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How To Install A Concrete Septic Tank Riser

Collapsing building © Daniel FriedmanSeptic Tank Risers
Definition, Need, & Installation of septic tank risers & access ports

  • POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about septic tank riser, how is a septic tank access or riser installed

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Septic tank risers or access covers for deep septic tanks:

This article defines septic tank riser and explains how these components are installed to provide adequate cleaning & inspection access openings to pump & maintain a septic tank, cesspool, drywell, soakpit or similar wastewater disposal system.

We also provide an ARTICLE INDEX for this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need.

Septic Tank Risers: What if the septic tank is buried deep below ground surface?

Septic tank riser & cover, Seal Isle City NJ Tanner & Chase Gilligam (C) Daniel FriedmanDefinition: Septic tank "risers" are large diameter enclosures placed over the septic tank access covers to permit easy septic tank inspection and cleaning without having to "dig up" the septic tank at each occasion.

A septic tank riser consists of a bottom seal against the septic tank, a round large diameter material made of concrete, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polyethylene, or occasionally steel that forms a "well" around the septic tank cleanout, and a cover that can be secured at ground level.

Typical septic tank riser diameter is 24-inches but 30-inch, 16-inch and other riser diameters are available. Risers are sold in varying heights from 6" and up.

Watch out: Occasionally, as you'll see in photos here, septic tank risers are made of other materials such as stacked concrete blocks or even wood. Generally these are unreliable and often they're very unsafe.

As the photo just above illustrates (thanks to my grandchildren), both adults and children will stand on or walk over septic tank or cesspool or drywell covers and curious individuals may even attempt to remove the cover.

Falling into a septic tank or even simply leaning over to look into a septic tank can be a quick and ugly death.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Reader question: I was told my septic system needs a riser. What's that?

(May 14, 2011) Charles said:

I was told that my septic system needs a riser. What is that and what does it look like?

Reply: definition & description of septic tank riser

A septic tank riser is simply a large diameter round pipe, typically a couple of feet across, that is placed over the septic tank cleanout opening to extend that opening up to close to the ground surface so that the septic pumping company does not have to dig deep into the soil in order to reach the septic tank cleanout cover for pumping and cleaning the tank.

Watch out: just as a septic tank must have a save and secure and childproof cover, so must a septic tank riser, cesspool, drywell, etc. Boys will be boys, as my grandsons demonstrate, standing atop a septic tank riser cover in Seal Isle City, New Jersey.

The Gilligan boys provide ample testing of the security and curiosity-proofing necessary at site hazards including septic tanks.

Shown below: an easy-to-access septic tank riser at a property we inspected in Norway. [Click to enlarge any image]

Septic tank access riser at a Norwegian property (C) Daniel Friedman inspected in 2008

Indeed we've seen septic tanks partially above ground, and others buried more than six feet deep. It's not necessarily a mistake, and deep septic components may be required by site conditions, but here are some considerations when the septic tank is more than a foot below ground surface:

Deep septic tanks should have a service riser installed. Septic risers are large-diameter "wells" that are placed over a septic tank inlet baffle access port (and possibly outlet) to permit easy access for septic tank pumping, inspection, and baffle repair.

  • If the septic tank happens to be buried more than just a few inches below ground surface, good practice includes installing a septic riser, a large diameter pipe that gives good access to the septic tank for inspection and cleaning.
  • A large diameter riser is 24" or more in diameter. Small septic pumping risers that are just 4" or 6" in diameter are easy to install and cheap, but they do not permit inspection of the tank baffles, and their small diameter makes it difficult for the septic pumper to actually clean out the floating scum layer and sludge layer when the tank is pumped.

Steps in Adding or Installing a Septic Tank Riser

TuffTite poly septic tank riser cited & discussed at InspectApedia.com

Illustration: a TuffTite Septic Tank riser, cited below.

PVC or poly septic tank risers will typically include the

septic tank riser itself, or multiple risers depending on the depth of the septic tank below the ground surface

an adapter ring that is bonded and sealed to the concrete septic tank top or existing concrete riser using a butyl rope or other sealant recommended by the manufacturer,

a riser lid that screws in place

How to Install a Septic Tank Riser

  • Watch out: do not work alone. Leaning over or falling into a septic tank is usually quickly fatal. Protect the work area and keep onlookers at a safe distance during work on any septic system.
  • Dig down to expose the septic tank cleanout cover - this may be at the inlet and outlet ends of the tank or more often over the center of the septic tank.
  • Measure the depth from septic tank cover-surface to ground level and add a few inches to give the total septic tank riser height that will be required. You may need to purchase more than one septic tank riser to assemble the necessary height.
  • Remove the existing septic tank cleanout opening cover
  • Clean the septic tank top around the area where the adapter ring (for a PVC riser) or concrete or steel riser bottom edge (for concrete or steel septic tank risers) will contact the septic tank cover

    This means that the septic tank surface including mud and debris needs to be cleaned off and dry; installers use epoxy or other suitable sealants. Use alcohol or lacquer thinner to remove any water as well as grease or other contaminants and let the area dry thoroughly.

Butyl sealant rope gasket used with PVC septic tank risers - cited & discussed at InspectApedia.com

  • Install the sealant such as butyl rope or other sealant specified by the manufacturer.

    Aerostream specifies use of a butyl rope sealant (shown here). PVC risers are usually sealed by using a butyl rope that is applied both to the bottom of the riser and to the adapter ring before it's screwed down. Orenco specifies a methyl methacrylate (MMA) adhesive sealant.

    (MMA is a combination resin+hardener two-component adhesive sealant that has good bonding properties and good temperature tolerance.)

    and if-used,

    Install the PVC adapter ring, sealing it to the septic tank lid (now clean and dry) to which the PVC septic tank riser will be installed.

  • Set the riser in place: Place the round septic "riser" over the septic tank cleanout opening after first placing the rubber gasket or butyl rope or other sealant specified by the manufacturer. The riser may be bonded, glued, screwd in place, depending on the product involved.

    Somer septic tank risers such as Tuff-Tite risers are secured to the adapter ring using special Robertson (square drive) screws.

    The diameter of the riser will have to be big enough that it is outside the perimeter of the septic tank opening (else it would fall in) and it will have to be tall enough to reach ground level or a few inches below ground level if you don't want it sticking up in view.

  • Seal the bottom edge of the septic tank riser to the surface of the septic tank if additional sealant is needed for steel or concrete septic tank risers

    It's always good practice to be sure the riser is properly sealed: site conditions and weather vary.

  • Seal riser sections between risers if multiple riser sections are required; that seal again depends on the riser material (concrete, PVC, steel); concrete, steel and some PVC septic tank riser sections can be sealed by an external wrap or by rubber gaskets between sections.
  • Test the riser for leaks at or around the riser base: some manufacturers such as Orenco (see below) describe a test procedure that requires filling the septic tank to 2-inches above the base of the riser to inspect for leakage. This will of course require temporary plugging of the septic tank inlet and outlet openings.

    Orenco recommends following the tank manufacturer's instructions or watching for at least 30 minutes for leaks at Orenco's fiberglass tank risers. The water level in the riser should not drop during the test period and no water leaks or even droplets should be visible on the exterior of the riser base.

    Watch out: this is an important detail since leaks around the riser base can send groundwater or surface runoff into the septic system, flooding it and causing costly damage to the drainfield

  • Install the riser cover: Place a secure and safe cover over the top of the septic tank riser
  • Backfill soil around the riser so that things look nice again.
  • Watch out: for safety and to prevent children from possibly opening and falling into the septic tank, install a safety lock or combination lock on the riser lid if it's a lightweight one that could be lifted by one person.

Watch Out: Deep drainfields mean poor septic effluent processing. If a deep septic tank means that the absorption area (leach field or drainfield are synonyms) is deep, such that the top of the soil trenches are more than a foot below ground surface, then the reduction in aerobic bacteria in the soil will limit the effectiveness of the drainfield in reducing pathogens and other environmental contaminants.

Additional septic effluent treatment methods can correct these conditions, but it's useful to keep in mind that there is a difference between successful septic effluent disposal and successful septic effluent treatment. A deep septic tank does not necessarily mean that the absorption area is also deep, since site conditions and use of septic effluent pumps may change the required depth of a drainfield.

Watch OutBe sure that the septic tank riser and all septic tank covers are sound and secure since falling into a septic tank can be fatal. See SEPTIC & CESSPOOL SAFETY .

The two septic tank access risers shown below are dangerous and could easily involve a fatality. At below left is a collapsing home made septic tank made of concrete blocks over which someone placed a concrete cover and slabs of slate to try to cover this dangerous hazard - an inadequate response.

At below right was a two-concrete-block high septic tank riser provided at a mobile home park in New York. The site manager had simply left the septic tank cover off.

Unsafe septic tank cover discovered by simple exploration - we roped this area off and placed heavy plywood over the opening - it was by a children's play area. Unsafe septic tank cover discovered by simple exploration - we roped this area off and placed heavy plywood over the opening - it was by a children's play area.

Septic Tank Riser Installation Instructions from Manufacturers

Orenco PVC septic tank riser on concrete septic tank - cited & discussed at InspectApedia.com

  • Aero-Stream SEPTIC TANK RISER INSTRUCTIONS [PDF] AS-113 and other models, Aero-Stream®, LLC W300N7706 Christine Lane Hartland, WI 53029 USA, Tel: (877) 254-7093 TOLL FREE (262) 538-4000 Local (262) 538-4093 Fax info@aero-stream.com retrieved 2019/08/27 original source: https://www.aero-stream.com/wp-content/uploads/I-Sheet-AS-Riser-Kit-102368-Rev-F-current-1.pdf

    Watch out: installation instructions excerpt from AeroStream:

    CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: Always securely attach Riser Cover to Riser by installing and tightening the (4) screws using the appropriate driver tool. Cover security must be checked after each tank servicing.

    Cover must be inspected regularly for damage and security. The secondary safety barrier must be securely fastened in place at all times.

    The safety barrier must only be removed to gain entry into the tank by a properly credentialed professional donning appropriate safety gear. An unsecured cover or secondary safety barrier is a serious safety risk.

  • AFS, Automated Flow Systems Septic Tank Risers, Kor-Flo™ 30" diameter PVC septic tank risers are made of ribbed PVC pipe that are similar in appearance to the Orenco risers shown here. Contact: R.C. Worst Co., R.C. Worst & Company Inc. 625 E. Best Avenue Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83814 USA Tel: 855.329.4519 Offices also in Spokane and Idaho Falls.
  • Butyl sealant rope is produced by 3M, Poweka, XFasten and other manufacturers. Septic tank riser providers will specify and will provide an appropriate sealant formulated for their riser products.
  • Clawson, Beth, MSU Benefits of Septic Tank Risers [PDF], Michigan State University Extension, Water Quality, (2018) retrieved 2019/08/27 original source: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the-benefits-of-septic-tank-risers
  • DelZotto Septic Tank Risers, Delzotto, 4575 West Highway 40, Ocala , Florida 34482 USA Tel: (866) 487-2139 Website: https://delzottoproducts.com
  • EZSet™ Septic Tank Lids & Risers, Infiltrator Water Technologies, sold in 20", 24" and 30" diameter, glass reinforced polypropylene septic tank risers & lids, green or black, used with concrete or plastic septic tanks. Lids secured with stainless steel screws. Contact: Infiltrator Water Technologies 4 Business Park Road P.O. Box 768 Old Saybrook, CT 06475 USA 800-221-4436

    Website excerpt: EZset™ Lids & Risers EZset™ Lids & Risers Logo EZset™ risers and lids by Infiltrator are made from glass reinforced polypropylene, providing superior strength and durability. They come in green or black and in 20", 24", and 30" diameters, making them ideal for use with any concrete or plastic tank. The slip resistant lids are fastened using stainless steel screws and can be further secured by installing locking rings.

  • Orenco PVC SEPTIC TANK RISER INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS [PDF] (2017), Orenco Systems®, Inc., 814 Airway Ave., Sutherlin, OR 97479 USA Tel: 800-348-9843 / 541-459-4449 Website: www.orenco.com retrieved 2019/08/27 original source: https://www.rcworst.com/Shared/content/mfr/orenco_systems_inc/docs/orencorisertainstallins_nin_rla_rr_1_prn.pdf

    These PVC septic tank risers are installed on concrete septic tanks using a sealant, adhesive (methacrylate) and riser set into an adapter channel cast into the septic tank top.

  • Orenco Systems AX-RT TREATMENT UNIT INSTALLATION MANUAL [PDF] page 10 discusses riser installation, Orenco Septic Tank Risers & Lids
  • Polylok Septic Tank RISER INSTALLATION INSTRUCITONS [PDF] Polylok Inc., Zabel, Polylok Inc. 3 Fairfield Blvd Wallingford, CT 06492 USA Website: www.polylok.com, Tel: 1-877-765-9565 retrieved 20189/08/27 original source: https://www.polylok.com/sites/default/files/Riser_Installation_2.pdf
  • Thurston County WA SEPTIC TANK MANHOLE RISER INSTALLATION PROCEDURE [PDF] Thurston County Washington Department of Health, Thurston County Courthouse Complex 2000 Lakeridge Dr. SW Olympia, WA 98502 Information Desk: (360) 754-3800 Telecommunications Device (TDD): 711 or 1-800-833-6388 retrieved 2019/08/27 original source: https://www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/ehoss/pdf/RiserInstall.pdf
  • Tuff-Tite SEPTIC TANK RISER & LID INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS [PDF], Newmarket Pre-Cast Concrete Products Ltd. 20 Victoria Street North PO Box 1179, Uxbridge, Ontario L9P 1N4 Phone: 905.852.6111, Fax: 905.852.4340 Toll Free: 1.800.263.1297 Website: www.newmarketprecast.com Email: info@newmarketprecast.com retrieved 2019/08/27 original source: https://www.newmarketprecast.com/public/product_document/14423182945_How%20to%20Install%20Tuftite%20risers.pdf
  • US EPA, Handbook for Managing Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems [PDF] https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-06/documents/onsite_handbook.pdf
  • Zoeller Pump Co. SEPTIC TANK RISERS [PDF] product data sheet, 12", 24" & 30" riser diameters, UV-Stgabilized fiberglass cover, PVC risers are rated for 2500 pound wheel loading. Zoeller Pump Co., P.O. BOX 16347 • Louisville, KY 40256-0347 USA, Website: www.zoeller.com, Tel: (502) 778-2731 • 1 (800) 928-PUMP • FAX (502) 774-3624

Reader Comments & Q&A

Cindy the final legal answer to your question is in the hands of your local building or plumbing inspector. However most jurisdictions permit use of plastic or concrete septic tank risers provided

- the septic tank riser is properly installed in accordance with the tank and riser manufacturer's instructions - that will normally include

- selection of a riser and riser cover that will be safe including child-proof

- proper sealing of the riser to the septic tank lid - often using a butyl rope caulk/sealant at the PVC riser adapter ring and also at the bottom edges of the riser itself

- selection of a riser and cover properly selected for strength depending on site specific conditions like depth of backfill and possible exposure to
vehicle traffic

Can I use PVC risers in WI or do they have to be cement?

You can leave it exposed or you can bury it under 14 nches or so of soil in order to be able to have your grass grow in that spot

Watch out: If the septic tank riser cover is NOT above ground there is risk of surface runoff and groundwater leaking into the septic tank, flooding and destroying the system unless the cover is water-tight.

How deep should septic tank riser covers be buried from the surface?

I just placed a modular for storage on my property. The house burnt down near the septic. I cannot afford to build a house now, but hope to hook up the office /storage to the septic. Can I do this with the tank being approximately 200 feet away?? How will the slope of the pipe work? Can it stay above ground or have to be buried to meet the tank?

Steph and others:

There is no chance whatsoever that your septic tank is 15" in diameter as you suggest.

If you meant to say that your septic tank access openings are quite small, perhaps just 15" in diameter, that might be the case but you can and should install a larger diameter access or tank riser; it is very difficult to manipulate tools and pumper tank hoses to do a good septic tank cleanout job thorugh a small tank opening.

To protect our readers' confidence in the impartiality of InspectApedia we do not sell anything. Check with your local septic suppliers.

Watch out: be sure that your "light, easy to remove" septic tank lid is also locked and childproof lest a kid fall in and die.

I need a septic tank lid with an access port for emptying a portable septic from a camper without having to slide a heavy lid. Do you have these?

my lids are about 6 inches into the soil and are three ugly brown patches on my main lawn how to i disguise them

Our tank(s) are 15 inches in diameter. (there are 3 of them)why are 15/16 inch risers so hard to find and why are risers so expensive?

I would think that anyone could simply purchase large pvc/drain/culvert pipe and make their own riser. What do you think?

Why doesn't your comapany sell the 16" diameter risers?

...

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How To Install A Concrete Septic Tank Riser

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