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If you live in a home with a septic tank, you probably know that routine septic maintenance is a part of the gig. But what happens when it’s time for your septic tank to be pumped or inspected and your lid is buried? You head out to the yard, shovel in hand, scratching your head. "Where is that thing?" you might wonder.

How can you tell where your septic tank is without digging up your whole yard?

If your septic tank is buried 6 inches or deeper under the ground, you likely need a septic tank riser.

This blog will explore the critical safety and practical benefits of septic tank risers, particularly in shifting sandy soil environments like coastal North Carolina.
 

Why is Your Septic Tank Buried?

A buried septic tank generally isn’t a result of neglect. Rather, it’s a combination of historical practices and environmental factors.

In the past, it was standard procedure for septic tanks to be installed with their access lids well below grade (surface level). For many, this was merely an aesthetic preference. But in some cases, septic tanks need to be buried lower in the ground to create an optimal gravity flow of wastewater to the tank. Installers may have also felt it added an extra layer of protection (which isn’t always the case).

If your tank wasn’t initially buried (or was buried just below the surface), the natural settling of the soil may have buried the access lid even deeper. This is particularly prevalent in areas with sandy soils, like much of coastal North Carolina, where soil compaction and erosion can be more significant. Furthermore, additions to landscaping, layers of mulch, or even just years of accumulated organic matter can gradually increase the depth of the earth over your tank's access points.

The result? A septic tank lid that's not just discreet, but truly, frustratingly, hidden.
 

The Dangers of a Buried Septic Tank

• Safety Hazards: The risk of falling into an uncovered tank can increase during the digging process or if there is accidental damage to the lid.

• Structural Damage: When technicians have to dig repeatedly to find your tank, they may accidentally damage your tank or pipes (which can cost a pretty penny).

• Property Damage: The guesswork of digging can lead to ruined landscaping and an unsightly, torn-up lawn.

• Difficulty for Technicians: Increased time and labor for septic professionals translated to potentially higher service costs for the homeowner.
   

Special Considerations in Coastal North Carolina

In regions of coastal North Carolina (like Pender, New Hanover County, and Brunswick County), certain conditions and processes influence the settling and safety of a buried septic tank lid.

• Sandy soil is prone to frequent shifting.

• High water table issues can make digging more challenging and risky.

• Saltwater intrusion and corrosion on older, buried components can leave your buried system vulnerable to potential damage.
   

Enter Septic Tank Risers: What Are They?

A septic tank riser is a special extension that brings the tank's access lid up to (or above) ground level. Tank risers are often made of plastic or concrete, materials known for their durability and corrosion resistance.
 

The Unique Safety Benefits of Septic Tank Risers

• Enhanced Access

No digging required! If you (or your septic partner) ever need to locate or access your septic lid, you don’t have to play hide-and-seek with your home's most vital wastewater component.

• Reduced Accident Risk

Out-of-sight, out-of-mind—as the saying goes, a buried septic lid can actually pose a safety risk to unsuspecting visitors, children, or pets. A septic tank riser keeps the access point visible 100% of the time, preventing accidental slips or falls into an excavated hole or, heaven forbid, a tank with a damaged lid.

• Easier Inspections & Pumping

Straightforward septic access often means quicker, safer maintenance. If septic professionals don’t have to spend hours trying to locate a hidden lid, they can get right to business and minimize the time your yard is “off limits.”

• Preventing System Damage

A raised septic lid helps avoid potential damage to your tank or access ports from repeated digging, ensuring the overall structural integrity of your septic system.

• More Secure Lids

Modern septic tank risers are often more secure and heavy-duty than standard historical septic lids, keeping both your system and your loved ones safe from harm.

• Guards Against Debris & Critters

What happens if your septic lid breaks under the pressure of shifting soils? Or a septic serviceman accidentally pokes an extra, unwanted hole in your septic tank when trying to locate the lid? These circumstances create the perfect opening for debris and critters to enter your system, which can cause a whole myriad of problems.
 

The Practicality of Septic Tank Risers (Beyond Safety)

• Convenience for Homeowners

With your septic tank easily accessible, scheduling routine inspections and pumpings is no longer a stressful task. Plus, you’d be surprised how much peace of mind you’ll experience if you know exactly where your system is.

• Cost Savings Over Time

A septic tank riser minimizes costs in two ways: (1) it eliminates digging fees, reducing labor costs for standard pumping and inspections, and (2) it prevents costly repairs due to damaged tank access.

• Landscaping Preservation

No need to lay down new sod or mulch after every maintenance visit—those unsightly patches and damaged grass are a thing of the past!

• Promoting Regular Maintenance

You don’t have to dread septic maintenance anymore! Easier access often encourages homeowners to stick to recommended pumping schedules, which is crucial for the overall longevity and health of your septic system.
 

Do You Need a Septic Tank Riser for Your Coastal NC Home?

You may need a septic tank riser if:

• You don't know where your tank lid is.

• Your lid is buried more than 6 inches deep.

• Your septic tank needs frequent maintenance.

• Your septic system has a long history of issues.

• You’ve had nothing but trouble with past septic service.

• You are installing a new septic system (or undergoing a major repair).
   

Request Coastal NC Septic Service Today!

Think you may benefit from a septic tank riser? Don't let your septic tank hide any longer— uncover the benefits of septic risers today!

Serving New Hanover County, Pender County, and surrounding coastal areas, C oastal Septic Solutions provides comprehensive septic services tailored to the unique challenges of coastal septic systems. Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation.

Read More:

• The Most Common Septic Emergencies We See in Coastal NC

• How Often Should You Get Your Septic Tank Pumped?

• What to Do When Your Septic D-Box is Clogged

• Guide to Installing a Septic in Pender County