|
Makes Tank Lids Accessible |
 The
Complete Septic System Owner makes sure the lids to their septic tank are
accessible. Health Department regulations require that “the opening cover of a septic
tank manhole...shall be no deeper than 8 inches below the finished grade”.
The purpose of the regulation, which is a good one but sadly not enforced by the
health department, is to allow ready access to the tank, not only for cleaning,
but also for inspecting to determine if cleaning is needed or to determine the
cause of a malfunctioning system.
Opening and looking into the tank is the first diagnostic tool if there is ever a problem with the system. We recommend extending the lids flush with existing grade, except in irrigated lawn areas where a depth of 6” is necessary to keep sod green. Almost all septic tanks, even single-chambered tanks, have 2 access openings - one at the inlet end and another at the outlet end. To properly pump the tank and inspect the condition of your tees or baffles, as well as the condition of the inlet and outlet piping, you need risers and lids at both ends of the tank either at grade or close to grade. If you recently had or are about to have your tank cleaned and tank lids are exposed, now is a good time to install risers. It’s a one-time expense that greatly improves the maintenance and life of your system. We sell double wall PVC risers and riser lids to bring your tank access to grade. We deliver risers on our pump truck if you have ordered them prior to pumping. Or, you can pick these up at our yard near Sedalia. Call us to fax or e-mail you a map to get there. Or, we will deliver them to you, but there is a delivery charge. You can also call one of the concrete pre-cast companies and buy concrete risers and/or lids, but you will likely have to go pick them up. Please see Concrete Pre-Cast Companies under Resources.
|