The Benefits of Installing Risers for Your Septic Tank

For homeowners relying on a septic system, regular maintenance is crucial for its longevity and efficient operation. A key part of this maintenance is having the septic tank pumped and inspected periodically. However, locating and accessing the septic tank’s buried lids can often be a messy and frustrating ordeal, involving digging up turf, landscaping, or even paving. This is where the installation of septic tank risers becomes an invaluable upgrade, transforming a cumbersome chore into a simple and accessible task.

What Are Septic Tank Risers?

Septic tank risers are durable, watertight extensions that are installed directly over the access ports (lids or manholes) of your buried septic tank. They are essentially vertically stacked cylinders, typically made of high-strength plastic (like polyethylene) or concrete, that extend from the top of your septic tank all the way to ground level. The top of the riser is then capped with a secure, heavy-duty lid that sits flush with or slightly above the ground. This eliminates the need for digging to locate and uncover the tank’s access points each time it needs to be pumped or inspected.

The Undeniable Benefits of Installing Septic Tank Risers

Installing risers on your septic tank offers a multitude of advantages that enhance convenience, promote consistent maintenance, and can even save you money and headaches in the long run.

Unmatched Convenience and Accessibility

This is the most obvious and compelling benefit. With risers, there’s no more digging. Your septic tank’s access lids are readily available at ground level, making pumping and inspection appointments significantly faster and less disruptive. This convenience encourages homeowners to adhere to recommended pumping schedules.

Promotes Regular Maintenance

Because accessing the tank is so easy, homeowners are far more likely to schedule and follow through with regular pumping and inspections. This proactive maintenance is vital for preventing sludge buildup, drainfield clogs, and costly septic system failures. Early detection of minor issues becomes much easier.

Prevents Damage to Landscaping and Property

Repeated digging to locate lids can severely damage your lawn, garden beds, or even paved areas like driveways or patios that may be over the tank. Risers eliminate this recurring disruption, preserving your landscaping and avoiding repair costs for damaged hardscapes.

Improved Safety

Septic tank lids can be heavy, and uncovering them can pose a safety risk, especially if they are old or partially buried. Risers come with securely fastened, often child-resistant, lids that are easier and safer to open and close by qualified professionals.

Easier System Troubleshooting

In the event of a system issue (like slow drains), having immediate access to the tank allows a septic professional to quickly diagnose the problem without the added time and effort of excavation. This can lead to faster resolution of emergencies.

The Professional Installation Process

Installing septic tank risers is a job best left to experienced septic professionals. The process typically involves:

Locating and Excavating the Tank Lids

The professional will precisely locate the existing access lids of your septic tank, carefully excavating around them to expose the tank’s opening.

Preparing the Tank Opening

The top of the septic tank around the access opening is cleaned and prepared to ensure a secure and watertight seal for the riser base.

Installing the Riser

The first section of the riser is placed directly over the tank opening and securely fastened. A high-quality, watertight sealant is applied between the tank and the riser base to prevent any leakage.

Stacking Riser Sections

Additional riser sections are added as needed to bring the height up to ground level. Each section is also sealed to the one below it.

Securing the Lid

A durable, secure lid is then placed on top of the uppermost riser section, typically bolted or fastened down to prevent unauthorised access and ensure safety.

Installing septic tank risers is a relatively simple upgrade that offers profound benefits for homeowners with septic systems. It streamlines maintenance, prevents costly problems, enhances safety, and ultimately contributes to the long-term health and efficiency of your entire septic system. If your septic tank lids are currently buried, consider a riser installation.

Contact our team at Lone Star Septic Services today to learn more.