A septic system consists of a septic tank and drain field, and in some cases a pump tank for those who cannot gravity feed to the drain field like here in many parts of Hillsborough County. Septic systems can last for decades, if given the proper maintenance along with some helpful tips and knowledge that all homeowners should know.
Contact Info:
Name: Billy Fowler
Email: [email protected]
Organization: ASAP Advanced Septic & Drainage, Inc.
Address: 5011 E Busch Blvd, Tampa, FL 33617
Phone: (813) 986-6070
Septic Leach Field Lines Clogged by Tree Roots: Cheap Drain Fix

Septic tank systems become clogged with roots in the leach lines, leach field, drain field or seepage field, causing backup of wastewater into the house. The inexpensive fix is to use copper sulfate through an installed cleanout or septic field pump. Septic tank systems do not last forever and replacing one is a very expensive proposition. If your house is connected to the city sewer system, then you do not have a septic tank. A septic tank can be described as your very own little sewage treatment plant. There are three basic elements of a septic system: Eventually leach fields become clogged because the roots from trees and other vegetation are attracted to the nutrient-rich effluent. The roots grow through the pores intended to drain the liquid, seepage gradually slows or stops. If sufficient pressure cannot be released through the pores of the leach field, the entire septic system cannot accept any more waste water and it backs up in the house, usually at a low point such as a shower or tub drain. If it gets that bad, you may have to replace the entire leach field. In many localities, that will require a building permit and meeting current building codes, which means replacing the entire septic system, which is expensive, etc. Since this is obviously something to avoid, you can often extend the life of the old system by taking action when sewage flow has slowed, but not completely stopped. Copper sulfate kills roots. If it can be placed into the system so that it will flow through the leach field, the roots will die (but not the plants) and waste water will begin to flow more freely again after a few weeks. In many systems, this isn’t as easy as it sounds, because copper sulfate is so heavy that it will settle to the bottom of the septic tank unless inserted into the leach line leading from the tank. If you have a cleanout or other access there, you’re all set, but many residential systems do not. I prefer the crystal form over the powder because it's easier to handle, cheaper and dissolves more slowly, . If necessary, it is not very expensive to have a cleanout installed in the leach line expressly for the purpose of adding copper sulfate periodically. If that still doesn’t quite work, or if you want to be sure the stuff is going to flow more quickly, you can pump it through the leach field. It is possible to install a pump on the leach line cleanout between the septic tank and the leach field. It can be buried below ground level or installed above ground and concealed with landscape bushes. The pump turns on and off automatically to maintain a slight pressure on the waste water, pushing it through the pores of the seepage field. Adding copper sulfate at intervals through a cleanout at this point is effective to drive the chemical towards the offending roots. Killing the roots may extend the life of the septic system a few years, but it will ultimately need to be replaced with a completely modern one—unless you can successfully lobby for a neighborhood hook-up, of course.Septic tank systems
A clogged leach field
Kill roots with copper sulfate
Install a leach line cleanout
Typically, a 3 bedroom home with 2250 sq ft of living or less has a 900 gallon septic tank and can be used here in Hillsborough County . The septic tank receives all the waste water from a home. This includes showers, toilets, washing machine, dishwasher and sinks. According to the American water works association, the average person uses about 70 gallons per day on average. The family of 4 would add up to 280 gallons a day. So, just imagine how fast your septic tank will fill up, and how much water must flow through the tank to make it out to the drain field.
Tips to Take Care of Your Septic System

Do you know people who have had to spend thousands of dollars for the repair or replacement of their septic systems? How about the expense of cleaning up or repairing the house and yard from damage caused by septic backup? Septic system backups create unhealthy and very unpleasant smelling conditions on your property, both inside the house as well as outside the house. If you have a septic system on your property, septic tank pumping should be a very high priority and concern. All septic tanks need to be pumped out (emptied) and the system inspected periodically. How often should you have your system pumped and inspected? Most septic service companies in Molalla recommend septic tank pumping is done every 3 to 5 years, depending on several variables. Those variables are septic tank size, number of people in the household and the amount of water going into the system. Having your septic system inspected can save money in costly repairs or replacement. Your local septic service company can inspect the valves, drain field, water inlet and outlets and the general condition of your tank to catch problems before they become a costly repair. Most septic tank pumping and service companies in Molalla will be able to make the repairs or replacements. Your local septic service company can also recommend additives to your tank to help control the sludge and scum that can be part of that expensive septic system failure that you want to avoid.
Through consistent septic tank pumping, and by following these important tips can help avoid costly backup and also increase the life of your system.
Is Vinegar Safe for Septic Tanks?

Maintaining a septic system is not a difficult job. As a matter of fact, it won't cost you a lot to maintain one. If you need some tips to care for your septic system, we suggest that you follow the tips given below.Perform Inspections FrequentlyIdeally, you should inspect your installation once every three years. For this, we suggest that you hire a good professional. Typically, household tanks are pumped once every 3 to 5 years. Moreover, alternative systems that have float switches, mechanical parts or pumps should be checked more frequently. Below are factors that can help you determine how often you should check the system.· The size of your septic tank· Amount of solid in the wastewater· Wastewater generated· Photographic solution· Flushable wipes· Condoms· Diapers· Coffee grounds· Cigarette butts· Paper towelsMaintain The Drain fieldYour drain field is part of your septic system. It removes a large amount of contaminants that get out of your septic tank. Given below are a few things that you can do for its upkeep.· You should never drive or park in the drain field· If you plant trees, plant them away from the drain field.· Keep your sump pumps, roof drains and other drainage systems a bit away from the drain field place.So, if you have been looking for a guide for taking care of your septic system, we suggest that you use the tips given in this article. Hope this helps.
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