How to Remove Tree Roots from a Septic Tank
If you live in the country, there's a good chance you have a septic tank. This necessary part of rural living is a small sewage treatment center. Made of concrete and designed to last for years, the tank and lines can get clogged by the roots of nearby trees. You may love your shady oaks, but your septic tank will devour the roots and clog the system. There's only one solution for this problem, and that's to find a way to remove the tree roots. You can do this mechanically or chemically. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Copper sulfate tablets
- Plumber's snake
- Tree tools, such as shovel and chain saw
Instructions
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Getting Rid of the Roots
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1
Flush copper sulfate crystals down a toilet to kill tree roots that haven't gotten too large and twisted. The copper sulfate should start to destroy the roots right away, but it will take some time before you see results. Use about 2 lbs. of copper sulfate for every 300 gallons of water the septic tank holds. Don't do this more than twice each year. If you use the recommended amount, the copper sulfate will not harm the septic tank, and it's an inexpensive measure to try. Properly maintained, a septic tank should last about 25 years.
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2
Pump the water out of the tank. This should only be done by a professional, and you can usually get reputable names of certified pumping contractors from the health department. Once the tank is empty, use a plumber's snake to pull out the roots that have invaded the sewage and drain field lines.
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3
Cut down any trees 5 feet or closer to the septic tank. You'll have to dig up the roots, too, or the problems will continue.
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4
Plant new trees farther away from the septic tank. Trees grow incredibly fast right next to a septic tank because of all the moisture, but the roots cause serious problems. So plant new trees at least 20 feet away from your system.
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Tips & Warnings
You can go longer between pump-outs if you don't use a garage disposal. It adds to the solid wastes by as much as 50 percent. You should clean out a septic tank every 3 to 5 years.
Never go into a septic tank, even when it's empty. The poisonous gases inside the tank can be fatal. Pumping and cleaning out a septic tank is best left to a professional.
