A septic tank can run into a lot of problems. However, one of them can be the most tedious to deal with and that is when tree roots penetrate the tank. If you can’t remove the tree, you have to do something about the roots and you will need help tree removal experts and septic companies. So, here is everything you need to know about removing tree roots from the septic tank.

How To Remove Tree Roots From Your Septic Tank?

Remove Plants From The Vicinity

This is more like tearing the roots from the surface of the area where the septic tank is. You might know where the septic tank is. It can either be a sign or it can be a part of its showing. What you want to do, if the roots are still very young, is to tear them away mechanically. It means that you will have to remove the plants from the vicinity of the septic tank.

This is the only way by which you can save your septic tank from cracking or severe damage. This only works for smaller plants and greenery though, so keep that in mind.

Cut The Roots

If the roots are exposed and they still haven’t penetrated the septic tank, but they’re close then another thing you can do is to cut the roots first. Sometimes, plant extraction isn’t always the best idea and it can lead to more problems than good.

So, you want to deal with the root of the problem first (pun intended). This is going to prevent the roots from going in too deep and you can deal with the root removal later. This works for shrubs and bushes near the septic tank, especially if they’ve been around for a long time.

Use Copper Sulfate

Copper sulfate is also another thing you can use and it is one of the chemical ways by which you can ensure that the roots don’t cross the septic tank assembly or pipes. Copper sulfate solutions are added into the septic system and this creates a barrier that kills any root approaching the septic tank.

You might think that it is bad for the plants or the septic tank itself, but it’s not and you don’t want to know what the roots will do to your septic tank if they penetrate it, so preventing that now is better.

Use A Hydro Jetter

This is another mechanized way of removing roots from the septic tank. In this process, instead of using your hands, shears, or any kind of chemical, you can use a hydro jetter. The steady and powerful stream of water will pull the roots out of the septic tank without any damage and you will be good to go.

This is something that is done quickly and easily, but this is going to be a bit more expensive than other methods of removal. Also, this method can be used if the roots are very deep and it’s very effective if you can afford it. All you need to do is hire a septic tank service Mt Airy for the process.

Professional Tree Removal

Sometimes, big tree roots are what are penetrating inside the septic tank. So, for this, you will need to call in a professional team. Tree removal experts will come to your rescue when it comes to protecting your septic tank from damage.

You will have to remove the tree, but it’s going to be insignificant when you realize that your septic tank will not get damaged. You don’t have to throw away the tree. It can simply be put somewhere else, that is far away from the septic tank. In this way, both your septic tank and the tree will be damage-free and safe.

How To Prevent Septic Tank Damage From Tree Roots?

Removing tree roots is one thing, but preventing things from happening is going to help you out in the long run and you need to take measures to ensure that you don’t have to go through this debacle every single time.

Here are some things that you can do as preventative measures to keep the septic tank away from the roots of your plants. This will not only ensure that no roots get into the septic tank, but you will also protect your septic tank from a lot of damage and ultimately from repairing or replacing it too often because that can be a whole issue and you don’t want to go through that trouble every single time.

Keep The Septic Tank Clear

If you know anything about a septic tank and its proper care then you would know that you can’t put plants or greenery in its vicinity. You’re missing a very fair point. Yes, even though grass and small shrubs won’t hurt, you don’t want to turn the vicinity of your septic tank into a greenhouse. That will only make matters worse for you.

So, if you have a septic tank and you don’t want plant roots to cause problems for you in the future, then make sure that there isn’t anything green near the tank.

Keep Deep Rooted Plants At A Distance

Another thing that you need to do is understand the different root growth of plants. Some plants can be grown in shallow roots and then there are some whose roots go deeper. If you have any deep-rooted plants near the septic tank, then you need to remove them.

You want to ensure that the roots don’t reach the septic tank and that is only possible if you keep deep-rooted plants at least 10 feet away from the septic tank. You will thank yourself for thinking things through and you will save your septic tank from problems in the future.

Look Out For Any Leaks

Sometimes, the septic tank can be the reason why there is greenery near it. You may not have plants, but if you see sudden greenery sprouting out of the ground and the area where the septic tank is embedded is wet and puddles are forming, then it means that your septic tank is cracked.

It may be the due to the roots or it can be a structural problem. Regardless, you want to get to the bottom of the problem and fix it before things take a turn for the worst.

Keep Water Dependent Plants Away

Some plants need little water to survive whereas some need it a lot. Well, roots are the very source of water – or more like passages. When roots go deep, it means that they are looking for water.

Not all water-dependent plants will have deep roots, but if there is a septic tank underneath the plants, then the roots will find their way to the water source and then things can go south from that point on. So, if you have a lot of water-dependent plants, then it’s best that you keep them at least 20 to 30 feet away from the septic tank.

Conclusion

Septic tanks and trees don’t go together at all and damage from the roots can be detrimental to the tank, and you’ll need to spend a lot of money and time to get the tank fixed, or worse, replaced. In any case, consult septic tank installation Keedysville experts for help.