Septic Issues..Advice needed

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Nov 20, 2008
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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?
 
Cut the roots and build the wall is a good line of defense. When you dig out the trench and cut the roots, drill holes and apply lots of tree stump paint root killer or Roundup full strenth to those roots which have been cut free of the tree and are the ones going to the septic system. Make absolutely sure that none of this chemical comes in contact with the Maple tree or it will die.

You can then pour a concrete barrier if you really want that, or simply back fill the trench and build a garden on it. Then every 2nd or 3rd year dig up the soil thoroughly and deep and check for any roots redeveloping from the Maple as preventitive maintenance.

Also check for any other vegetation such as deciduous trees, hedges ect that could send roots to any part of your septic system and field. Leafy vegetation love septic systems for the water and nutrients produced.
 
I'm a service plumber. Fix/deal with roots all the time as before I became a plumber, I had my own drain cleaning business.

Sorry I didn't see this post earlier.

If the crack is above the water line in the tank, I'd cut it off outside and remove the piece. Dig around the tank. Fill the root hole with fast set mortar mix. Seal any cracks around the tank with Roofing Tar cold patch. Then, I'd take the Root-X and back fill round the tank putting the Root-X as a barrier. I use only Root-X as it is a non-systemic root killer and will not harm the tree. I can't remember if it's safe for septic systems.
I'd for sure add some to the pump discharge if it's in a separate sump reservoir so it can be pumped into the leach field to help keep it clear.Or, if the distribution box lid is easily access then just add some to the DB.

I add Root-X to the soil around joints in pipe that I repair in certain circumstances to help prevent the roots growing back.

I have a friend with a leach field that went through a Filbert orchard that he added Copper Sulfate to the distribution box 15 years ago after I snaked the 3 lines clear out of the DB and I haven't been back yet.

Hope this helps.:D
 
Thanks, Fluidsteel,

I didn't see your reply. I really appreciate your advice, and will take that action.

Dave
 
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