How to Install a Septic Tank Riser: Step-by-Step Guide

Make sure you gear up properly. Grab some sturdy gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from any unexpected sharp edges, flying debris, or nasty sewage fumes. Also, take a moment to check for utility lines like electricity, gas, and water around your septic tank. The last thing you want is to accidentally mess with those and create a whole new set of problems. 

You’ll also be dealing with heavy, toxic odors, so be cautious around your open tank lid. Wear a respirator mask to protect yourself from those fumes. Because of all these dangers, it’s a better idea to have a local septic pro handle this job instead of trying it yourself.

If you’re not sure where exactly your tank is buried, the first step in installing a septic tank riser is, of course, finding your septic tank. Its location won’t necessarily be obvious, so you’ll likely need to consult your home’s blueprints, look for evidence of the buried tank, or use a soil probe to locate the tank lid. Consult a professional if you're not sure where to start.

Once located, you’ll need to uncover your septic tank lid so you can remove it and attach all the riser kit components to it. Using a shovel, carefully dig around the lid until it is fully exposed. Be mindful not to damage the tank during excavation.

Most septic tank lids are secured with screws or bolts around the rim. Depending on how your tank’s lid is secured, you may need to use an electric drill or wrench to loosen and remove the screws and bolts and possibly a pry bar to lift the lid free. Be sure to have a helper available to lift the lid off of the tank if it is too heavy for a single person to remove.

Be extremely cautious while working around an open septic tank and keep children and pets away from your work to prevent falls and injuries.

During this process, you’ll be using sealants and adhesives to attach the riser to the tank’s opening. This process requires the shelf or rim of the tank opening to be as clean and free of dust and debris as possible. Using a broom or a wire brush, remove any dirt, debris, or obstructions from the area that the base ring will be installed to ensure a clean working surface.

Your septic tank riser kit will include a base ring, which will be installed flush onto your tank’s opening. Carefully place the base ring of the septic tank riser kit onto the cleaned area and be sure it fits appropriately. Use butyl sealant rope on the base ring where it will connect with the rim of the tank so that you have an airtight seal and a strong adhesive. 

The height of your riser rings will depend on how tall you want your riser to be once installed. You may want the riser to be flush with your lawn or you may want it to protrude from the lawn a few inches. To cut the riser rings, first measure the height required for your septic tank riser with measuring tape. Then, use a circular saw to cut the riser rings accordingly. Ensure the rings are cut evenly before you secure them onto the base ring.

Now that your riser rings are the appropriate height, you can stack them onto the installed base ring, securing them tightly. Use butyl sealant rope between each ring to prevent any leaks and use an electric drill to fasten the screws provided in the kit into place.

The riser kit’s lid is the final piece of the septic tank riser puzzle. Place the lid of the septic tank riser kit onto the stack of riser rings, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure it forms a secure and airtight seal. Once the lid is in place, you can fill in the sides of the riser with dirt until just the lid of the riser is visible on your lawn.