Just thought I would post this in case anybody has the same situation....
Had my septic tank pumped out last week. It's a concrete tank about 35 years old. The lids had some cracks in them the previous time that I had the tank cleaned but this time they were breaking apart and could not be re-used. The original lids were cast without any reinforcing in them.
The sanitation guy told me that you can't get a concrete lid anymore and they could install a poly adapter and riser for about $500 (parts and labour).
I decided to cast my own concrete lids. The lid is 24" square, about 3-4" thick and the edges are tapered at 60 degrees. I made a form using 2x4's and cut the compound angles on the radial arm saw. Screwed the boards together and attached a piece of plywood on the bottom.
Picked up a couple 18" rebars for handles. Used the acetylene torch to heat and bend the rebar to shape.
I mixed up a bag of concrete mix and poured it into the form. I laid in a piece of steel mesh to reinforce the concrete and put in the handle. Then I mixed a second bag of concrete and poured it into the form. The two bags was exactly enough to fill the form.
After a couple days of curing I have two new lids at a total cost of $30. :D
