If you own a home with a septic system, you know that regular maintenance is essential. One of the best upgrades you can make is installing a septic tank riser, which eliminates the hassle of digging up your tank for inspections and pumping. This simple DIY project will teach you how to install a septic tank riser and makes accessing your septic tank easier, saves you money, and extends the life of your system. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to install a septic tank riser on a concrete tank step by step.
Why Install a Septic Tank Riser?
A septic tank riser is a vertical pipe that extends the access point of your septic tank to ground level. Here’s why installing one is a great idea:
- No More Digging: Without a riser, you have to dig out your tank every time it needs servicing. A riser eliminates this chore.
- Saves Money: Hiring someone to locate and dig up your tank can be costly. A riser allows easy access for routine maintenance.
- Prevents Damage to Your Yard: Digging can tear up your lawn, but with a riser, you’ll avoid unnecessary landscaping damage.
- Easier Inspections and Maintenance: With a riser, you can check your tank and schedule maintenance more conveniently.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before getting started, gather the following tools and materials:
Tools:
- Shovel
- Tape measure
- Large pry bar
- Masonry drill with a masonry bit
- Leaf blower or broom (for cleaning debris)
- Hammer
- Level
- Utility knife
Materials:
- Septic tank riser kit (including adapter ring, risers, and lid)
- Concrete anchor bolts
- Sealant (such as Great Stuff Pond and Stone foam sealant)
- Washers and nuts
- Grass seed or sod (optional for restoring landscaping)
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Step 1: Locate and Dig Out Your Septic Tank Lid
- Use a shovel to dig down about 10 inches until you hit the top of your concrete tank.
- If you want to preserve your lawn, carefully cut and set aside the grass sod to replace later.
- Continue digging until the septic tank cover is completely exposed.
Step 2: Remove the Old Concrete Lid
- Sweep off any loose dirt or debris.
- Use a large pry bar to lift the lid. If needed, spray a marking line on the lid so you can align it properly when putting it back.
Step 3: Measure the Opening and Order the Right Riser Kit
- Use a tape measure to determine the diameter of your tank opening. Most concrete tanks have a 20-inch opening. I ordered my kit from a site named Septic Solutions. The link shows all their riser kits. Mine was about $220 at the time this video and post were created.
- Order a septic riser kit that matches the size of your opening and the height you need.
- Consider a heavy-duty lid if the riser will be exposed to foot or mower traffic.
Step 4: Prepare the Area for Installation
- Once your riser kit arrives, check the fit of the base plate over the opening.
- Clean the top of the tank thoroughly using a metal brush, broom, or leaf blower to remove all debris.
- Test fit the adapter ring on top of the tank.
Step 5: Drill Holes for the Anchor Bolts
- Place the adapter ring on the cleaned surface of the tank and use it as a drilling template.
- Use a masonry drill bit to drill holes at each marked anchor point.
- Insert the anchor bolts into the holes and tap them into place with a hammer.
Step 6: Apply Sealant and Attach the Adapter Ring
- Apply foam sealant (such as Great Stuff Pond and Stone) around the perimeter of the opening.
- Position the adapter ring over the bolts and press it firmly into place.
- Secure the ring by tightening the washers and nuts on the anchor bolts.
Step 7: Attach the Riser Sections
- Snap the riser sections together and attach them to the adapter ring using stainless steel screws.
- If you need a taller riser, add extra riser sections to reach the desired height.
- Ensure that the top of the riser is level with the ground.
Step 8: Install the Riser Lid
- Place the riser lid on top and secure it using screws.
- If you’re not ready to screw it in permanently, tape over the screw holes while you backfill.
Step 9: Backfill and Restore Landscaping
- Begin filling the hole with the original dirt until it reaches the level of the surrounding ground.
- If you saved the grass sod, replace it around the riser.
- If needed, spread grass seed or purchase sod to restore the area.
- Lightly water the area for the next few weeks to encourage grass regrowth.
Final Checks and Maintenance Tips
- Ensure the lid is securely fastened to prevent unauthorized access.
- Keep an eye on the riser over time to make sure it remains level with the ground.
- When the tank needs pumping, simply remove the riser lid – no digging required!
Conclusion
Installing a septic tank riser is a smart upgrade that saves time, money, and effort when it comes to septic system maintenance. With just a few hours of work, you can eliminate the hassle of digging out your tank and make future inspections a breeze.
If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out our DIY Projects with Pete YouTube channel for more home improvement and DIY tutorials. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more helpful tips! 🚧🔧