On Oct 17, 12:38 pm, "Robert11" wrote:
Hello,

Son and wife have bought a 30 year old house.

Backyard is quite nice, and level.

Question: we have (just) noticed that the septic pit that one pumps out
occasionally, the outflow of which goes to the D box and leaching field
distribution pipes, has a concrete cover that is about 1 or 2 inches above
the soil line, and shows as it's uncovered.

Quite surprised, as ours, and I always thought all of them, had the cover
below the soil line.

a. Is it a requirement to be below the soil ?

b. What might have happened ? Could it be that they just didn't dig deep
enough to have the cover end up below the soil line ? Or,...?

c. If, for safety reasons, we want to have it below the soil, and covered,
what's the best approach ?
Would hate to have to have a contractor go back there with a crane to lift
it out, dig deeper, and reinstall.

What's the best approach to all of this ?
(just put a big flower pot over it ? !!)

Thanks,
Bob

Its best to have these things on view or under something that is easy
to move. Being able to see if something is working properly, must be
good.
As far as your septic tank is concerned it produces its own heat with
the anaerobic process, however, as it gets colder in winter, the
process stalls and picks up again in the warmer days of spring and
summer.
Try to keep the septic as warm as possible as used properly and kept
warm it will go for years before it needs emptying.
Occasionally lift the inspection cover over the input T and check the
hight of the solids in the tank, you will probably find that the level
rises during the winter and drops back during the summer.
The way to check it, get a 10 foot pole and lower it down the T you
will be able to feel the top of the sludge.
The tank needs to be emptied when the solids are 12 inches below the
bottom of the outlet T.
Perry