Septic tank covers, openings & access ports:

Here we provide a guide to septic tank covers, finding, types, and septic tank cover safety. Assuring the septic tank cover is safe. Where to look for the septic tanks, septic tank covers, or septic tank cleanout lids.

What are the types of septic tank covers, how do we assure the septic tank (cesspool, drywell, or seepage pit) cover is safe;

How deep is a septic tank cover buried, & do we find & remove septic tank covers?

Septic Tank Cover Trouble Q&A

These questions and answers about septic tank covers or lids, repair, replacement, and most-important, safety were posted originally

at SEPTIC TANK COVERS - be sure to review that article.

Once the Septic Tank has Been Located How Deep is The Septic Tank Cover & Is the Cover Safe? Not necessarily. The cover in our photo is inviting a fatal fall into a septic tank or cesspool. Examples of accidents and fatalities at septic tanks are in a separate article: SEPTIC TANK ACCIDENT REPORTS.

Septic company dropped my beveled square concrete cover into my concrete tank

and made *no attempt to seal it

Septic company dropped my beveled square concrete cover into my concrete tank. Came and replaced it with a round concrete riser about 6 inches tall and then a round concrete lid about 2 inches.

My concern is that there was attempt to seal it.

Does this seem adequate? On 2020-03-05 by MC -

Answer by (mod) - round replacement septic tank access cover for square hole

MC:

There are some concerns here:

1. If the cover is not properly sealed surface runoff during rain or snow melt can flood the septic system, causing septic failure or costly damage

2. If the septic tank cover is not properly fitted it may not be secure against movement - or displacement. If the cover is easy to dislocate then someone can fall into the septic tank - a quick and terrible death.

I can't say if your septic tank cover is adequate or not without more details. Perhaps you can post a photo.

But it's worth noting that the reason manhole covers are round is that it's the only cover shape that cannot be dropped through the cover opening.

by MC

Cover is about 1 and 1/2 inches thick. I was holding a metal yardstick for pic, I thought resting on tank top, and it disappeared. Not sure if it went into tank.

Were you able to determine anything from the pictures, Danjoe? Your comment earlier about sealing...is the weight of concrete considered to seal it or is there something else that should be done other than stacking the pieces.

by (mod) -

MC

If the round cover completely covers the rectangular opening then it can be sealed to the top of the septic tank, or if necessary a riser can be set atop the tank, sealed to it, and the cover set atop the riser.

But if the cover is too small, such that the corners of the septic tank opening are open to the environment this is not a workable septic tank access cover and it needs to be corrected.

OK so if the riser extends just 8 or 9" above the septic tank upper surface then it seems unlikely that you could have lost your yardstick unless it fell into the septic tank.

Ask the contractor to dig enough soil away so that you can see that the riser is (or is not) successfully sealed to the septic tank top.

Don't pay for the work until you are confident it's been completed properly.

PS: how is this cover supposed to be lifted? I don't see handles. And if it's light (it looks a bit thin and light) and could be lifted off too easily, say by a curious ten-year-old who could then fall into the tank, then it's not a safe septic tank access cover.

--- adding:

The riser is *sealed* to the tank top, not just set onto it - else surface runoff leaks into the tank.

If the top is not so heavy as to prevent casual removal - as by my example above - then it either is replaced by a heavier cover or provision is made to add bolts or other means to secure it to the riser so it can't be easily lifted off.

by MC

Riser portion may be closer to 8-9 inches

by (mod) - review details to assure the septic tank riser is sealed to the tank and the cover is safe

OK so if the riser extends just 8 or 9" above the septic tank upper surface then it seems unlikely that you could have lost your yardstick unless it fell into the septic tank.

Ask the contractor to dig enough soil away so that you can see that the riser is (or is not) successfully sealed to the septic tank top.

Don't pay for the work until you are confident it's been completed properly.

PS: how is this cover supposed to be lifted? I don't see handles. And if it's light and could be lifted off too easily, say by a curious ten-year-old who could then fall into the tank, then it's not a safe septic tank access cover.

Septic tank cover doesn't fit right after the tank was pumped

We just had our very old concrete septic tank cleaned out by the same company who did it two years ago. The workers were not the same older guys.

When they put the rectangle concrete lid back on, they did not get it to fit exactly in place. (The whole system is buried about three feet deep under soil- we dug it out before they came for lid access.)

There is a half inch gap between the edge on one side that dirt and moisture could get in. The worker pointed it out to me and said that we should cover it with a black garbage bag and refill with dirt because it is on correctly but needs to "settle" back into place by the weight of the dirt.

This doesn't seem correct to me- they guys last time did not put on a plastic bag. Should we call them back or try to maneuver it into place or is he correct in saying that very old (decades) concrete lids will just slowly settle into place from the weight.

He told me several times that it was normal and happens a lot around here that they don't fit back totally due to dirt movement while pumping.

I should point out that the lid does not even have a handle. You have to pry it out of the tank and then put it back by moving it around. It is a very heave slab about 14 by 24 inches. On 2022-07-29 by Anne

by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - be sure the cover is properly sealed before backfilling

@Anne,

It's correct that concrete septic tank covers are imprecise, but if there are openings of any size, perhaps 1/2" or greater there are some concerns.

In my OPINION there are two problems to avoid:

- surface water leaking into and flooding the septic tank

- dirt falling into the septic tank

So you'll want the cover properly-sealed before back-filling.

Just how serious is the leak risks are depends on your particular site: surface runoff, soil type etc.

The first priority is that the covers must be SAFE - no risk of anyone falling into the tank.

Septic company replaced the tank lid but left the old one - tossed into the woods!

I had my septic tank cleaned out and a clean out installed. I was unaware they did not take away the old concrete lid that they replaced with the clean out.

I did not realize it till after they left that they put it in some woods next to me which does not belong to me and the owner of that property is not happy.

Should the company not take away the old lid since they replaced it with the clean out lid. What do I do with an old concrete lid. On 2022-05-26 by L Odaniel

by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - What do I do with an old concrete lid?

@L Odaniel,

Is it small enough that you cab break it into concrete rubble to put where it is useful?

Where can I get a replacement septic tank Lid?

Septic concrete clean-out lid 22in dis.. Where can I purchase? On 2021-09-13 by Roy Neal

by inspectapedia.com.moderator - contactor has septic tank lids of various materials - concrete, steel, polyethylene

@Roy Neal,

Any septic installation contractor in your country/city/province will have septic tank lids of various materials - concrete, steel, polyethylene -

Watch out: be sure your septic tank is protected right now: such that no one can step into or fall into it while you're looking for the right cover. Falling into a septic tank is often a quick death.

Hole at septic tank access cover leaks groundwater into the septic tank

Is this opening in the concrete casing a concern? Should it be buried? On 2021-04-21 by Brian

by danjoefriedman (mod) - debris leaking into the septic tank adds to clog and load risks

@Brian, it would concern me - debris leaking into the septic tank adding to clog and load risks, and groundwater leaking into the septic tank, adding to flooding and backup risk.

by Brian

Thanks for your help. Would it be appropriate to cover this area with more soil then?

by danjoefriedman (mod)

@Brian,

First you want to insert an plug or seal in the hole.

I want to replace deteriorated round septic tank lid - where do I get one made?

I have a house in NY with an older round septic tank. The lid has deteriorated and I want to replace it. It measures about 41 inches across. I cant remember if I measured it ID or OD so it may be an inch or so larger or smaller.

Any suggestions of who has lids this size or can fabricate to replace without total replacement. Sorry no photos as I am in NJ. Thanks On 2021-04-15 by richard

by danjoefriedman (mod) -

@richard,

If you made the measurement with the lid removed that'd be ID or Inside Diameter;

Else you measured the OD.

Watch out: having also had as well as inspected NY properties with round steel septic tanks, I fear you are

1. risking death if you fall into the septic tank - a steel cover can rust so think that it's easy for someone to step right through it - KEEP people away from the tank - I'm speaking from sad personal experience.

2. risking throwing good money after bad; A typical round steel septic tank was 500g or so and is way too small by any modern septic tank sizing guidelines; the result of a too-small tank is that it pushes solids into the drainfield, shortening its life and leading to still more-costly repairs.

3. also it's very common for the original steel baffles to have rusted off and be long-gone - allowing solids to flow into the drainfield, ruining it.

So even if your tank is big enough and if the body of the tank is not itself rusted through and shot, you'd need to assure good baffles at tank inlet and outlet.

Watch out: working alone or without expertise at a septic tank can be fatal: besides falling-in (a quick ugly death), workers simply leaning over the tank can be overcome with fumes.

How can I get a square cement septic tank lid. What company makes these for a home or who can I call.

How can I get a square cement septic tank lid. What company makes these for a home or who can I call.

Working when I purchase a square cement septic tank third or cover? I thought I needed a handle So they brought me over a concrete square lid and that doesn’t quite seal the tank. They sealed it off with foam. Now I’m afraid that dirt and rain may get into the tank when the foam wears down?

How can I get a square cement septic tank lid or cover. I thought it was supposed to have handles so I asked the person feel cleaned out my septic tank if they had a lead would handle and they gave me a concrete handle and it doesn’t make quite a complete seal.

They would not tell me where they put my old lid As I want that one back. My list is not supposed to have a handle but I wasn’t smart enough to know that. On 2020-07-15 by Diane

by (mod)

Diane

By a handle or by other means it is necessary to be able to remove the septic tank access opening cover for cleaning;
The access covers (usually two or more) also need to be absolutely strong and secure to avoid a child hazard or adult hazard of someone falling into the tank.

If you had your cover(s) replaced, the company probably threw out the old cover(s).

The lid must, as you note, seal properly to keep surface runoff and dirt from entering the septic tank, lest the tank or drainfield be flooded and damaged.

If there's not a good fit and seal the installer should fix that problem.

Hooks used to pull up the concrete septic tank cover broke off: I want a cheaper repair

1,000 gallon tank with concrete cover that is about 15 - 18" below ground. Over time, 1 of the 2 inverted "U" hooks for pulling the cover up has broken off. Expect the 2nd one will go soon. Suggestions made by spetic company were:

- install a riser for $250 - too expensice a solution
- install a lag bolt with a hook on the end for $135 - possibility of its splitting the concrete cover, expensive

Are there other alternatives? I've been cosidering:

- 2'x2' paver just laid over the opening with a plastic trash bag over it so dirt does not seep down into the tank

Would this be strong enoguh to not colapse with 15 - 18" of dit and rock on top of it?

- Other suggestions?

Hoping for an inexpensive solution. On 2019-11-25 by JD

Answer by (mod) -

Watch out: What you suggest for modifying the clean-out opening for your septic tank is dangerous and most likely illegal where you live.

Improper cover means if someone could fall in the tank which usually results in a quick and ugly death. Install proper cover or how the one that's their repaired.

The tops for the septic system are loose and can be picked up with 2 fingers.

The tops for the septic system are loose and can be picked up with 2 fingers. Is this normal or a safety hazard? On 2019-06-20 by Anonymous

by (mod) - Very dangerous septic tank covers

IWatch out: if a child could open a septic tank that's dangerous - a child or pet or adult could fall into an open tank and thus die.

Tell me how to "jerry rig a tarp over my open septic tank"

I already have a riser on the one where the guys ticks the pump down to pump it. and I have another round concrete one which is over the sewage pump tank.

a guy came to rewire the pump and it works fine but i can't afford a riser for that one and now it's all exposed.

I guess what I'm asking (is probably what u can't legitimately give me) is a way to cover it now that that area is dug down onlya foot or so but rain and sand are going to get into it Jerry riggin like a tarp or a piece of plywood with a tarp i guess is what I'm asking

this is a ?. My concrete lid nobody is going to fall through it's just rain and sand is going to get in thru cracks do I put a tarp over it or bury it with dirt i couldn't afford a riser and now this lid is exposed.

I just want to replace the concrete cover to mysewage pump tank. there are cracks around the rim I can see into and dirt and rain can get in especially since I dug around uit for the riser I now cannot afford. On 2018-08-16 by pam

by (mod) - Watch out: without a proper and safe cover someone can fall into the tank and be injured or killed

Pam

The worry here is in this order

1. Injury or death: Watch out: without a proper and safe cover someone can fall into the tank and be injured or killed

2. Surface water leaking into the septic tank or system risks overloading the septic drainfield, destroying it and sending sewage into the local environment.

If you can jury-rig a cover, even using plywood and a tarp, that drains away from the pumping chamber

AND IF you can also fence off and keep people away such that there is no safety hazard, you could try that, but I suspect that the time, trouble, and cost of those will be about the same as buying a new concrete cover from your local septic supplier.

Septic tank lid: light plastic 3 screws

Recently purchased house in Jefferson county wv.. this past spring new tank and field were installed before purchase of house.

New tank lid is above ground and during summer of 2017 myself and several contractors smelled sewage around the lid area..

2 of us went up on roof to smell roof pipes and there was absolutely no smell as I put my nose into the pipe and inhaled deeply...

plastic tank lid only has 3 screws in the lid and septic installer assured me only 3 are needed.

Looks like there is more holes available for tapping. When he/septic guy came out he couldn't smell anything.. also said tank lids are no longer allowed to be covered over in WV. Is all this true..

also I did have home take tank lid off to make sure the gasket was there.. it was. On 2018-04-26 by Laura

by (mod) - an in-secure septic tank lid can cause death

Laura

An insecure septic tank lid can lead to death if some kid or some other worker removes a lid and falls-in to the tank.
So a secure lid is important.

Find the source or brand of septic tank, contact the manufacturer, and ask them directly how the lid should be fastened.

In West Virginia the septic design standards / code for general septic tanks do not specify anything about the septic tank cover nor whether or not it can be buried.

West Virginia septic design standards 6.20. Alternative and Experimental Sewer Systems. DO specify the following:

6.21.k. The wet well shall have an access manhole of twenty four (24) inches or greater in diameter. The installation of the manhole shall be level with or above the ground surface and the cover secured.

This is the only place that the "above ground" rule appears in the current code.

You will see by the sketch I include, excerpted from WEST VIRGINIA ES-52 INDIVIDUAL & ONSITE SEWAGE SYSTEM DESIGN STANDARDS ILLUSTRATED BOOKLET (I give access to that link below)

that your state shows the septic tank access cover buried.

So I would be very grateful if your septic contractor who insists that the top of the septic tank access cover must be above ground would be kind enough to tell us where he found that information.

At inspectapedia.com/septic/Septic_Design_Regulations_U.S.A.php U.S. SEPTIC AUTHORITIES & DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
You will find links to copies of current septic tank and septic system design standards and codes for West Virginia

Septic tank cover broke after I parked a Camper Over It

I have a 6 foot round sewer tank and lid in my back yard 2 feet underground recently i parked a camper on top of it for about a week and i noticed the wheel sank about 8 inches

i pulled the camper front and there was a hole in my yard i dug some more dirt away and realized there was no lid on my tank do they deteriorate over time or was it just not made for that much weight or did i have a faulty lid and why did the whole lid just disappear and how do i fix it On 2016-07-01 by Sam

by (mod) - Watch out: block off access to unsafe septic tank covers or lids

Watch out: Rope off the area immediately: if someone falls into a septic tank it usually means a very quick death.

That said, it sounds as if you have an old round steel septic tank.

Not only do covers rust out and ultimately collapse, but tank baffles rust off (fouling the drainfield and shortening its remaining life), and tank sides and bottoms rust through - meaning new tank time.

At the very least you want to keep people away from the area, and hire a septic contractor to expose the lid, remove it or its remains, then inspect the condition of the tank and its baffles; when you tell me what's found we can have a joint opinion on repair vs. replace.

How to reduce septic tank opening to install riser and lid

i have a concrete septic tank built in 1960. Mandatory municipal inspection are requesting a new lid. presently the openof the is 2 feet by 4 feet and covered by a huge slab of flagstone.

I'm not sure how to reconfigure the opening to make it smaller so that I can install a poly lid and possibly a riser (Oct 28, 2014) deb

Reply:

I agree that a 4-foot septic tank opening dimension is probably larger than needed.

Deb: you'd need to overlay and seal to the existing septic tank top a pre-cast concrete slab, reinforced and of same thickness as the septic tank lid, leaving a standard septic tank access opening size over which you can install a riser and new lid.

Be sure that the new septic tank lid is child safe as well as of adequate strength to avoid collapse hazards which can be quite dangerous.

Before doing anything, I'd ask an experienced septic installer to inspect the tank for safety and adequacy as the odd sized opening might indicate some home made and possibly unsafe system

Report of septic tank lid collapse

I purchased my home 15 years ago. The previous owner connected to a sanitary sewer system when it became available bypassing the septic tank.

I heard a loud thump recently and upon investigation found a rectangular hole 2 feet by 3 feet and about 5 feet deep. It is in the general location of where the septic tank should have been .

Could the old tank lid have collapsed?i If so, can I just cover up the hole? There seems to be only water in the hole. No sewage or effluvia is present 2 Jan 2015 Anonymous

Reply:

Watch out:  indeed this sounds like a dangerous septic tank collapse - which can be fatal if someone falls into the septic tank. It also sounds as if the tank was not properly abandoned - by emptying, cleaning, and filling with sand or other suitable material.

Properly a tank is abandoned following procedures at SEPTIC TANK ABANDONMENT GUIDE

How easy is it for a child to open a septic tank

How hard would it be for a child say around 5 yrs old to open a lid on a septic tank? Or could a child that small even be able to lift one? How much does each different type of lids weigh? (Mar 28, 2015) Anonymous

Reply: Plastic lids without secure screws or broken damaged septic tank lids of any type or lightweight septic tank covers are all dangerous.

Anon:

If a septic tank access cover is not heavy concrete or is light but not secured to the tank then a child can lift the lid, fall in, and die.

Septic tank access lid weights vary significantly depending on their material; plastic lids, wooden home-made lids, makeshift lids, slabs of slate and other improper or unsafe covers I've seen are easily lifted by a child.

See SEPTIC TANK ACCIDENT REPORTS

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• SEPTIC & CESSPOOL SAFETY - home
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