Kill Roots in Septic Systems
Tree roots are often the biggest problem for home septic systems. They can damage a septic system in a wide variety of ways: by blocking the pipe between the house and the tank, by blocking the pipe between the tank and the drainage field or by growing into the tank and drainage field, causing leakage and backed-up sewage. You can prevent this by keeping trees from growing near your sewage system, but in wooded areas this may be next to impossible. There are a few other solutions on the market for keeping your septic system root-free. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Killing Roots Using a Commerical Root Killer
1. Bore out the pipes of your septic system mechanically (the machines to do this are often called "roto-rooters"), or hire a mechanical cleaning service to do it for you. This will clean up any clogs and prepare the pipes for the chemical treatment that actually kills the roots.
2. Remove any tree within 100 feet of the septic tank, if possible, to prevent the regrowth of damaging roots.
3. Pour the root killing solution down the drain or toilet, according to the manufacturer's instructions. These solutions should usually be reapplied every 6 months to prevent future root growth.
Killing Roots Using Copper Sulfate
4. Bore out the pipes of your septic system (or hire someone to do it).
5. Remove as many trees as possible from the area around your septic system.
6. Pour copper sulfate into the toilet 1/2 cup at a time, flushing after each half cup. You'll need to add 2 lbs of copper sulfate for a 300 gallon tank, or 1 lb per 150 gallons.
7. Add an additional 1/4 cup 2 or 3 times per year to prevent root regrowth.
Tags: septic system, your septic, your septic system, blocking pipe, blocking pipe between, Bore pipes
