Benefits of Installing Septic Tank Risers

If you have ever needed to have your septic system serviced, you know how inconvenient it is to have to dig up your yard to access the septic tank. Locating the septic tank underground is good for keeping it secure and hidden from view, but it can make simple tasks like septic tank pumping more challenging, costly, and time-consuming.
The depth at which septic tanks are buried varies depending on a number of factors, including its location on the property and the size of the tank. Generally, septic tanks are buried between two and four feet underground. This means that in order to access the tank, you would need to dig up two to four feet of earth – which can be quite a chore.
This is why many homeowners choose to install septic tank risers. A septic tank riser is a concrete, fiberglass, or plastic pipe that creates a portal on the surface of the ground that allows for easy access to the septic tank. This makes inspecting or pumping the tank much easier.

Benefits of Septic Tank Riser Installation

With a septic tank riser installed, you only need to dig around the riser itself, which is typically just a few inches wide. This makes accessing the septic tank much easier and less time-consuming.
Septic tank risers also make it easier to spot potential problems with your septic system. Without a riser, you would need to excavate the entire tank in order to inspect it – which is not only costly, but also disruptive to your yard.

With a riser, you can simply remove the lid and take a look inside the tank. This makes it easy to spot any potential problems, such as blockages or leaks, and address them before they cause serious damage.
In areas that see cold temperatures, septic tank risers are also helpful during winter months. Without a riser, snow and ice can cover the access hole to your septic tank, making it impossible to inspect or pump the tank until the weather warms up.
With a riser, however, you can simply remove the lid and access the septic tank – even if it is covered in snow and ice. This is especially important if you live in an area where freezing temperatures are a common occurrence.

Pros and Cons of Septic Tank Risers

Septic tank risers are a relatively new development in the septic industry. While they have some obvious benefits, they also come with a few drawbacks that need to be considered.

Tank Riser Pros

One of the biggest benefits of installing a septic tank riser is that it makes monitoring your system easier. With the riser installed, you can easily pop off its lid and check both your tank level and any major problems like clogs or leaks. This can help you catch small issues before they become big problems and save you from costly repairs down the line. Additionally, by being able to see your tank level, you can avoid overloading your system which can lead to a failure.
Another big benefit is that septic tank risers make it easier to pump out your system. In the past, pumps had to be inserted through the small opening at the top of most septic tanks. This was often difficult and dangerous, as the pump could get stuck or break if it was not inserted correctly. With a riser installed, the pump can be attached directly to the lid, making the process much simpler and safer.

Tank Riser Cons

However, there are also some drawbacks that come along with septic tank risers.
One is that they can be expensive to install, especially if you need multiple risers for a large tank. Additionally, they can be an eyesore, as they protrude a few feet above ground level. And finally, if not installed properly, they can actually provide access to your tank for animals or small children, which can lead to serious safety hazards.

How to Install a Septic Tank Riser

Installing tank risers is a job best left to septic professionals, but for homeowners who opt for doing it themselves, here are the basic steps:

1. Decide on the best septic tank riser for your system. Plastic, fiberglass, or concrete septic tank risers work better in different situations.
2. Research where to buy septic tank risers. With the price in hand, this is a good time to contact a septic professional to ask, “How much does it cost to install a septic tank riser?” The added cost of having the work done by a professional may prove to be a worthwhile investment in feeling confident that the job is done correctly.
3. Dig down to the top of the septic tank lid. Be sure to remove all dirt and debris to ensure a good seal.
4. Septic tank riser dimensions are typically 18 inches in diameter. The hole should be deep enough so that the top of the riser will be about 6 inches below ground level when installed.
5. Place the riser base in the hole and fill around it with gravel or sand to stabilize it.
6. Install the riser pipe by attaching it to the base using the provided bolts.
7. Cover the riser pipe with soil or mulch, being careful not to damage the pipe itself.
8. Place the septic tank lid on top of the riser, aligning it so that it sits squarely on top.
9. Use a level to make sure that the lid is level with the ground, then mark the location of the holes for bolting down the lid.
10. Remove the lid and drill holes at the marked locations, making sure not to damage the underlying pipe.
11. Reinstall the septic tank lid and secure it to the riser using the provided bolts or other fasteners.
12. Check to make sure that there are no gaps around the riser, then backfill with soil or mulch until all of the exposed pipe is covered up.

Risers should be checked every three months and maintained as needed, in order to ensure that they continue to function properly for many years to come.

Septic and Drainfield Services in Lakeland

Overall, septic tank risers offer some clear benefits that may make them worth the investment for some homeowners. But it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. If you have any concerns or questions, the professionals at Septic and Drainfield Depot are here to help.
Contact us today for a free estimate.