Stop digging for sewage and install a septic tank riser
A septic tank riser costs $200 to $400 including installation.
Risers cut labor costs because they save septic contractors time.
Installing a septic tank riser is not a DIY project.
Septic tank risers come in concrete and plastic styles.
If you’re someone who depends on a septic tank, you know they’re buried deep into the ground and can be difficult to locate and access when it’s time for maintenance. As a result, you could end up having to pay hefty digging fees and labor costs. The good news? With a septic tank riser, you can locate and maintain your septic system quickly and put that money back in your pocket. Keep reading to learn more about what a septic tank riser is and how it can make maintaining your septic system that much easier.
A septic tank riser is a pipe made of plastic or concrete that extends from your septic tank to the surface of your lawn. The riser connects to the septic tank through an access port or pumping opening. Risers contain lids you can open easily for inspection, maintenance, and pumping, which eliminates the need to dig up your yard.
In general, septic system manufacturers recommend inspecting your septic tank every year and pumping every three to five years. But when your septic system doesn’t have a riser, you could incur unnecessary costs.
Without a septic riser, the septic company you hire will have to dig every time you need pumping or service. They’ll also need time and money to cover up the digging when the work is done. A septic riser will cut down on the overall amount of work needed, not to mention the intrusion in your backyard.
Installing a septic tank riser that’s visible to the eye helps the contractor immediately access the riser lid, insert the pump hose, and get to work. This means they can leave their heavy equipment at home, which saves you from paying significant labor fees.
When installing a septic tank riser, you’ll only pay for labor and materials at the time of installation. A septic tank riser pays for itself with the money you’ll save on yearly inspections and regular local maintenance.
Septic tank risers measure eight to 24 inches and come in various concrete and plastic styles. Each style has its advantages and drawbacks.
Concrete septic tank risers provide more durability, but they also have their disadvantages.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 40-year life span | High labor costs and expensive up front |
| Sturdier than plastic | Difficult installation |
| Less maintenance than plastic | Susceptible to corrosion |
Plastic septic tanks risers come in PVC and polyethylene as well as other plastic styles.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More affordable | Can be crushed under soil |
| Lightweight and easier to install | Not as sturdy |
| Won’t crack or erode | Needs more maintenance |
It’ll cost $200 to $400 to install a septic tank riser. You’ll pay double the price for double septic tank risers. Concrete risers cost more to install than plastic risers due to their weight, and the equipment required for installation.
Because of the complexity of septic tank installation, it doesn’t make for a good DIY project. While you can buy all of the materials online to self-install, there are many safety risks of a DIY installation. Opening a septic tank access can release noxious gasses and potentially knock someone unconscious. Additionally, waterproofing and making sure the risers are secured together can be tricky without training.
If you’ve bought a new home or don’t know the location of your septic tank, a local septic tank contractor can find your tank with an electronic locator or a soil probe. They’ll dig up the area around the access hole, then refill the ground around the pipe and place a lid on the upper part of the riser for easy future access.
It’s fair to say that an easily accessible septic tank is beneficial for all homeowners (unless you enjoy all that extra digging in your backyard to find it). That said, if you don’t currently have a septic tank riser, it’s probably best to wait until the next time you need maintenance to install one. This way, your backyard will only have to be dug up once to pump the septic tank and install the riser.
You can also time the installation of a new riser with the need for a new tank. Although the riser installation is not nearly as expensive as that of a new tank, it doesn’t make financial sense to install a new riser if you’ll need a whole new tank within a year or two.
Stacy Sare Cohen contributed to this piece.
It’s not needed for your septic system to operate, but it will make regular maintenance and the ability to access your tank infinitely easier. You’ll likely also save some money in the long run, not to mention a lot of labor and energy because there will be less digging involved to find the tank when there’s a riser installed.
They can if they’re not installed correctly or if the caps or covers were dislodged by a lawn mower or other yard equipment. This is why it pays to hire a reputable septic tank company that’s experienced in septic tank installation and maintenance. You should also check caps and covers often to see that they’re in place and take measures to tighten or secure them, provided it is safe to do so.
A septic tank riser features a base ring that you need to install flush to the opening of the septic tank. After thoroughly cleaning the opening of the tank, fit the base ring over the opening and use a butyl sealant rope to create an airtight seal with the tank’s rim. Cut the riser rings to the appropriate height and stack them on the base ring. Then, install the riser lid. This task might be taken on by an experienced DIYer, but you should always call a septic tank professional if you are unsure of your skills.
Yes. A septic tank riser is meant to replace a septic tank cover—concrete, metal, fiberglass, or otherwise—while still allowing easy access to the opening of the tank. Just as you would need to be mindful of the septic tank lid when it comes to mowing the lawn or other yard usage, you’ll have to be cautious not to damage or otherwise disrupt the septic tank riser.
