This could save YOU or cost YOU $$$$$$ if you ignore it.

[@Riverguide33]

We take a lot for granted in our society….Charlie has an important job. Thanks for the reminder and tips, Doug. 👍

[@OneEyeCustoms]

You bet!

[@kenrolfsmeyer1484]

Doug, a friend of mine always had sage words of wisdom for this type of scenario…”better you than me!” 🤪😜😂

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Hahahaha. No truer words have been spoken

[@robert.brokaw3829]

You are brave Autumn - you had the shittiest job and Doug owes you big time and more than a steak dinner. Stay safe.

[@johnelliott6738]

Excellent vid and Salute to Charlie for a job well done!

[@markpowell4701]

This is another great video you don't often see. Not many women would help their husbands like Autumn does. 🤠

[@andrewsamanthamadison3320]

Mike Rowe would be proud of this dirty job! Good job! Definitely a great idea to add the riser!

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Thanks Andrew, was good to meet you at the show, thanks for stopping by!!

[@andrewsamanthamadison3320]

@@OneEyeCustomsit was great meeting you as well!

[@johng.4959]

At least this wasn't another crappy video...😂. Seriously though, it's amazing that most people living in the city don't really know how this works. Thank you for making a video about this. Excellent as usual! 👍

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Thank you!

[@ronwig7665]

Great job Doug and autumn,your a trooper autumn to get over the hole and have to smell the stink, yes a steak dinner with roses

[@cattigereyes1]

Interesting!

[@mikefromwv1010]

I wonder how many people have never seen anything like this. Thanks for sharing and the reminder how a lot of us have it made

[@ronalves9118]

When I sold my place in upstate NY the septic tank had never been pumped until the new buyers wanted it pumped. When the pump truck came we opened the tank and he asked us why do you want this pumped because it looks like it was just pumped about one year ago, with 4" floating on the top and 6" sludge on the bottom. The need to pump is only needed when you do not understand what can and can not be put down the sink drains and what can and can not go down the toilet drain. The systems are designed to last for many years if treated well. My current home here in SW Pennsylvania has been here 52 years and now working on getting a new system installed. Not sure you tells you to always pump, maybe the septic pumpers business. Ron USCG RET

[@wesleyhuckabay5968]

I had a septic tank for 22 years and preventative maintenance is the best way to go.

[@briankeithfisher7305]

Great job Doug! Mike Rowe would certainly classify this task as a Dirty Job:)

[@mikewatson4644]

After several times of digging down to the cover, I got smart and added a riser. Makes it so much easier when the tank needs pumped. Glad that you got a map from the previous owner. My house had set empty for over a year and the previous owner had moved several states away. I had to find the drain pipe and follow it out to the tank. That was a full day's job. You can bet I made a map after that! Thanks for the video

[@johnsadler8637]

Thanks for the education. Ours is coming due for pumping. Time to find a metal rod and do some probing to get the precise location.

[@JustinTen8]

It’s good to see that Autumn was wearing her OSHA approved steel toed flip-flops for this operation. Lol. God bless you thank you for all you do Doug we enjoy your show.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

That’s what you get with free help these days. Beggers can’t demand steel toes I guess… lol I’m just glad she even helped on this crappy job.

[@robertwazniak9495]

You are a lucky man. My darling wife would have been standing in the doorway of the house yelling “ewe, what’s that smell?” Of course, my smartass response after digging 18” by myself would have been “that’s all you dear cause my shit don’t stink.”

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Nice work on that riser. Those concrete baffles are prone to falling apart. Ive heard salt for the softener eats up the concrete. Thats good that he checked it. Great video Doug!

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Haven’t heard that about the softener salt. Glad mine doesn’t go into my tank.

[@theElderberryFarmer]

Sending the backflush water from a softener into a septic system is generally a bad idea. The additional water can cause a leach field to get saturated, the salt can harm the bacteria in the tank and lead to all sorts of trouble and expense. Thankfully, processed Keystone won't cause any issues to a septic system! ;-) Take care and God Bless.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@theElderberryFarmer hah! that was my main concern. Glad im covered.

[@Shane_Reynolds85]

Thanks for this. I am about to do the same to my talk (Pump and add riser). It was great to meet you at Bunyan yesterday!

[@OneEyeCustoms]

You too!

[@kentcorbett5436]

A good lesson and reminder for anybody that lives in the country

[@nickjm37fordel1]

I live in Washington State and also have septic in our development. But all the lids are ground level and have hard rubber/plastic lids that screw onto the riser. Much easier process to remove the lids. We also have filters that help maintain the tanks which the septic company suggests we pull out and hose off about every 6 or so months. No hunting for the lid cover !

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Great tip!

[@garysvinyldungeon2764]

I had a sand mound on my last house, with 2 1500 gal tanks. They told me every 3-4 years have it pumped out.

[@l.j.b9863]

Who very thought a video about s#1t could be interesting! Good one Doug 👍 😅

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Glad you liked it!

[@chrisbridger3420]

Nice video, good reminder for all of us with tanks... also pleasure meeting you at the Paul Bunyan show.. love my hat..

[@OneEyeCustoms]

It was great meeting you as well! Thanks for stopping buy and saying hello and thanks so much for getting on of my hats!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Great video, Neighbor Doug! We waited 20+ years (not recommended) and did ours this summer after some issues. Charlie was the guy who came to our house too! He did a great job. We made a video about waiting too long.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Lol, yea not a good idea to wait.

[@davesauerzopf6980]

Not an expert but, newer tanks have 2 chambers in them now. So, when you get your tank pumped you actually have to have 2 tanks pumped out. Standard/Pressurized systems have 2 tanks as well just like a sand mound system. The second tank on those two systems has a pump to disperse the water evenly into the leach field. Going down into that second tank to replace a pump is not fun and very dangerous due to the gases. Never flush wipes down the toilet and never plant shrubs or trees close to the entire system. The roots will find a way to get into your system. This is a fantastic video and I hope a few people watch it and save themselves a ton of money not having to replace their septic system.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Thank you!!

[@bobhover3863]

Outstanding job. Did a bunch of these and never had a laborer as pretty as yours. It is a difficult job working over that tank. Nice job.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Thanks 👍

[@kylerayk]

If you have the gift, you can locate pipes and wires underground with a couple of metal rods held in you hands. I put a corrugated plastic culvert riser on the end with the big hole and used a sprinkler valve box on the discharge end. Worked great and no hassle when it's time to pump!

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Great idea! Thanks

[@J.B.2]

Great job, like the video. My septic guy recommends every three years to pump it out. I only disagree with keeping the caps below ground. You live in the country, so don’t be embarrassed for having a septic system. I have a septic system with three access risers because I have an aerator in the middle one. All three of mine are above grade for easy access for me, the septic company and health department. I just landscaped with limestone and river rock around it so no one drives on it.

[@garny3766]

I was just typing to check inlet and effluent filter(if present) and Charlie showed up! Risers are nice. For those who don’t want to see this cover in their yard, wait until you have a tank issue in the middle of winter (northern climate of course)! You’ll kick yourself in the ass! What even works better than concrete cover is street manholes…benefits of being in the business of replacing them😉 😆😆😆Riddex and other septic tank additives are a gimmick😆😆😆 correct! What’s even better is when people in town dump it down their toilets thinking it helps😆😆😆😆😆

[@greghomestead8366]

We had a septic company install a riser and pump ours. The risers here in our county in Michigan use a plastic riser kind of like a black culvert pipe. The lid is also plastic and held on with stainless steel bolts. Ours has been on for years and no issues. 2 years ago it was $250 for a pump out. We do ours every 5 years with just the 2 of us here. Have a Jesus filled day everyone Greg in Michigan

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Thanks Greg!!!

[@ryt2carry]

That’s something I need to have done before the year is out. Good plan with the riser. I’m going to have one put on mine.

[@buildlife]

great video Doug! I had a guy that just came every 3 years. Turns out for the 7 times he pumped it and who knows how many for the previous owner he was just pumping the liquid off the top and I have two tanks (lift pump in one) filled all the way with solids! Managed to get it pumped withought doing the field but that was allot of pumping and a new pump for the lift tank!

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Oh wow! And that’s why I try to always be there when I have to hire someone for important jobs. These days you just don’t know who is stealing your money!

[@heilwoodworkingandmore1892]

I find it interesting that both of your lids are buried under the topsoil. Our septic tank cover, and others in our are all installed with 8-12" of the risers exposed above grade. We are in Wisconsin, so similar climate to your area. Thanks for the video.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Both of mine are in areas that would look very odd if they were out of the ground. So it is nicer to have them just below ground and out of site.

[@Salmomlox]

Great job, Doug and Autumn! It's nice they have the concrete baffles. My old neighbor used a metal "Garbage Can" and cut the bottom off and slid it into the hole about 6-feet and used the lid from the garbage can that had a metal ring to secure it tight. Then just covered it with the sand that was around the area. It beats digging up a 6-foot pile of sand every 5 years. Eventually they put in a new septic tank at a tune of $14,000 and that was about 10 years ago. Septic systems are really interesting. You did an awesome job explaining it. ☺☺

[@foreverbrownsfan]

Last week two of my golf buddies were discussing an issue with one of the guys septic system. Since I’ve never had one, I was in the dark and didn’t join the conversation. This video was helpful Doug (especially Charlie’s insight).

[@jk9086]

I have the plastic risers on mine and have reinforced flat lids that sit at grass level. Easy removal. One thing I do is have a service contract on my lift station since I’m in a flat location. They come out once a year and clean filters and check the floats and pump for operation. Don’t forget to switch your leech bed legs annually. My system has four legs and a manifold that sends grey water to 1&3 or 2&4. The lift tank maintenance changes that as part of their annual service as well. Great video.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Interesting info on the leech field switch manifold. I have not seen one of those in a conventional underground system.

[@jk9086]

@@OneEyeCustoms mandated by the State of Ohio with their new regulations a few years back. We have raised leech beds as well due to our high clay soils

[@thereplacementfordisplacement]

You could use the lid to anchor a faux rock over the top or build a decorative well or any number of ways to conceal it. Function over form is very important I'm with you.

[@terresiagregg9326]

Awesome job guys the riser was a great idea

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Thanks 👍

[@JCWren]

Down here the all the tanks I've seen use square lids that have a wedge shape where the top might be 24"x24" and the bottom would be 22"x22" and be about 4" thick. Also it's really important to have the inlet and outlet baffles inspected. Depending on the quality of the concrete in the tank, the acidity of the waste will eat the baffles as the waste flows over it. The cost to pump out seems cheaper up there. We paid $550 a couple months ago for a 1000 gallon tank to be pumped. The cost for the pumping company to dispose of the waste has gone up a lot in the last decade. And our guys say the same thing: Don't add any of those snake oil products to your tank. They either do nothing or can actually make the problem worse. BTW, the county will have a diagram showing where the tank was placed since you have to file a permit when a septic system is installed.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Great info, thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ian3580]

Agreed, the additives are snake oil. Save that money toward the next pump out. Where is "Down here?" Square lids seem odd. I've never seen/heard of that (and it seems like poor engineering vs round). REALLY good point about having the baffles inspected. I paid for a pump out because it was backing up, they pumped it and didn't do anything else and I was right back to an issue in a few months. Turns out that exactly what you describe happened.....the exit baffle was gone and needed to be rebuilt and the previous company didn't check anything (even though I asked for inspection).

[@JCWren]

@@ian3580 "Down here" is Georgia. Use Google Image search and search for "mid state concrete square septic tank lid". The first image shows one with two long handles. Usually what we see are one or two smaller rebar loops in the lid, where you can hook them with a pick or a chain hook.

[@kipcudd7253]

I had a 18" tall riser put on mine . Plastic with lid. No digging and you can drive over it a 900 lbs mower. Seal with Flex seal.

[@loodusefilm7881]

In estonia that size septic tank pumping cost only about 100 euros.

[@billh2735]

Nice job Doug. Autumn is a good sport and a big help. Stay safe and healthy. Bill H from Cranberry Township

[@OneEyeCustoms]

She didn’t have much of a choice on this one. Lol I couldn’t get the riser on by myself. 😁

[@billh2735]

@@OneEyeCustoms don't kid yourself. Wives always have a choice. Hahaha

[@jimwiskus8862]

Hi Doug & Autumn! I hope your weekend was a wonderful one. This is what I’d call a timely video! I immediately went to my desk and pulled the septic file. The last time we had it pumped was September 2015. I called my guy to leave a message and he picked right up, so I’m on the books to get both of our tanks pumped thanks to your video. One thing I want to share with you is he told me to always use Robic K-37. One bottle treats 500 gallon so you do the math for your system. We have a Tractor Supply type store here in town, called Bomgaars. I pick it up there and just pour it in the basement toilet before going to bed. Treat it every six months. At one point he said our tank was getting a little sludgy and I needed to pick some of the K-37 up. We did so and he came back and checked it a few months later he said it made all the difference in the world. It was totally perfect. he also noticed that our bottom of our lid was looking somewhat eroded from the gas. He had a friend come up and put in a PVC plastic vent line underground. It goes into our woods. It totally stopped at erosion of the concrete lid. I hope you guys have a great rest your weekend super week next week. Look forward to the next video and that will see you in the next installment.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Thanks for the tip!!!

[@Chrispy9393]

i just put a plastic riser on mine. green lid pokes up just above the ground. 8 screws and my tanks open to be pumped. none of this digging crap anymore lmao

[@pjseiber2774]

Doug don't you know a PHD would have come in very handy. 😂 Post hole diggers can be very helpful digging a small diameter deep hole and save your back.. I always tell people that I have a PHD. Enjoyed the video as always.❤

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Lol, I’ll use that line next time I have to present my PHD!😁

[@workingmanrondoyle3287]

Nice video neighbor Doug 👍🏻👍🏻. I did my green plastic Risers about 15 years ago. Much easier to manage over the concrete one's. You may want to install a PVC pipe riser over that smaller inspection hole now🤔. Great job 👍🏻

[@ian3580]

That's what I have. It saves effort and money when it's time for service. (and while I could do what Doug shows in the video now....I realize that I won't always be able to ....which is why I did the plastic riser and inspection. I may be sick or hurt when the time comes, or eventually be too old to be able).

[@jaimelago8941]

Nasty job but necessary job 🇵🇷

[@ian3580]

We have a plastic riser up to a plastic manhole, which if you open just exposes the cement lid down in the 'manhole.' That is common here in Maryland. The plastic manhole is green, so while not hidden by lawn, it's also not super noticeable. My inspection (inlet has he says here) sticks up above ground and I covered it with a fake rock. My outflow/cleanout/inspection between the baffle and leach field also sticks out above ground and is hidden. One very important thing to note: If you have septic, you probably also have a well. Same with your neighbors. You all need to care for your septic systems, because you drinking water is under there. Be careful with chemicals in your septic, be careful to pump it often enough.....you don't want pathogens or chemicals ending up in your drinking water.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Great advice, thank you!!!

[@adrianspies2788]

We just had ours pumped here in Australia. $300 Australian ($192US) and we are 1hr drive from town. Cheap as chips I reckon.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

That’s a very fair price!

[@paulbeeler3664]

Hi Doug, my wife and I love your videos. I don’t know what you had to promise to Autumn to get her to help but I bet it was worth every penny. Keep up the good videos and we can’t wait until the next one comes out. 👍

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Thank you so much!!

[@Chrispy9393]

also, my system is new. i actually have a filter I have to rinse off bi-annually in my tank. it collects fats and such. just a plastic bit rinse off.

[@balljar7546]

A few years ago our drains became slow. I checked our main drain pipe leading to the septic and it has debris/water standing in it. So I naturally thought that our septic was completely full. I uncovered the lid after digging around, because I was unsure of the exact location The pumper guy came out and I told him what was going on, and he instantly said that the inlet T pipe was plugged. After pulling the lid off, sure enough, that's what it was, and the tank was only half full. He unplugged it and pumped it out. So if your drains are slow you might want to check for a plugged inlet pipe to get you by.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Great info, thanks!

[@cboutdoorfun9955]

Wi requires them to be be pumped and inspected every 3 years and recorded with the state. Also not sure if it a rule but all new tanks has the risers exposed, usually above the ground level slightly

[@jimhoge3252]

Very timely. Just did mine 2 days ago! Way overdue because it was 24” deep and I didn’t know exactly where it was. Added a riser to grade level 👍

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Awesome, and it always feels good to get important stuff like this done and the fact you made it easier for yourself for the next time! 👍

[@markbrockelman316]

Adding the riser section is definitely the way to go. Why didn’t you grab Adam to center the riser and help dig?

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Good thinking, but I think he was busy with a video at the same time.

[@harlyjock1]

Here in SE Wisconsin septic has to be inspected every year, $100 and pumped every 3 years, $350. Really don't mind because replacement is about 25k.

[@jeffpeters1014]

We do our home every 3 years, at camp 6.

[@wokutch]

I have my tank pumped out every 3 years. I figure it’s cheap insurance. June of this year my cost to have it pumped out was $268.18.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Thanks for sharing the cost!!!

[@JimFinlayson]

We’re fortunate. We have a 6” clean out exposed, so no reason to go hunting for the lid.

[@rogerhuber3133]

Great video....as usual! I moved in here 10 years ago and have never had my tank pumped. I have no idea where it is even located. I'm hoping the septic guys can figure that out as it's my next project to do. Two questions for you: what is the tree behind Charlie and what's your small building behind him too.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

The small building was my kids playhouse and after they were grown I moved it there and turned it into the pool house. Works perfect for that!!

[@wazzeradk9398]

Charlie knows his shi*!

[@OneEyeCustoms]

He sure does, and isn’t afraid to dig right in bare handed and all! 🤢

[@bsckozak543]

Doug, Why not put a circular piece of landscape fabric on the lid with bark mulch on top so you never have to dig even the lid out again.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Good thinking!! I may do that next time! Thanks!!

[@bsckozak543]

@@OneEyeCustoms You're welcome Doug. Love your videos. Patrick from Pittsburgh.

[@fishnsled]

Our municipality requires the tank to be pumped out every 2 years for residents and every 4 years for seasonal residents. Trying to get someone to come out to pump the tank is a challenge as they are so busy. Some of these guys are getting on in their years and talking retirement. Rightfully so! It may be a greater concern in years to come. We are in Ontario Canada. My buddy has a place in Quebec Canada and in his area it is organized and completed by the municipality and is apart of the property taxes. Piece of mind knowing it will be done on a regular basis. His taxes are cheaper than mine as well.

[@ian3580]

Sounds like a business opportunity. Here in Maryland in Pennsylvania, there is no shortage of companies available to pump a tank, make repairs, etc

[@fishnsled]

@@ian3580 it certainly could be a great business for someone.

[@philhart8864]

question how come he did not check your baffle ? as that a very important to kept solids out of your drainage field.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Because there was no evidence of problems on the incoming side or in the tank.

[@williamkleinsLost40Lodge]

Where do I get more information about the track cleaners you make? I seen it on back 40. Let me know

[@OneEyeCustoms]

I make them in my garage. They are sold and shipped through my local bobcat dealer. Bobcat of Erie You can contact them if you want one shipped.

[@williamkleinsLost40Lodge]

@@OneEyeCustoms I emailed them and called and left a message and heard nothing.

[@cnettrouer]

You should have asked neighbor Adam for help. I can't believe you would subject your wife to septic work.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Well, it is her parents place after all. 😜 help or deal with the consequences…

[@thomascarroll1916]

How the heck did you find the lid in one shot?

[@OneEyeCustoms]

I had a rough sketch on an envelope the previous home owner left. It took a bit of probing, but I found it.

[@mattshell7753]

I can't believe you didn't get some PVC like 8 or 10" and bring that inspection hole up on the in-laws put a plastic cap on top back fill it and have it over with for them

[@OneEyeCustoms]

That is the plan for the next time it needs pumped.at least I don’t have to dig that big hole to get to the lid again.

[@toddpacheco4748]

Well Doug autumn to the rescue again maybe 🤔 nice 👍 dinner out for having to smell nasty 🤢 smells ❤😊😮

[@OneEyeCustoms]

You got that right

[@TechHoldingsCorp]

Great public service announcement and dirty jobs spinoff! Thank you for highlighting the importance of skills based occupations. Three generations of one family caring for quality of life 1 turd at a time. 😜

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Hahaha love it!