- Joined
- Nov 20, 2008
- Messages
- 10,188
Hi Guys,
I hope someone here is knowledgable about septic fields, as I need some advice. Last month I had to have my septic pump replaced (the pump pumps the waste uphill, where it enters a distribution box and is evenly spread through the septic field). During the pump installation (which cost $1,500. can you believe?), I decided to have the tank pumped out as well. When the tank lids were removed, a huge amount of tree roots were found growing inide the tank. The roots had grown through a very thin crack, then widened inside the tank to a diameter of a man's fist; there was also a "mattress" of roots growing from the larger roots. I severed the roots from the tree and they fell to the bottom of the tank.
Now, there is a maple growing nearby, but I do not want to cut it down. I want to solve the problem without taking out the tree. Here's the solutions I came up with, and I'd like your thoughts.
1. Dig a 2' deep trench around the tank, and put in a below ground concrete retaining wall.
2. Put approx. 6 lbs. of root-x in the tank. I've never used it, but it is supposed to kill roots growing in tanks, pipes, etc. It's supposed to be safe, and prevents roots from re-growing for up to a year. Have any of you used this or a similiar product?
Oh, and one other thing. I had risers put on the tank. These are heavy plastic covers fitting over rings fitted firmly to the tank. Once attached, they are sealed with concrete. This will, in part, help prevent root intrusion and make the tank watertight.
So, fellas, any advice, input?
I hope someone here is knowledgable about septic fields, as I need some advice. Last month I had to have my septic pump replaced (the pump pumps the waste uphill, where it enters a distribution box and is evenly spread through the septic field). During the pump installation (which cost $1,500. can you believe?), I decided to have the tank pumped out as well. When the tank lids were removed, a huge amount of tree roots were found growing inide the tank. The roots had grown through a very thin crack, then widened inside the tank to a diameter of a man's fist; there was also a "mattress" of roots growing from the larger roots. I severed the roots from the tree and they fell to the bottom of the tank.
Now, there is a maple growing nearby, but I do not want to cut it down. I want to solve the problem without taking out the tree. Here's the solutions I came up with, and I'd like your thoughts.
1. Dig a 2' deep trench around the tank, and put in a below ground concrete retaining wall.
2. Put approx. 6 lbs. of root-x in the tank. I've never used it, but it is supposed to kill roots growing in tanks, pipes, etc. It's supposed to be safe, and prevents roots from re-growing for up to a year. Have any of you used this or a similiar product?
Oh, and one other thing. I had risers put on the tank. These are heavy plastic covers fitting over rings fitted firmly to the tank. Once attached, they are sealed with concrete. This will, in part, help prevent root intrusion and make the tank watertight.
So, fellas, any advice, input?