Septic tank maintenance

[CCTommy]

Sorry, I hit submit too soon. If you have a pump system, the easiest way to treat for roots is by opening the access lid to the pump basin and adding the root killer there.

[CCTommy]

Copper sulfate should not be used in a septic tank. It will kill the bacteria and enzymes that break down the waste. To effectively control roots in your leachfield you need to have a tight line (pipe between outlet of tank and leachfield) access. This is usually done by installing a cleanout in the tightline. If you don’t want to use copper sulfate (it’s extremely poisonous) rock salt is effective for root control if it is applied properly.

[caleach]

Should I introduce this at the tank level or the leach line level. We have a pump up system. Would the copper sulfate fact the enzymatic process in the tank if introduced there? Are there any other consequences of using copper sulfate as far as any impact on any other trees on the property?

Thanks
Steve

[mtndad]

What you want to put in the septic is Copper Sulfate, available from the hardware store. This is should kill of any roots.

[caleach]

Thanks for all the great input. I am going to do a more thorough inspection on my own before deciding to,have someone in. As I said, we have had trouble, just want to stay ahead of it. Will probably trim away any roots that may be attempting to infiltrate. I have also heard that rock salt in the leach lines helps stunt root creep into the lines.

Steve

[mtndad]

$490.00 (one lid was uncovered)

Foothill Sanitary

• This reply was modified 7 years, 8 months ago by mtndad.

[fishinfool]

Great post Scott, that’s what I like best about Joe’s website, dependable information. Mntdad, can you share the Foothill price with us? I honesty don’t know what a fair price would be for a septic service. It would be helpful to the rest of us to be able to compare prices as it sounds like both businesses did a satisfying job.

[rswheeler1]

I used El Dorado Septic Service out of Sonora. Phone is 209-536-1925. The guy did a very thorough job. The tank had not been pumped in 25 years of part-time use. He said it was in great shape. I don’t have a garbage disposal, dish washer or clothes washer. Total cost was $485 and that included finding the septic tank and the lids.
Scott

[mtndad]

I just had Foothill Sanitary (Copperopolis) pump ours.
Arrived as scheduled, Price was fair.

Foothill Sanitary
209-785-6160
https://www.foothillsanitary.com

You will save some money if you can expose the lids before arrival.

[caleach]

I would like a recommendation for someone to come and inspect our septic tank and possibly empty it out. It is about 14 years old. Tu has never been serviced. This is a second home so doesn’t get heavy use.

Thanks

Steve

[Author]

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