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Had a clog in the sewage line last week and had to dig up the tank and take the top off to unclog it because the previous owner never had a clean out installed. In the process we found out that the lid was rusted through and covered with a steel plate to keep from falling in. Apparently the previous owner couldn't cut a circle because the steel plate is shaped like a football, and now that the lid is gone doesn't completely cover the tank. Now I'm in the process of trying to find something to cover a 6' diameter tank. I'm thinking about a 6.5'x6.5' square top, so the overhang in the corners will be supported by the ground. Would like to find something strong enough to support the lawn mower crossing over it, but light enough for a couple of people to install, and not cost me an arm and a leg. Any of you waste disposal experts got some suggestions?

how about laying some 2x12 over the tank and have someone fabricate a sheet metal square top like you talking about. Or maybe get some scrap steel to lay over to support the top.

That is a pretty rough environment. Dealing with lots of moisture and corrosion. Wood and steel will work, but long term you might look into concrete slabs. They are a hassle I know, but they hold up well. We have a few septic tanks covered this way. A good pry bar and two guys can move the slabs for access. The slabs are probably 4'' thick x 3' x 6'. I dunno where you could get them seeing as the ones I have are probably 60+ years old. A septic guy may know.

is this at home or camp? We had a problem at camp and used the inside door of a old railroad box car

Cheapest way would be pour one yourself. You can make a lightwieght version of a "real septic tank lid" with sackcrete and re-bar. Just make you a form and cut the re-bar to fit in the form. Cut re-bar to span from side to side of tank. Mix in the crete and you are golden. I would suggest pouring in a few handles for pulling it out of the way next time it needs to be pumped.

if ya c'aint duck it then......

Thanks for the feedback guys. Think a I found a fella that'll fabricate me a metal one for a reasonable price.

I think I would just put in a new concrete tank and be done with it. A 1000 gallon concrete tank is about 600.

Six 2x4s and a $20 car hood from the junkyard.