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A septic tank riser is an extension that sits above a septic tank, making it more accessible. They can be added later and are made of materials such as PVC, concrete, and polyethylene. Risers are custom made to fit the precise dimensions of the tank and can vary in cost. They improve access and may lengthen the useful life of the tank, but regular maintenance is still necessary.
A septic tank riser is an extension that sits above a septic tank making it more accessible. Some septic systems are designed with risers from the start; this is particularly true in places where the tanks are installed in very cold soils or in particularly harsh or corrosive environments. They can also be added by consumers later on and are sometimes even sold as a do-it-yourself kit. Most of the time, risers are made specifically for certain tank sizes and models, and depending on the situation, you may even need to custom make them. To be effective, they must fit exactly over your existing septic eyelids; this is a situation where patterns made for different tanks are usually not interchangeable. Risers can be made from a variety of different materials, although the most common ones tend to be polyvinyl chloride (PVC), concrete, and polyethylene. Some materials are better suited to certain situations than others and may also have different cost considerations.
Septic tank basics
There are a couple of different options for treating wastewater, but in places where it’s not practical or possible to connect to a larger municipal sewage system, a septic tank may provide an alternative. Septic tanks are basically large underground storage systems that house anything that flushes down the toilet in the house or building it’s attached to. The bacteria inside the tank eats up some of the waste as it settles, but some of it, especially solids, tends to build up over time and typically needs to be pumped out manually to keep the system running efficiently.
Pumps usually connect to the top of the tank through sealed septic lids. They vacuum the solid contents into a truck or other sealed container so that the waste is never actually exposed to the air or outside environment; remains fully contained. Depending on the size of the tank and the intensity of use, pumping may need to occur fairly regularly. Having a thick riser makes access much easier and usually faster too.
Primary benefits
The main purpose and benefit of a riser is to increase the height of the septic tank lid. In most cases the lids are clamped to the top of a septic tank and are secured by stainless steel screws. Some risers may also include structural ribs. This can be useful in areas where winter is harsh, as the ribs prevent frost buildup; frost can destroy or corrode the riser over time. Building codes and regulations in many places require risers for tanks above a certain size, which is also a consideration.
How are they produced?
Risers are usually custom made as, in order to be effective, they must fit the precise dimensions of the tank they are being fitted to. They typically range from six inches (15.25 cm) to 12 inches (30.48 cm) in height and are between 12 (30.48 cm) and 24 inches (60.96 cm) in diameter. Many are also made so that they can be stacked on top of each other. This is ideal if a septic tank is deeply buried.
Choose between different materials
Some of the common materials for risers include PVC, concrete, and polyethylene. Concrete risers are among the strongest and cheapest to manufacture, but they can also be very heavy, making them quite difficult to install in many cases. This often means that heavy lifting equipment is required for installation. These risers can also be more prone to damage and loss and are usually not very aesthetically pleasing.
A polyethylene septic tank riser has the advantage of being corrosion resistant. Gaskets seal this type of riser, making the unit more secure. Polyethylene typically also prevents foreign materials from entering the tank and can reduce the chance of any hazardous gases, such as methane, escaping the tank.
A PVC septic tank riser is usually the lightest of all the options, at least when it comes to weight. This type can be much easier to install and requires less effort on the part of workers. PVC risers are sealed much like polyethylene models. This also prevents any leakage or entry of materials into the septic tank.
Cost considerations
Septic tank risers can vary in cost. Some of the calculations focus on material, but things like riser size and tank specificity also come into play. Models that need to be custom made are usually much more expensive, regardless of composition. It’s also important to note that while risers can improve access and may lengthen the useful life of the tank itself, installing one is no substitute for regular maintenance and preventative care.
