Septic tanks are a part of rural everyday life. The people that reside in the countryside cannot imagine life without them.
Invented in the 19th century, septic systems have come a long way. Back then, wastewater was simply directed to the drain field without going through a designated tank.
There were no lids then. However as time went by and people got creative with septic systems, lids were introduced.
Attached to the top of the septic tank risers, lids prevent water and debris such as dirt, mulch, and grass clippings from entering the tank.
Lids are now a must-have for the current septic systems.
Today let’s dive into 1950’s septic tank lids and their usefulness, potential issues, maintenance, compliance, and safety in the present world.
Are 1950s Septic Tank Lids Still Effective and Safe To Use?
As mentioned before, septic tanks from the 1950s rarely had lids. They were hand-built with brick and most of them featured no lids. The few that had them may or may not be safe to use presently.
It depends on a few factors, one of which is upgrade and maintenance.
Older septic tank lids require updates to newer materials such as plastic to improve their durability. A poorly maintained brick lid is prone to accidents and is thus unsafe.
A well-maintained one can serve the purpose but one has to consult a professional to determine the safety of the lid.
Things like the deterioration of septic tank lids also affect their safety and effectiveness.
Poor construction and exposure to corrosive elements impact the safety of lids and risers.
In summary, septic tank lids from the 1950s can be safe and effective if they are well-maintained and inspected for any deterioration.
A professional should thoroughly assess the whole system and advise whether it can be replaced or used as is.
Can the age of the septic tank lids impact the overall performance of my septic system?
Yes indeed. The age of a septic tank lid can affect the performance of the entire septic system.
Like any other part of a septic system, a septic tank lid becomes less structurally sound as it ages. This often leads to problems such as sewage backup at the home and septic tank collapse.
Ideally, both plastic and concrete septic tank lids can last for about five decades or more depending on maintenance as well as wear and tear.
This means that well-maintained lids located in areas of minimal wear and tear will serve their purpose for a long time.
The age of a septic tank lid certainly impacts the performance of a septic tank in the following ways:
- Aged lids can develop cracks, rot, and rust which can cause the tank to collapse thus posing a safety hazard.
- Leaking unprocessed water from an aged septic tank lid can be a health hazard to people.
- Aged lids can cause falling accidents.
Also check: Three-Chamber Septic Tanks: Size, Cost, Maintenance, Lifespan, Pros &Cons
Do 1950s septic tank lids comply with modern regulations, or are there any updates required for compliance and safety?
It is highly unlikely that a septic tank lid from the 1950s complies with modern regulations.
Over the years, government authorities have been updating septic system requirements.
A good example is the current requirement in most states in the US where tanks have to be installed with multiple compartments.
Before 1990, this was not an obligation which means that some tanks had a single compartment. Additionally, in the 1950s, most tanks didn’t have a lid.
Some older tanks have concrete lids rather than the current risers with locking plastic lids. Granted, concrete is stronger than plastic but unfortunately, it cracks easily over time compromising its structural and security integrity. Concrete also traps gases inside the tank which can react with it to form a strong corrosive acid.
The updates required for safety and compliance depend on the regulations of the area where the tank is located.
For instance, in North Carolina, modifications to septic tanks must meet specific requirements for lateral extension and soil cover. Effluent filters, septic, and closing tanks, as well as lift stations, should meet construction requirements.
Other modern regulations include the following:
- Newer septic tanks must have risers with lids at the surface to allow easy inspection, access, and pumping of the tank.
- Septic tank lids should never be buried in the soil to make access easy.
- Florida regulations state that tanks must be covered in a way that manholes can withstand tampering, vandalism, and children’s activities.
- Septic tank covers should prevent animals and small children from falling into the tanks.
What are the common issues or concerns with septic tank lids that date back to the 1950s?
Septic tank lids from the 1950s are prone to the following concerns.
- Safety hazards: Due to wear and tear and/or poor maintenance, older septic tank lids may be cracked, damaged, or missing. All these concerns create safety hazards for animals and people alike if they fall inside the tanks. They can sustain deadly fractures or in the worst-case scenario, meet their deaths.
- Clogging: Damaged or broken septic tank lids often cause backups and clogging. This happens when debris or grass enters the tank thus slowing down the bacterial action in the tank. The result is clogging and backup.
- Difficulty in Maintenance: Older lids might not have been designed with ease of access in mind. They could be heavy, cumbersome, or poorly fitted, making it challenging to inspect or pump the septic tank regularly.
- Ineffective Sealing: Due to aging, the sealing capabilities of these lids might have diminished, causing odors to escape or allowing groundwater and contaminants to enter the tank. This can lead to environmental issues and foul odors in the surrounding area.
- Regulatory Compliance: As mentioned in the previous section, septic tank lid standards and regulations have evolved over time for safety and environmental reasons. Older lids may not meet current codes, which could pose compliance issues or challenges during property inspections.
Are there any specific maintenance or inspection steps I should take for septic tank lids from the 1950s?
Yes indeed. Septic tank lids from the 1950s need an inspection to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the system.
The following are some of the areas to focus on during maintenance and inspection.
- Locate the Lid: If you aren’t aware of the location of your septic tank lid, the first order of business is to find it. The easiest method is to use septic system plans as these contain the dimensions and location of the tank. You can also utilize the sewer pipe as a guide if the plans come up empty.
- Open the Lid: Septic tank lids are pretty heavy, especially in the old models. Be careful as you lift them to avoid accidents.
- Inspect the Lid: Check for cracks, wear and tear, and physical damage. If you notice any deterioration, call the professionals to replace or repair the problems.
- Clean the Lid: using baking soda or a mild detergent, clean the septic tank lid.
- Create a Solid Maintenance Routine: Have the pros inspect your septic system every 1-2 years. They should also pump it out every 3-5 years as well. During the inspection, make sure that the septic lid has been assessed for damage.
Should I replace my 1950s septic tank lids, and if so, what are my options?
If your septic tank lid is cracked or broken, it is in your best interest to have it replaced if you want an effective and safe sewer system. Consider using the options below.
- Concrete: This is a traditional option but one that works if it is installed properly.
- Light Tough Plastic: Heavy concrete lids from the 1950s are popularly replaced with plastic. It is durable, light, and easy to install.
Related Post: How Much Does Septic Tank Lid Replacement Cost?
Septic tanks from the 1950s still exist today. If you are looking to purchase a home that has one of those, you must have plenty of questions about their effectiveness and safety. Septic tank lids are especially concerning. Damaged, missing, or broken lids are a big safety hazard. Call your septic tank professionals to assess things and give the way forward.
