Anyone with a septic system needs to be aware of the damage
tree roots can cause. Undergrounds roots can damage both septic tanks and sewer
pipes.
You need to take precautions to protect your septic system
from trees in and around your yard. Read on to learn six methods for preventing
septic system damage from trees.
Spacing trees in your yard far enough away from your septic
tank, pipes, and drain field is important. However, you may already have trees
planted in risky areas.
If you already have trees planted too close, have them
removed before their roots start creating complications. Otherwise, be aware of
the general rule that a tree should be as far away from a septic tank as the
tree grows tall at full maturity.
Some types
of trees
have less aggressive roots than others. Also, some trees have
roots that don't grow as deeply as others.
Trees with less aggressive and more shallow roots include
dogwood, cherry, Japanese maple, and white pine trees. If you absolutely must
have some trees in your landscaping relatively closing to your septic system,
these are the safest trees to choose.
Copper sulfate is effective at killing roots growing in
drain fields and septic tanks. Not only does copper
sulfate
kill already existing roots, but it also discourages the growth of
new roots and keeps growing roots out of septic systems.
You can use copper sulfate by flushing it down your toilets
a couple times each year. You should flush copper sulfate down toilets rather
than putting it down drains because it can cause corrosion on metal pipes if
put directly down drains.
Periodic video inspections are a great way to protect your
pipes and septic tank from tree root damage. During a video inspection, a tiny
camera is attached to a snake that is sent down your pipes to find any
obstructions.
Video inspections let you know if you've got a developing
tree root problem before the problem becomes very severe and causes extensive
damage. If a video inspection shows that tree roots are growing in your pipes,
you can simply use a pipe cleaner or chemical root deterrent to address the
issue.
Physical root barriers can be installed that prevent roots
from reaching septic equipment. Of course, physical root barriers need to put
in place before roots reach a drain field and cannot remedy a problem with tree
roots that are already growing in the septic system's space.
If you have recently had trees removed because roots were
causing a septic problem, you have a great opportunity to install a root
barrier so you won't have to deal with the same problem down the road. The
installation of physical barriers is relatively simple, and they are highly
effective at protecting septic equipment.
You can treat your soil in such a way that tree roots are
encouraged to grow away from your septic system rather than towards it. Soil
preparation is effective at protecting septic systems by coaxing tree roots
away from septic equipment. Soil preparation usually involves loosening the
soil and opening up growing areas beneath your trees toward the direction that
moves away from septic equipment.
Roots are likely to follow the path of least resistance. If
spreading their roots is easier away from your septic tank than towards it,
trees are inclined to spread their roots in that direction.
Learn more about keeping your septic system in the best
possible shape by contacting us at The Nibbler Company
for
information on our wastewater treatment systems.
