Having convenient and safe access to your septic tank is crucial for proper maintenance and preventing costly issues down the road. Yet slippery, unstable lids can make servicing your tank a risky endeavor. By upgrading to durable, slip-resistant plastic lids you can protect yourself, your investment, and your surroundings.
Plastic materials like fiberglass and polypropylene provide superior traction, integrity, and longevity compared to alternatives. Keep reading to learn why plastic lids are ideal for septic tank access points.
Why Plastic Septic Tank Lids Are Superior
Unlike wood or metal, plastic lids are impervious to corrosion, rotting, and rust. High-density polyethylene and fiberglass have unparalled weather-resistance. The smooth, molded construction prevents cracking or splintering from exposure or heavy impacts.
While lighter than concrete, thick-walled plastic remains incredibly strong. Most plastic lids meet H-20 load rating standards for supporting vehicles weighing thousands of pounds. Yet convenient handholds built into lids make for easy removal by just one person when needed.
Environmental Benefits
Plastic lids have a lower carbon footprint to manufacture compared to concrete, owing to less resource usage and energy for production. Additionally plastic lid molds generate less waste than what is needed for concrete casting.
Materials Matter: Plastic vs Metal and Wood
Metal corrodes over time when exposed to moisture and gases emitted by waste matter. Rust compromises integrity leading to fractures, leaks, and tank access issues.
Wood warps and rots due to alternate wetting and drying plus direct contact with corrosive substances. Frequent replacement becomes necessary as wooden covers split and degrade.
Polypropylene and Fiberglass Last Longer
Impervious to weathering, chemicals, and moisture, polypropylene and fiberglass lids retain strength and stability for over 25 years. Their slick surface resists buildup and absorption of solids or liquids as well.
No Corrosion, Rotting, or Splintering
Plastic never rusts, decomposes, or shrinks under long-term exposure. Unlike wood or concrete, plastic maintains original dimensions and appearance with minimal upkeep needed. Built-in UV stabilizers prevent sun damage and discoloration too.
Sizing Your Septic Access Lid Properly
Like manhole covers, septic tank access lids come in standard diameters and rise sizes. Ensure proper fitting by carefully measuring the access neck opening before selecting a replacement lid.
How to Measure Your Tank Opening
Use a tape measure to check both the inner diameter across the top access hole along with total rise height up to ground level. This ensures you order a lid that seats securely over the raised access neck.
Common Sizes: 12″ to 36″ Diameters
Standard dimensions range from 12 inches for smaller tanks up to 36 inches for large capacity commercial systems. Many providers offer custom sizing as well if you have an odd measurement. Optimal fitting prevents leaks plus blockages of ventilation pipes.
Security: Locking Mechanisms Keep Contents Safe
While rare, unauthorized and hazardous entry remains a concern for property owners. Locking systems deter intrusions while retaining quick access for routine service needs.
Padlock Hasps for Extra Protection
Some plastic lids come equipped with built-in padlock hasps or latch points. These allow tank owners to add their own padlocks to the cover. It provides added security against unwanted lifting of the lid.
Anchor Rings Bolted to Tank
For additional assurances, anchoring ring kits securely bolt the lid directly into the access neck concrete. This prevents forceful removal of the cover without first unbolting the fasteners.
The Importance of Venting Gas Buildup
During organic breakdown of sewage solids, gases like methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide build-up. Without proper venting these increase pressure in tanks leading to leaks, cracks, and even explosions in severe cases.
Odors and Pressure Need to Vent
Foul odors detected during ventilation point to a well-functioning system. Block the vent and you allow gas accumulation and heightened risk of tank infrastructure damage over time.
Built-In Vented Lids Available
Many plastic lids come equipped with vent holes to allow passive gas release. Vented models maintain structural stability by preventing excessive internal pressure from developing unchecked.
Slip Resistance Prevents Injuries
Textured anti-skid surfaces provide sorely needed traction that wooden or metal covers lack. Especially useful when wet, molded grip patterns significantly reduce slips or falls.
Textured and Molded Surfaces
Unlike smooth steel or concrete, purposeful micro-contours applied to plastic lids boost traction even when wet. This lessens chances of slipping off the cover if stepping on it.
Staying Safe While Servicing Your Tank
Confidently access every square inch without worries over slippery spots. Knee pads further protect workers needing to kneel down close to the opening rim edges.
Easier Installation Than Metal Lids
Replacing antiquated or damaged covers poses fewer challenges with lightweight plastic models. Hand tools readily accomplish most plastic lid installations without power equipment.
Simple Hand Tools to Replace Old Lid
Avoid rented jackhammers to demolish stubborn concrete tops. Plastic lids pry up by hand or using pry bars in preparation for the new cover placement.
Lightweight Plastic Eases the Process
At under 50 pounds even for large diameters, plastic lids conveniently lift into position by just 1-2 people. Significantly lighter than concrete makes positioning less fatiguing.
Keeping Groundwater Out of Your Tank
Joints between the access neck and cover must fuse watertight. Infiltration leads to excess hydraulic flows through your treatment system, upsetting the delicate balance needed.
Tight Seal Prevents Leaking
Snug fitting plastic-to-concrete connections block rainfall and ground moisture ingress. This also curbs eroding of underground infrastructure over the long run.
Save Money on Future Septic Repairs
Minimizing unwanted hydration of biological processes saves thousands down the road. Otherwise premature failure of drain fields and clogged pipes await.
When It’s Time to Replace Your Plastic Lid
While durable, decades of freeze/thaw cycles, UV exposure, and waste vapors wear down components over time. Periodic inspection ensures stable, water-tight access remains.
Signs Your Lid Needs Replacement
Cracked, warped, or broken lid materials indicate loss of structural soundness. Also poor siting allowing leaks points to need for replacement.
Cost Comparison to Repair vs Replace
Consider total costs of frequent repairs versus complete lid replacement to determine the better investment for your needs and budget.
Why We Recommend Infiltrator and Tuf-Tite Lids
Trusted manufacturers of septic access risers and covers, Infiltrator and Tuf-Tite lids seal out moisture while venting gases. Meeting NSF-61 standards, their durable polyethylene construction ensures safe, secure access.
Specializing in septic containment solutions over decades, both companies provide reliable risers and lids sized for any system. Custom options available including security features and special vent configurations.
