Septic Tank Lid

[duckhunter27]

Hello can anyone help me I dug down to find the lid on my septic tank. I have a poly tank from the way it looks has about a 24 in black plastic lid it has a arrow and say's open but i can not figure out how to get it off i tried prying short off breaking something i turned it all the way around does not screw off. Anyone know what i need to do? Thank You Vince

 

[Western]

Hello can anyone help me I dug down to find the lid on my septic tank. I have a poly tank from the way it looks has about a 24 in black plastic lid it has a arrow and say's open but i can not figure out how to get it off i tried prying short off breaking something i turned it all the way around does not screw off. Anyone know what i need to do? Thank You Vince

May be a "mark" on the tank by the lid that you line up with the arrow, but I'm guessing

 

[SixHoeBob]

Pictures?

 

[duckhunter27]

Dennis i thought the same thing felt all around top no other mark to line up with. also i will take and post pic's tomorrow.

 

[duckhunter27]

I took a cpl pic's hope this show something.

 

[freddyr]

Looks like it turns, thats why an arrow is on it

 

[dmccarty]

Seems like the lid needs to be turned to line up the arrow with another mark on the tank.

Did you try turning the lid left or right?

Later,
Dan

 

[Mighty Dodge]

Interesting, here the lid has to be above ground. Mine has a concrete lid at ground level that just lifts off exposing the inner lid on top of the tank that also just lifts off. Whatever you do, don't fall in.

 

[duckhunter27]

I am not sure how it comes off yet. The arrow points out from lid I did try turning it dosn't screw off I also tried lining it up at 12, 3,6,and 9 o-clock but didnt help I will try digging it out alittle more tonight and see if i can see something. I am sure i can just pry it off but didnt want to break something i pryed perty hard with my shove and it didnt come.

 

[dmccarty]

I think I would only pry as a last result.

That lid just looks like it needs to turn before being removed. If it is hard to move how about using a rubber mallet or dead blow hammer to see if you can get the lid to move left or right.

If the label gives the maker's name maybe you can find them on the Internet and see how the lid is to be removed.

The lid will be easy to remove. As soon as you know how.

Later,
Dan

 

[TracTrac]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[showcattle]

Is the arrow marking a "pry" notch?

 

[Chuck52]

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]

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]

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]

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