A septic riser is exactly what it sounds like; it is a section of material that rises from the septic tank, which it is a few feet below ground, up to surface level.
Septic risers are very important.
Whenever you need your septic tank pumped or inspected you do not want to dig a hole in the ground in order to find the lid to your tank.
Not to mention, if you are not able to dig the hole yourself you will have to pay someone else to do it.
If you had a septic riser, life would be much easier.
You will find three basic types of septic risers on the market: PVC, polyethylene and concrete.
These three choices differ substantially in price and durability and also in popularity.
Concrete septic risers are the least popular because they are prone to leaking, they are unattractive and they are very heavy and difficult to install.
People have found that the weight of the lid is also difficult to deal with.
Polyethylene septic risers are a popular choice because they are lightweight and easy to install.
Polyethylene is also resistant to soil and chemical erosion.
The major problem with polyethylene risers is that there have been reports that a good seal is difficult to obtain.
If a good seal is not obtained then gases and septic odors can escape your septic tank and pollute your backyard and your neighborhood.
The septic risers made of PVC have become the most popular because their light weight is easy to deal with and a good seal is easy to obtain.
These three different types of septic risers can vary greatly in cost, but keep in mind that this is not the time to focus on your pocketbook.
If you buy the cheapest septic riser you can find I can almost guarantee that you will be replacing it with a more expensive one in a few years.
Concrete risers, which are the cheapest, tend to leak and erode and may be failing to do their job within a few years.
When it comes to septic risers you are much better off to invest in a higher-quality riser and avoid expenses associated with a failing septic riser down the road.