harry k wrote:
On Jun 19, 8:07 am, wrote:
On Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:45:24 -0600, "John D99"
wrote:

I've got a standard concrete septic tank setup. I recently dug down about
10 - 12 inchs to uncover the two inspection / maintenance holes, whcih are
about 20 inches in diameter.
My question: is there any problem in not re-filling the holes so I can have
easy access next time I want to check the tank to see if it needs a
pump-out?
Can I expect a lot of odor in the hot months if I don't cover the thing with
dirt?
My septic guy says one problem with that is rain water will flood the
tank putting pressure on the leach field. He also suggests using
regular spray foam insulation on the edges of the hole before you drop
the lid in. That will break loose easier than the bond you get with
dirt in the gap..

OMG! That septic tank guy needs to find another job!

1. Rain water can't 'flood' it unless there is drainage from a large
area running into the hole.

2. Concrete tank lids do not seal themselves to the tank.

No, but they do get jammed in place. Molding concrete is not like
machining steel or hardwood- you don't get exact dimensions after it cures.

3. Concrete lids do not fit down into a recess, they sit on top of
the tank.

??? They must make tanks different in your part of the world. Around
here the lids are are tapered on the edge, round lid or square, and fit
in like a cork. Edge of the hole is tapered to match.

Harry K

They do sell retrofit kits that you mastic down to the top of tank
instead of the lids, and include a plastic lid and an access tunnel
leading up to surface, with room to place a foam plug if you live in
frost country. Top is a flush plastic manhole, rated to walk on (but
probably not drive on), that you simply open and reach down to get to
the inspection and pumping ports. Some people swear by them, and if I
lived in a house with lots of people and septic, I'd probably look into
it. But being here by myself, odds are this tank will go 15 years
without needing pumping.

--
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