed. You may want the riser to be flush with your lawn or you may want it to protrude from the lawn a few inches. To cut the riser rings, first measure the height required for your septic tank riser with measuring tape. Then, use a circular saw to cut the riser rings accordingly. Ensure the rings are cut evenly before you secure them onto the base ring.
Install Riser Rings Onto the Base Ring
Now that your riser rings are the appropriate height, you can stack them onto the installed base ring, securing them tightly. Use butyl sealant rope between each ring to prevent any leaks and use an electric drill to fasten the screws provided in the kit into place.
The riser kit’s lid is the final piece of the septic tank riser puzzle. Place the lid of the septic tank riser kit onto the stack of riser rings, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure it forms a secure and airtight seal. Once the lid is in place, you can fill in the sides of the riser with dirt until just the lid of the riser is visible on your lawn.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional for Septic Tank Riser Installation
When it comes to septic tank riser installation, you have two options: DIY or hiring a professional. The choice hinges on your comfort with DIY projects, budget, and your septic system’s complexity. Doing this task yourself can save money and offer flexibility, but it requires certain tools and knowledge. Additionally, it exposes you to safety risks and possibly some costly septic issues down the road if steps are performed improperly.
Hiring a septic company near you can bring expertise, safety measures, and regulatory compliance to ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently. If you're unsure about your septic system or concerned about safety and regulations, it's wiser to opt for a professional to ensure a proper and trouble-free installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Septic tank risers are indeed a wise choice for homeowners. They provide easy access to your septic tank, streamlining maintenance and inspection processes while potentially saving you money in the long term on multiple excavation jobs. With risers in place, you can proactively address septic issues before they escalate into costly problems, ensuring the longevity of your system. Moreover, compliance with local regulations that require risers can prevent fines or penalties, making them a valuable addition to any septic system.
Concrete septic tank risers are heavier and more durable than plastic or fiberglass ones, making them suitable for long-term use. Installing a concrete riser differs from installing plastic or fiberglass risers primarily in the materials and methods used. The process involves cutting the concrete risers to the required length and then stacking them, using concrete sealant or adhesive between sections for secure attachment. Due to their weight, extra care is necessary during leveling and the attachment of sections. Concrete sealant or adhesive may also require a curing before the riser is ready for use.
A septic tank riser should extend to just above the ground level or slightly above it. The exact height can vary depending on local regulations and personal preferences, but a common guideline is to have the riser's top flush with or no more than a few inches above the surrounding ground. This height allows for easy access to the septic tank without creating a tripping hazard or obstructing mowing and landscaping activities. It's essential to ensure that the riser lid is easily visible and accessible for regular maintenance and inspection while being mindful of safety and aesthetics.
You can cover a septic tank riser with dirt, but it’s not always the best idea. If you have a plastic riser and you bury it, you can easily lose track of it since you won’t be able to find it with a metal detector. Make sure to clearly note where your rise is in your yard so that you’re able to access it easily the next time you or a septic pro needs it. Don’t bury the cover too deep or you could place too much stress on it and make it too difficult to access in the future.
Yes, you can replace a concrete septic tank lid with a plastic riser. A plastic riser will offer easier access to your tank when it’s time for pumping or repairs. However, since concrete is heavy and hard to handle, this is a job best left to the pros and not a DIYer.
Veronica has been an avid DIYer, gardener, and hobby home designer for over a decade. Her tips and advice can be found on publications like 21Oak, HappySprout, and The Angle. She also recently launched her own homesteading blog centered on teaching people about sustainable living in suburban areas.
Veronica has been an avid DIYer, gardener, and hobby home designer for over a decade. Her tips and advice can be found on publications like 21Oak, HappySprout, and The Angle. She also recently launched her own homesteading blog centered on teaching people about sustainable living in suburban areas.
The homeowners guide to Septic Systems
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