Knowing how to remove a septic tank lid is a crucial part of septic maintenance. Luckily, the removal process is relatively straightforward and, in most cases, doesn’t require the help of a professional.
This guide is intended to help homeowners properly and safely remove the lid out of a septic tank. Let’s get right into it!
How to Remove Septic Tank Lid
Removing a septic tank lid is a relatively easy process. Most septic tank lids don’t come with a lock, so they can be opened at any point with the right equipment.
You’ll Need:
- Screwdriver
- Shovel
- Pry-bar
- Metal detector (optional)
- Broom
Step 1: Locate the Septic Tank
In most jurisdictions, septic tanks need to be at least 10 feet away from the house’s foundation. Their whereabouts can be tracked by following the direction of the drain leaving the home.
If you can’t track it through the drainage system, you might want to contact your local health department instead. If they’ve issued permits for the system, they likely have a record of the septic tank’s location. If they don’t, contact a professional septic system company and ask them where it’s possibly situated.
You can also call the property’s past owners or search for the home’s blueprints.
If the septic tank is buried underground, you can use a metal detector to pinpoint the approximate location of the tank. Most septic tanks have metal rebar in them, even if they’re made of concrete or plastic. So, a metal detector will certainly help with your search.
Once the device beeps, poke the metal pole 12 to 14 inches into the earth. If it strikes something solid, you’ve found your tank.
Step 2: Dig Up the Lid
Septic tanks are usually buried underground. Since they don’t require much maintenance other than the biennial or triennial pumping, they’re usually sealed with a layer of soil or grass to prevent accidents and odors from escaping.
Carry a shovel or a similar tool to help excavate the ground once you’ve located the tank. Apart from the small seam around it, the lid should be completely flat against the tank. Dig up at least 16 inches of ground on all sides around the lid to prevent dirt from falling and sliding down onto it. Once the loose dirt is removed, use a broom to sweep away the remaining soil around it.
Most tanks have two or three lids. If you want to open more than one lid, you might want to secure an As-Built record as it states how many lids a particular septic tank has.
Step 3: Remove the Lid
Septic tank lids are usually made of concrete or steel, which makes them fairly difficult to pry off. Some tank lids have built-in handles to pull on, but others require a pry bar to lift them open.
If the lid comes with handles, ask for the assistance of a friend or family member to remove the lid.
If it doesn’t, push a screwdriver into the seam around the lid and insert the pry bar into the gap. Then, press down. Be careful while doing so as the lid might crack or chip around the edges if you forcefully pry it open. If done properly, the lid should pop right open without much effort.
Keep in mind that septic tanks with concrete lids are heavier than steel lids. If you’re having a hard time removing the lid with a pry bar, you might need the help of a backhoe. In such cases, it’s best to hire a contractor to remove the lid on your behalf to prevent damaging the lid. This is especially true if you aren’t used to operating heavy machinery.
And that’s it! You’ve now successfully removed your tank’s lid.
When pumping or repairs are completed, properly place the lid back on the hole. Make sure there’s a tight, smooth seal between the tank and the lid. Then, cover the lid with soil or plant grass on top of it.
It’s also a good idea to mark the location of the tank, like adding a sign or a decorative stepping stone. Doing so prevents you from having to go through the hassle of relocating the tank’s lid in the future.
Septic Tank Lid Safety and Precautions
Most septic tank accidents are caused by improperly sealed lids. Unfortunately, not everyone who accidentally falls in gets out unscathed.
Prevent a tragedy by following some of these precautions:
- Routinely inspect the condition of the tank’s lids.
- Secure the lids with bolts, screws, and other locks to prevent easy access.
- Never leave an open lid unattended, even while being pumped or repaired.
- Always make sure the tank’s lids are completely secure after working on the septic system.
- Inform young children that septic tank lids are never to be opened or played on.
- Know exactly where the septic tank lids are located on your property.
- Don’t ever drive or park vehicles or heavy machinery on top of septic systems as they may either dislodge or damage the lid.
- Don’t lean against the septic tank’s opening as the gases could knock you out.
- Don’t ignite flames near a septic tank, even if merely lighting a cigarette. Septic tanks produce methane gas, which is highly explosive.
- Watch out for buried mechanical or electrical lines while digging outside.
- Don’t ever retrieve something from a tank, even if it’s valuable. Call a professional to retrieve it on your behalf instead.
- If someone falls into the tank, don’t go in after them unless you have the proper equipment. Call 911 immediately and make sure that person doesn’t drown by throwing in a floating device in the tank.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide helped with the process of opening your septic tank’s lid!
Allow us to end this post with a final word of caution: unless absolutely necessary, leave septic system maintenance in the hands of professionals. Only open the lid when you want to check the tank’s content levels. Good luck!