Older Septic Cover(how to make look good while still providing access)

[clarkstonchris]

I have an older septic tank, house was built in 1954, that sits in a hill and am trying to figure out a way to make it look decent while still providing access to the lid(s). Someone before me had punched a small hole through two of the lids and installed a riser, which looked fine for me but the septic company wouldn't clean the tank without having access to the actual lid so I dug it out. The top side of the tank(where the hill is highest) ground level is about 4ft above the tank while the bottom of tank ground level is 1ft above the tank. I would just leave it as is but my worry is that with weather the soil just eventually cover the tank lids again. Can I build a retaining wall around it? Can I custom make a lid that will work with a riser so septic company has access to entire tank? I will attach photos. Any and all ideas are much appreciated.

 

[bbp]

I'd spend the money on a new tank.

 

[JG plumbing]

Yeah that'll be a muddy mess and it'll fill with dirt.

An odd retaining wall would be the only thing, but I think that might be weird looking.

The best would be new tank that's easy too tall. Then cut it down to match the grade and have a lid system that'll fit it. Sounds expensive.

Can you build a shed around it or something? You'd still need to keep water from running in but it'd look better.

 

[RS]

I would put the cover back on, cover the hole with a piece of tin, then build a form big enough to cover the complete hole and tin, and pour another cover on top of the old one. If it needs pumping do that first, then it should be good for 5-10 years depending on use. I you start upgrading the system it can get very expensive! As long as the tank is structurally sound and the drain field is usable I would leave it.

 

[Jeff Handy]

If you start to repair it, the city might require upgrades or bringing it to current codes or requirements.
So keep on the down low with any work.