Septic Tank Lid

TracTrac · Mar 16, 2011

I have no experence with plastic tank lids. Does it look like to you that the tank opening has been made oblong from the weight of the earth? I'm guessing there is sand and grit under the flange which is adding friction making it impossible to turn. I don't know how tuff the lid is, what about taking a 2x4, holding it verticle with the end resting next to the top flange. Then bump the 2x4 gentle with a 2lb hammer causing the lid to rotate.
If you break the lid it is replaceable or depending on diameter you could cut the bottom 8" of a 55 gallon plastic drum to make a new cover. It does not have to be air tight.
Just my thoughts.

20 20 · Mar 16, 2011

Judging from the picture's that type of arrow usually means it needs to line up with another mark? You may have to feel around the tank part of the opening and see if there is something.

homedad · Mar 16, 2011

What do you plan on doing with it when you remove the lid? If it needs pumping I'd let the pumper do it.

CurlyDave · Mar 16, 2011

Find a septic tank installer who carries your brand and go check how a new clean tank works.

johnk · Mar 16, 2011

I'd put a pry bar between the two **** and tap with a hammer to get it turning. Sure looks like a screw top to me. I have a tank with similar looking top and it has very coarse plastic threads and turns off.

showcattle · Mar 16, 2011

Is the arrow marking a "pry" notch?

Chuck52 · Mar 16, 2011

showcattle said:
Is the arrow marking a "pry" notch?

That would be my guess, too. Another possibility is that the lid must be pushed in the direction the arrow points and then it lifts out. I mean, it may be like a battery cover on some electronic gadgets where you push straight and disengage a flange.

Chuck

Mickey_Fx · Mar 16, 2011

As an aside, the photo's are so large it is a little difficult to get a full view. Is there any differences in what the 2 pics are showing other than the exposure?

From the pic you've not even cleared the lip around the opening which may be needed to expose the mating mark. There may not be a mark like shown on the lid but you may be able to see a parting line seam on the tank that may be used for the alignment.

My guess is, there are no threads but a bayonet kind of "keyed" location so when the alignment marks are aligned, the cap will lift up.

JB4310 · Mar 16, 2011

Possibly a rubber gasket since it's below grade, to prevent ground water infiltration. May just need a bit more force to break the seal, either turning or prying at the arrow, not sure, but a threaded cover that large seems a little odd, though it does have those raised tabs ?

A septic sucker would know right away just looking at it.

We're always interested in septic tank issues for some reason

so let us know.

Good Luck, JB.

JB4310 · Mar 16, 2011

Mickey_Fx said:
My guess is, there are no threads but a bayonet kind of "keyed" location so when the alignment marks are aligned, the cap will lift up.

Maybe just aligned with the tank layout?

If it is just a tab/slot lock then it probably would of just been turned a little to lock. and it may not need to be turned counter clockwise to un lock, may have to go clockwise to unlock???

If it is set up like that then you should feel it when it hits the unlock slot, by forcing it to turn one way or the other.

JB