Hide Septic Tank Cover Ideas 

Last Updated On March 7, 2023
how to hide septic tank covers

Do you have septic tank risers with lids protruding in your lawn from your septic tank? These covers provide easy access to your septic tank, but they aren’t the prettiest sight to behold. 

Luckily, there are numerous ways to help cover or hide your septic tank covers.

In this PlumbingNav guide, we will cover:

  • Ideas to hide your septic tank cover
  • What to know about hiding septic tank covers
  • How to properly disguise septic tank risers and covers

What's In This Guide?

      What to Know About Hiding Septic Tank Covers

      Septic tank risers are vertical pipes that resemble manhole covers. Often green or black in color, they extend from the top of your actual tank and up into your yard. 

      Risers can be made from concrete, but most are plastic. While they make septic tank maintenance easy when it’s time for septic tank pumping, having one, two, or three of these covers extending up from the ground can be an eyesore. Most homeowners choose to hide them in some way.

      A traditional septic tank system allows water waste out to a leach field. Some systems use septic mounds when there isn’t enough room for a septic field. Do not confuse the septic mounds with the risers. Risers look like this:

      did you know how to hide septic tank covers

      Want Ideas to Hide Your Septic Tank Cover? 

      Need landscaping ideas for your septic cover “manhole?” 

      Here are three easy-to-deploy products for hiding your riser lids!

      Landscape Rock – Natural Sandstone Appearance

      Poly Planter Box

      TankTop Covers Decorative Whiskey Barrel Planter

      How to Properly Disguise Septic Tank Risers and Covers 

      It’s not necessarily difficult to disguise septic tank covers. However, there are certain things to consider and also avoid. 

      Watch this video to learn some wrong and right ways to hide a septic lid:

      Here are some cool and creative ideas on Pinterest for hiding your septic tank cover!




      The Right Way for Hiding Septic Tank Risers

      Use the following tips to hide septic tank risers the right way.

      Consider the Diameter

      Your septic tank riser will come in one of several various diameters. Be sure to know the diameter to size disguises properly. This will come in handy if purchasing a decorative rock, wine barrel, or flower pot to disguise your septic cover.

      Plant Natural Grass With Fibrous Roots

      Natural grass or a small shrub with fibrous roots can help hide the septic tank riser in your yard. Furthermore, the plants can absorb excess moisture in the area. Of course, you’ll need to be careful when you mow the lawn so you don’t bump into the risers.

      While grass works well, don’t use trees within 25 feet as roots that can infiltrate the pipes leading toward or away from your septic system.

      Allow Easy Access to the Cover

      Naturally, you’ll need access to the cover from time to time for maintenance or when your tank is full. Be sure to pick a cover that you can move easily, like a fake stone or wine barrel. You can also use a potted plant or two around the septic cover.

      Paint the Septic Tank Riser

      You can always embrace the septic tank riser and turn it into part of your landscaping design by painting it in a way that matches the rest of your lard’s decor. Make sure you use paint that is rated for exterior use.

      Contribute to Your Landscaping Design

      Septic tank risers don’t need to be an eyesore. Whatever you do, use your design to contribute to the beautiful yard of your dreams. Get creative!

      Septic Tank Camouflage: Things to Avoid

      While there are plenty of options for covering your septic tank riser lid, you want to be careful not to impede your ability to access the septic tank. Don’t commit the following common mistakes when it comes to camouflaging septic tanks. 

      Do Not Completly Bury Septic Tank Risers

      Do not bury septic tank risers. They must be aboveground to prevent groundwater from entering your septic tank system, and providing easy access without digging is their sole purpose.

      Don’t Cover Septic Tank Mounds

      Mounds are completely different than risers. Mounds contribute to the drainage system. Mounds should not be covered, or they won’t work properly.

      Don’t Use Heavy Statues

      While an attractive statue can cover the riser cover, you will need to move the statue to gain access to the riser. Don’t use a heavy statue or any other type of heavy decoration on top of the riser lid. 

      Don’t Plant Vegetable Gardens Nearby

      Vegetable gardens require a lot of water and nutrients. Their presence can interrupt the proper function of the septic system’s drain field, but also become contaminated from leaks due to their proximity.

      Learn more about proper landscaping in and around your septic system.

      Final Thoughts On Hiding Septic Tank Lids

      Your septic tank lids can be an eyesore. Luckily, there are small steps you can take to improve the appearance of your yard and drain field. We hope these guidelines, tips, and shown above help enhance your yard by disguising your septic tank covers.

      FAQ’s for Disguising Septic Tank Risers

      Can I cover my septic tank lid with dirt?

      No, you cannot completely cover your septic tank lid with dirt. Your lid needs to extend at least 2 inches, but often higher to deter ground water from entering your system. Excess groundwater will hinder how your septic tank works

      Can you bury septic tank risers?

      Unfortunately, you can’t bury septic tank risers. The risers must be above ground level to prevent plumbing backflow.

      How can I hide my septic tank cover?

      Some of the things you can use to hide your septic tank cover include:

      • Pea Gravel with flowers
      • Prarie Grass
      • Light statue
      • Wine Barrel 
      • Potted plants
      • Bird baths

      What do you put above a septic tank lid?

      If you do put something over your septic tank lid, it should be something lightweight and easy to move. You’ll want access to the lid.

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      We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.

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