How to Remove Roots From a Septic Tank Outlet

According to the University of Georgia, septic tanks are not maintenance-free and in fact can become impeded by tree roots. To keep tree roots from growing into your septic tank outlets, avoid planting any trees near the septic tank or near the septic lines. Tree roots can infest septic tank outlets even when they have been planted far away from the area. To keep their roots from destroying or clogging up the tank, remove the root systems as soon as possible when you notice toilet flushing problems.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves
• Mask
• Copper sulfate

Instructions

1. Pull on the gloves and a mask to keep from touching copper sulfate or breathing it in.

2. Flush copper sulfate down your toilet to break down the tree's roots. Use two pounds of copper sulfate for every 300 gallons of water your septic tank holds. Assemble the amount of copper sulfate you've determined into two equal portions. Flush the first half into the system. Wait 10 minutes and flush the rest.

3. Open windows in your house to increase the air circulation. Leave your house for the rest of the day to prevent breathing in the copper sulfate.

4. Flush the toilet when you return to see if the copper sulfate is working. It may take several weeks to see improvements in the toilet.

5. Reapply the copper sulfate in six months using the same application rate.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove the tree if you continue to have problems with its roots in the septic tank outlet.

• Use copper sulfate on septic tanks only twice a year or you can harm the tank.

• Refrain from using this substance in bath or sink drains, because the copper sulfate will ruin the pipes.

References

• University of Georgia: Septic Tank Maintenance and Care
• University of Oklahoma: Controlling Tree Roots in Sewer Lines With Copper Sulfate