Introduction: Easy Septic Tank Cover Ideas: Using Decorative Fake Rocks to Cover Septic Tank Lids
About: I've been working as a landscape designer for over 20 years with a focus on commercial and residential lawn irrigation systems. I'm a big gardener as well. Love to grow stuff and eat it!
Lots of folks living in the suburbs and out in the country have their own private septic tank system installed in the yard. The problem is the septic tank riser has a septic cap on it's top, and this needs to be above ground for access and so it can breathe. These septic caps are big, round and notoriously ugly! Some are made of concrete, others of plastic.
Here's how to solve the problem quick and easy with a decorative fake rock septic cover:
Here's how to solve the problem quick and easy with a decorative fake rock septic cover:
Step 1: Measure the Height of the Septic Tank Riser and Cap
First you want to take a tape measure or yard stick and accurately measure the height of the septic tank riser from where it exits the ground, up tot the very tippy-top. Measure carefully, and no need to "add cushion." You want exact measurements (more on that later).
If the septic is one of the green plastic types with the dome shape try to make sure you get a measurement from the ground to the highest point of the dome.
If the septic is one of the green plastic types with the dome shape try to make sure you get a measurement from the ground to the highest point of the dome.
Step 2: Measure the Diameter of the Top
Next you want to measure the diameter. Standing over the tank, place the tape measure or yardstick on the top of the septic tank. For diameter you want the diagonal measurement across the top (not the circumference which would be the measurement around the entire outer surface).
Again, close measurements are important here. Some septics have a square box mounted on one side. This is called a junction box and it contains electrical componenets for the controller and/or pump. Note the diameter measurement with and without including the junction box. These junction boxes are usually only on the newer domed plastic septic tank covers.
Also make a note of any vents present. If there are vents on the exterior of the tank you should select an imitation rock with a vent or two in it as well.
Again, close measurements are important here. Some septics have a square box mounted on one side. This is called a junction box and it contains electrical componenets for the controller and/or pump. Note the diameter measurement with and without including the junction box. These junction boxes are usually only on the newer domed plastic septic tank covers.
Also make a note of any vents present. If there are vents on the exterior of the tank you should select an imitation rock with a vent or two in it as well.
Step 3: Buy the Right Size Fake Rock Septic Cover
Next you'll want to find a fake rock septic cover. The DekoRRa Model 111 and Model 112 fake rocks from this page are excellent choices. These are very sturdy and are designed to withstand UV and brutal weather. Plus they feature flanges on the bottom edges for stakes which are included.
Now this is the important part! You want to make sure you use the INTERIOR DIMENSIONS chart to determine which rock is large enough for your application. The exterior dimensions are a lot different than the interior dimensions. Ignore the exterior dimensions! Here's an example chart. Note the height on the left, and the diagonal measure on the far right column. Use the measurements you took to make sure there is enough room at the height you need.
This is why it's important to measure carefully and exactly!
Now this is the important part! You want to make sure you use the INTERIOR DIMENSIONS chart to determine which rock is large enough for your application. The exterior dimensions are a lot different than the interior dimensions. Ignore the exterior dimensions! Here's an example chart. Note the height on the left, and the diagonal measure on the far right column. Use the measurements you took to make sure there is enough room at the height you need.
This is why it's important to measure carefully and exactly!
Step 4: It's Showtime! Place the Fake Rock Over That Ugly Septic Riser!
With the correctly sized fake rock in hand, it's time to work some magic! Flip it over that ugly septic cap and make it disappear!
Step 5: That's It! Your (Mostly) Done!
Walla! To really spice it up lots of folks add mulch, flowers and shrubs to make a nice little landscape area with the artificial rock cover as the focal point.