Choosing the Right Septic Tank Riser Kit: A Complete Guide

Are you tired of digging up your septic system every time it needs servicing? A properly installed septic riser can save you time, money, and the hassle of excavation. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the right septic riser for your system.

What is a Septic Riser and Why Do You Need One?

A septic riser is essentially an extension that brings your septic tank's access port up to ground level. Think of it as creating an elevator shaft to your tank – instead of digging down every time you need maintenance, you'll have easy access right at the surface.

The Tuf-Tite Septic Riser System has revolutionized how we maintain septic systems. Once installed, it provides quick and easy access for all future maintenance, eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming excavation work.

How to Measure Your Septic Tank Opening

Before purchasing a riser, you'll need to accurately measure your tank's opening. This is crucial because the riser must be larger than your access port to maintain a proper seal. The riser also should extend to the surface for quick maintenance access.

Depending on your septic system's age/model you may have one or more openings in your tank lid. Once you locate an opening (typically a 12-14 inch square, round or rectangle concrete plug), follow the instructions below to determine the correct Riser Kit you need to purchase. We sell risers in three diameters:

Step 1: Tank Opening Width

The first step to figuring out which riser-kit you need is determining the width of your square tank opening, so you can find the riser that fits around it.

Step-by-Step Width-Measurement Instructions:

1. Locate Your Septic Tank Opening: This is typically a smaller square, round, or rectangular opening in the tank’s larger concrete lid.
2. Clear the tank opening completely and ensure you can see all edges (your tank lid is much bigger than the opening, we only need access to the small opening itself)
3. Measure the width (side to side) at its widest point
4. Measure the length (front to back) at its widest point

• If your opening is rectangular, use the widest side for measurement
• If your opening is circular, measure across the center of the opening from edge to edge.

Pro Tip:

Even if your opening appears perfectly square, always measure both dimensions. Many openings that look square can actually be slightly rectangular, which can affect the riser size you'll need.

Now that you know the width of the widest side of your tank opening, save your measurement for the calculator below, then proceed to step 2:

Step 2: Tank Opening Depth

The Second Step is to determine how deep your septic tank lid is, so you can get enough riser rings to reach the surface. Tuff Tite manufactures 3in, 6in, and 12in tall riser rings, which can be combined to fit pretty much any installation scenario.

With our Riser Kits, we've combined several heights together to make this process simpler, bundling riser kits in the following heights:

• 5 inches
• 8 inches
• 11 inches
• 14 inches
• 17 inches
• 20 inches
• 26 inches
• 32 inches

Alternatively, you can purchase the rings, adapter ring, lid, and sealant separately, which can make shopping for the correct height a bit more complex:

Example: For a tank depth of 36 inches, you can stack:

• Three 12-inch tall risers (12” + 12” + 12” = 36”) + a 2-inch adapter ring = 38 inches.
• This gives you 2 inches of ground clearance, perfect for heavy rains.

Use this step-by-step guide to measure the depth of your septic tank correctly, ensuring your riser kit will reach ground-level without overextending or being too short.

Step-by-Step Depth-Measurement Instructions:

1. Locate Your Septic Tank Opening:

• Start by identifying the access port on your septic tank lid. This is typically a smaller square, round, or rectangular opening in the tank’s larger concrete lid.

2. Measure From the Tank Opening to Ground Level

• Lower a measuring tape or a long rigid measuring stick straight down into the tank opening.
• Ensure the tape or stick is completely vertical (don't follow the slope of your hole)
• Note the distance from the top of the septic tank opening to the edge of the ground surface. This measurement represents how far below the ground your tank lid is buried.

3. Account for Drainage:

• If the ground around your tank slopes down (or if your tank is in a low-spot), measure the distance from your tank's lid to the surrounding ground level (might be a short distance away from the tank)

Low-Spot Install Example:

Sloped-Ground Install Example:

Pro Tips for Accurate Depth Measurements:

• Check your surrounding area for nearby downspouts or landscape features that could funnel rainwater towards your tank
• Lay a long broomstick or rake across the hole you’ve dug down to your tank, then measure down from that to your tank lid.

Why Measuring Depth Is Important:

 Proper depth measurement ensures:

• Easy Access: The riser lid will protrude from the ground for quick maintenance and ensures your riser lid seals properly to the riser.
• Without Overextending: The riser lid will not protrude too far above ground, which can be unsightly.

In summary, proper depth-measurement protects you from overpaying for additional riser rings you don’t need, or even worse: not buying enough rings to reach the surface.  If you have any doubts about measuring the depth or selecting the right riser components, contact a septic professional or give us a call for assistance.

Square Tank Riser Calculator

Use this calculator to find the correct riser and lid size for your square tank opening. Simply enter your largest measurement from step 1 above, and then choose a matching height determined from step 2.

Have a round riser? No need for the calculator above, just measure across the center of your tank opening and choose any riser size larger than that measurement.

Installation Tips for Success

1. Proper Measurement: Double-check your measurements before ordering. Remember, your riser can be larger than your opening, but never smaller.
2. Height Planning: Measure the distance from your tank to ground level. Always account for a slight slope away from the house, as well as any low-spots your tank may be in to ensure for proper drainage.
3. Sealing: Use sealant between the adapter ring and tank to prevent groundwater infiltration. Our Riser Kits combine risers, sealant, and screws together to make this process easy.
4. Safety First: Always ensure your riser lid is properly secured after installation, as well as any time they're opened for maintenance. All of our Tuf-Tite risers include safety screws to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, safety pans are available separately to add another layer of protection.

Common Questions About Septic Risers

Q: What if my opening is larger than 24 inches diagonally?

A: For openings larger than 24 inches diagonal, you'll need to consult with a septic professional about alternative solutions, as standard risers won't provide adequate coverage.

Q: Can I stack risers to reach the surface?

A: Yes! Our risers are designed to stack securely. Just make sure to use proper sealant between each section.

Q: Will the riser affect my septic system's performance?

A: When properly installed, a riser won't negatively impact your system's performance. In fact, it makes regular maintenance easier (and more likely to happen).

Q: Is it worth the money and effort to install risers on my tank openings?

A: Installing risers can save you money during pumping and when performing maintenance, as most septic companies will charge for digging your tank up. They can also minimize ground water infiltration which can improve your system's longevity.

Final Considerations Before Purchasing

Ready to upgrade your septic system with a riser? Before placing your order, remember to consider:

1. Return shipping is not included with our riser kits. We offer 30 day returns, but you'll have to pay return shipping if you choose the wrong size.
2. Most of our kits allow you to choose between a domed lid or flat lid. Flat lids are better in certain high-traffic areas, but both options are very strong and durable.

Need Help?

If you're unsure about any measurements or have questions about which riser system is right for you, don't hesitate to contact our support team. We're here to ensure you get the perfect fitting risers for your septic system.