What You Should Know About Septic Tank Risers

One septic system addition is worthwhile for every home to have: a septic tank riser. Read this overview of septic tank risers and how they can benefit your septic system.

What Is a Septic Tank Riser?

A septic tank riser is a pipe that extends from the surface of your yard to your septic tank underground. The riser connects to the septic tank at the pump-out openings or access port. Septic tank risers have lids that anyone can remove to easily inspect or pump your septic tank without digging up your yard.

Septic tank risers must be made to withstand the elements. Typically, they have materials that take a long time to degrade, such as plastic or concrete. Risers almost always come with new septic tank installations, but many homes with septic systems made in the last decade did not come with risers.

What Are the Benefits of Risers?

Most septic system manufacturers and septic contractors recommend that you pump your septic system every three to five years. Normally, this means digging up your yard before the pump and reburying the tank afterward. If the septic tank is not where the contractor anticipated, that unfortunately means twice as much labor to dig out a new hole and locate the tank.

With a septic tank riser, this can reduce the labor in pumping your septic tank. Your contractor will simply have to remove the secure lid of the riser and run a pump hose into it to access your tank. Since the riser is visible above the surface of your yard, it also serves as an excellent signpost to easily locate your septic tank the first time.

How Much Does a Riser Cost?

Septic tank risers are not only convenient, but they are also cost-effective if you plan to say in your home for several years. Plastic septic tank risers typically cost $300 to $400to install, parts and labor included. Concrete risers are more durable but also more expensive, and the cost will depend on the quote you receive from the installing contractor.

The up-front cost of a septic tank riser is not negligible, but it will more than pay for itself in the years to come. Labor costs make up a significant portion of what contractors charge for septic system inspection and pumping, so having a riser could potentially cut the future cost of septic service in half.

When Should You Install a Riser?

Every home can benefit from a septic tank riser, but that does not necessarily mean you should install one today. Since your septic tank must be dug out any way to install a riser, and they are only useful when your system needs inspection or pumping, most homeowners choose to wait until their next septic pumping before installing a riser. This allows the pump and riser installation to be done in one step.

Also, inspect your septic system before installing a riser. A riser should be a long-term investment, so you want to be sure that your tank is in good working order before installing one. No one wants to upgrade their system with a riser only to find that the tank will need replacing within the next year.

A septic tank riser is a simple concept that can save you a lot of money and frustration for septic system maintenance. If your septic system needs a riser or any other service, contact us at Southern Sanitary Systems Inc. We look forward to hearing from you and answering all your questions about your septic system needs. Please let us know how we can help you and your septic system today.