A septic tank reserves all the smelly dirt that flows through the drain. A concrete septic tank clears the blockage on the drain as well as keeps our environment clean.
For inspection and cleaning purposes a concrete-made septic tank lid is always necessary for the concrete septic tank. It also obstructs the bad smell that comes from the tank to enter its outside surroundings.
Therefore, in this article, we have briefly explained the sizes, weight, and cost of the concrete septic tank lid.
How big and thick is a concrete septic tank lid?
A concrete septic tank lid can be as big as more than 30 inches. The thickness of the concrete tank lid can be more than 3 inches and, also the concrete thickness can be between 3000 to 6000 PSI. The thickness of the lid can be more than 6 inches if it is made with hard concrete with larger PSI.
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Septic tank lid sizes usually depend on the size of the actual septic tank. Because the average size of a concrete septic tank is 40 inches by 60 inches. Therefore, the average size of the lid can be 40 to 50 inches.
Also, the size of the septic tank varies depending on the size of the concrete tank. The more the size of the septic tank will be, the bigger the lid will be.
Before coming to the thickness of a septic tank lid, it is better to keep in mind that the thickness of the lid actually depends on how strong the concrete is. If the concrete has a PSI of 40000 to 60000 then it is called hard concrete.
In this case, the thickness of the lid can be more than 5 inches. The thickness also directly depends on the size of the concrete septic tank.
How much does a concrete septic tank lid weigh?
Usually, a concrete septic tank lid weighs between 10 to 12 pounds. However, the weight of the lid also depends on the quality of the concrete as well as how strong the concrete is. A septic tank lid can weigh even 15 pounds if the size of the main septic tank is 5 inches by 7 inches.
Well, measuring the weight of a septic tank lid is very important. Because for cleaning and inspection purposes you will need to lift up the septic tank’s lid. The thickness of the septic tank lid is directly proportional to the weight of the lid.
Because the more the thickness of the lid will be, the more it will have weight. Also, the weight of the lid also depends on the quality of the concrete. If the concrete has a PSI between 4000 to 6000 then the weight of the lid can be more than 15 pounds.
In addition, if your septic tank lid has a weight of more than 15 pounds then it will be very difficult for you to lift it up for cleaning purposes.
How much does a concrete septic tank lid cost?
The cost of a concrete septic tank lid usually depends on the size of the main septic tank. The cost of a lid which will perfectly cover 9000 to 13000 Gallon septic tanks (which is the highest) will cost around more than 500 dollars. The average size which is 25 inches will cost around 40 dollars.
Well, the cost of the concrete septic tank lid usually depends on the size of the concrete lid. The highest size of a concrete septic tank lid which is 130 inches is about 500 dollars. This sized lid will cover around a septic tank which has 13000 gallons of water.
How to build a concrete septic tank lid?
We have noted the easiest process you can follow in order to build a septic tank lid. The process is described below:
Measurement:
First thing first, you will need to measure the mouth or opening area of your septic tank. Then you have to carefully measure the border of the septic tank with a measurement tape.
Build a frame:
The next step will be to build a frame based on the same measurement of the mouth of the septic tank. The frame should be made with aluminum or dry wood. But make sure the frame comes out from cement after it dries off.
Pour the cement:
Now you have poured the cement on the frame. Make sure you have kept a thickness of at least three inches to make the lid sturdy and long-lasting. Then you have to smooth and flatten the surface of the cement. Make sure you have poured heavy-duty-free cement.
How many lids should a concrete septic tank have?
A septic tank can have at least two lids depending on its size. Because building concrete for your septic tank can be pretty hard. You can make at least two lids the first time you try to build a lid for your concrete septic tank.
Because if you build two lids for your septic tank then it will be easy for you for the cleaning and inspection process.
Also, the ventilation system of the septic tank will be smooth if you include two lids to the septic tank. Therefore, it is recommended by the experts that you should include at least two lids in your septic tank system.
How much does it cost to replace a septic tank lid?
Well, building an average-sized septic tank lid will cost around 60 dollars. If you want to include two lids in your septic tank system then the cost will be around 110 to 120 dollars.
If you go for the heavy-duty free cement then the cost will be slightly higher. Because heavy duty-free cement makes the lid long-lasting and sturdy.
Also, building a custom-size septic tank lid will cost around more than 100 dollars. To be more clear, building the highest sized lid which is 130 inches will cost more than 500 dollars.
How to lift and replace the concrete septic tank lid?
Well, lifting and replacing a concrete septic tank lid is much harder than building a septic tank lid. Therefore, we have discussed the easiest process of how you can lift and replace the concrete septic tank lid:
Dig around the lid:
Firstly you have to dig around the septic tank. Because it will give space to lift up the lid.
You will need to dig up approximately 15 inches deep around the lid. It will be best if you dig up the following 15 inches perimeter around the septic tank lid.
Lift up the septic tank lid:
Now with the help of a sturdy bar or pry bar, you will need to lift up the lid. Place the bar in between the lid and the tank.
Next you will need to ask your helper to push the other end of the bar downwards. Repeat the process until the lid slides down completely from the opening of the tank.
Install the new lid:
Now you have to measure the mouth of the septic tank. Then you have to buy the lid by following the measurement correctly.
Install the new lid by carefully holding the lid with help of your helper. Finally, seal the lid on top of the septic tank.
Can you replace a concrete septic lid with plastic?
Well, you can replace a concrete septic lid with plastic if your septic tank needs regular inspection and cleaning. As most septic tanks need to be cleaned after 1 to 2 years, therefore, they are installed with a heavy lid.
If your septic tank needs to be cleaned regularly then it will be better if you go for plastic lids. But make sure the plastic lid has a lock system as plastic lids are easy to lift up.
Should septic tank lids be airtight? How to seal a concrete septic tank lid?
Yes, it is necessary to make the septic tank airtight. Because the external water might enter inside the septic tank. Also, if your septic is built on top of the soil, then it is necessary that the septic tank is properly. Otherwise, the external water will make the tank overflow.
Although you can use different sorts of sealant ropes in order to seal a concrete septic tank lid. There are different types of butyl sealants available in the market to seal the septic tank lid tightly.
However, you can also place a heavy mix of mortar on the edges of the tank and then cover it with heavy plastic in order to seal the lid tightly.
Final thoughts
The sizes of septic tank lids can be between 25 to 50 inches. Also, the thickness of an average-sized lid is up to 3 inches. However, the cost of a regular-sized lid is 50 dollars or sometimes it can be more than that. In addition, the weight of a 25 inches lid can be up to 50 pounds.