Septic tanks are usually located underground. Most are a few inches deep but some, for various reasons are quite deep. Pumping and cleaning septic tanks is more difficult for deeply buried tanks. For that reason, the Connecticut Department of Public Health wisely mandated that when tanks are cleaned, those more than 12 inches deep be retrofitted with wide risers to make future cleaning easier.

Homeowners are often surprised at the additional expense triggered by riser installation and wonder if they are being sold something they don't really need. If their tank is more than 1 foot from the ground surface, a licensed pumping company is required to install the risers. This is a one-time expense that will make future septic tank cleaning easier and possibly less expensive.