When it comes to learning how to maintain for your septic system, care for your septic tank risers oftentimes goes unnoticed, but they are extremely important to properly tend. While they don’t get a lot of attention, they are a pretty important component of your septic system. This article provides the resources you need to learn how to properly care for your septic tank risers and know when to repair or replace them.
What Are Septic Tank Risers For?
Septic tank risers are concrete, plastic, or fiberglass cylinders that extend vertically from the septic tank up to ground level. They are typically 12-24 inches in diameter and 2-4 feet in length that make an entry point at ground level that allow your septic care provider to access the septic tank during service visits.
Septic Tank Riser Installation
Septic tank risers can be made of concrete, plastic, or fiberglass that offer a stronger seal than their old clay counterparts because they have rubber gaskets between sections and are screwed together. Septic tank risers should be watertight to keep groundwater from finding its way into the tank. The riser lid should be fastened with screws or weigh more than 60 pounds to ensure a proper seal.
Landscaping with Septic Tank Risers
Septic tank risers should never be buried. They should be 2 inches above final grade to prevent groundwater from entering the system. Avoid using mulch around septic tank risers which can fall inside the tank during service visits, creating clogs and potentially causing damage. Decorative gravel or pebbles can be used instead to create a vegetation-free zone around the risers. Avoid planting trees, bushes, shrubs, and tall decorative grasses nearby, as roots may grow into the riser and cause damage.
Common Issues with Septic Tank Risers
Like every other component of your septic system, your tank risers need to be periodically inspected to ensure they function properly. Lawnmower damage is very common when homeowners bump into or drive over the riser. Be sure anyone tending to your lawn knows where the risers are and the importance of avoiding them with maintenance equipment such as, lawnmowers, snow blowers, and weed eaters.
Septic tank risers are known to leak. With temperatures changing from season to season, risers can slightly shift, breaking the watertight seal. An easy way to check whether a riser is leaking is to open the lid and run a garden hose around the riser for ten minutes while checking for infiltration. If water is getting in, the risers will need to be repaired to prevent groundwater from getting into your system.
Curry’s Can Keep Your Septic System Running Smoothly!
Curry’s has the experts, equipment, and know how to care for your system properly. From emergency repairs, to routine septic maintenance and installation, we’ll be here for you. Contact us to schedule your septic service today!
