A septic tank is a big cement underground tank used mostly in suburbs and country area properties as a private sewage facility. You may find roots in your septic tank. There are a couple of methods you can use to get rid of the roots.
Techniques for Eliminating Roots in Septic Tanks
One method is to use a plumber’s snake to eliminate all tree roots blocking the drainpipes that go to the septic tank. A plumber’s snake smashes tree roots into little pieces, letting them go through the pipe.
Another method to get rid of roots is to flush the septic tank out using granular copper sulfate. Copper sulfate kills and liquifies tree roots as they soak up the tank’s water. After going into a tank, the bulk of copper sulfate settles in the tank, and little goes into the leach bed line.
You could also hire a septic system expert to help you pump the water from the septic tank. After pumping the tank, use a plumber’s snake to get the tree roots out. Never physically go into the tank without the correct ventilation. The fumes alone can kill you. 
Lastly, move big trees, so they are less than 20 feet from the septic system. Get rid of as much of the roots as possible.
Tips
- Adhere to all the instructions on the copper sulfate container.
- Copper sulfate can irritate the skin and eyes. Wash your hands completely with water and soap after using the chemical.
- Get your septic system cleaned every 3 – 5 years by an expert.
- Handling tree roots in a septic tank could be continuous until the tree is gone.
- Plumber’s snakes are available at most home improvement stores.
- Copper sulfate is acidic. Don’t pour into thin drains and thin metal pipes.
- If you’re worried about copper sulfate leaking into your drinking water, then make sure the septic tank is no less than 45 feet from the well. Also, the leach field needs to face the opposite direction from the well before applying copper sulfate.
Contact Tampa Tree Service for more information on unblocking septic systems.
