Install Septic Tank Riser

Goal

Install a riser that raises the septic tank access opening to ground level. Eliminates future excavation; high-margin add-on at every pumping visit.

Prerequisites

• Riser (polyethylene, sized to tank: typically 12", 16", 18", 24" tall)
• Riser ring + lid (matches riser)
• Sealant (butyl tape OR concrete masonry adhesive)
• Tools: hammer drill, masonry drill bits, gloves
• 1-2 hours per riser
• Done during or just after tank pumping

When to recommend

To every customer:

• Tank cover currently buried 6-18 inches
• Customer tired of digging at every pump
• Customer aging + can't dig easily
• House selling soon (premium feature)
• Property has accessibility issues

Conversion rate at pumping: 30-50%.

Procedure

Step 1: Verify access

1. Tank empty (just pumped)
2. Cover removed
3. Tank lip exposed
4. Soil cleared 12" around opening

Step 2: Size the riser

Measure depth from ground level to tank top:

• 12" or shorter: 12" riser
• 12-18": 16" riser
• 18-24": 18" riser
• 24"+: 24" riser

Round UP - better too tall than too short.

Step 3: Prep tank surface

1. Clean tank surface around opening
2. Remove any debris
3. Inspect tank lip for cracks
4. If cracks: repair before installing riser (no point sealing to broken concrete)

Step 4: Apply sealant

1. Apply butyl sealant tape around tank opening perimeter
2. Or use concrete masonry adhesive
3. Coverage: full circle around opening, no gaps

Step 5: Set riser

1. Carefully lower riser onto tank
2. Center over opening
3. Press firmly into sealant
4. Verify level (top of riser horizontal)

Step 6: Add riser ring + lid

1. Some risers have integrated ring + lid
2. Others: attach ring on top of riser
3. Apply sealant between if separate pieces
4. Lid sits on top, removable

Step 7: Anchor + secure

For taller risers:

1. Drill into tank wall (2-3 anchor points)
2. Concrete screws OR masonry anchors
3. Through riser into tank
4. Prevents lifting from groundwater pressure

Step 8: Backfill

1. Backfill soil around riser
2. Tamp firmly
3. Restore landscaping
4. Top of riser flush with grade (or slightly above)

Step 9: Verify + photograph

1. Open + close lid
2. Verify smooth operation
3. Inspect seal (no gaps)
4. Photo for customer record

Materials specifications

Plastic risers:

• Polyethylene (most common)
• High-density resistant to UV
• Lightweight + durable
• 5-15 year warranty typical

Concrete risers:

• Heavier, less common today
• Plastic increasingly preferred

Cast iron lids:

• Heaviest, most secure (against children)
• Pop up for service

Plastic lids:

• Common, lighter, easier to remove
• Some include child-safety latches

Common pitfalls

• Wrong size riser: too short doesn't reach grade; customer disappointed
• No sealant: water enters tank, contaminates effluent
• Damaged tank rim: riser doesn't sit flush; leak
• Skipping anchor points: heavy water table lifts riser
• Customer not informed of cost: surprised
• Improperly leveled: lid won't open/close smoothly

Effluent filter add-on

When installing riser, often add effluent filter:

• Installed in outlet baffle
• Catches solids before they reach drainfield
• Extends drainfield life dramatically
• install
• Customer cleans periodically (during pumping)

Pair riser + filter at same install for premium maintenance package.

Customer value proposition

Without riser:

• Excavation every pump (3-5 years)
• labor each time to dig
• Damage to landscape each time
• 25 years: in just digging + landscape repair

With riser:

• Pay once
• No more digging
• Lid lifts open in 10 seconds

Customer math: riser pays for itself in 2-3 pumps.

Customer education

Educate at install:

• "Now you'll never have to dig again"
• "Lid lifts off easily for inspection"
• "Annual inspection takes 2 minutes vs 1 hour"
• "Schedule next pump in 3-5 years"
• Photo of installed riser; provide to customer

Safety + code

Considerations:

• Lockable lids (preferred for child safety) - some jurisdictions require
• Marking (some require visible marker over tank)
• Tamper-resistant fasteners
• Septic markers at field perimeter

Some jurisdictions require certified installation; check local.

Customer concerns to address

"Will it leak?"

• Sealed properly, no
• 25+ year service life expected
• Failure rare with quality install

"Can kids get in?"

• Most lids heavy enough to deter
• Locking lid option ( upgrade)
• Recommend if young children

"Does it look bad?"

• Goes in lawn at grade level
• Less visible than the buried cover (which often has settling that's noticeable)
• Some decorative covers available

"Will it freeze in winter?"

• Tank below frost line
• Riser may cap; lid prevents direct exposure
• Insulation tape if extreme climate

References

• Manufacturer riser specifications
• State septic regulations
• NEHA standards
• Manuall internal: Septic Tank Pumping Service SOP