Roots from trees and other plants can cause severe damage to septic tanks. When roots grow into the tank, they can clog pipes and drains, break tank walls, and even cause the tank to collapse. In addition, roots can interfere with the treatment process since the roots take up space in the tank and leave no room for wastewater.



As a result, effluent quality can decline, which will necessitate you to pump the tank more frequently. Therefore, you should be mindful of your landscaping and leverage the tips below to protect your septic tank from root problems.

Avoid Trees With Long Roots

The best way to protect your septic system from roots is to avoid planting trees with long roots near the tank. If you already have trees on your property, have their root systems regularly inspected and trimmed to prevent damage.

Conduct research to understand what trees are safe to plant near the septic and which ones to avoid. Some safe trees include:

• Fruit trees
• Shade trees
• Ornamental trees
• Evergreen trees

If you decide to plant trees near your septic, plant them at least 10 feet away from the tank. This step ensures that roots don't grow into the tank and cause damage. Also, the idea makes it easier to inspect and trim the roots if necessary.

Inspect the Tank Regularly for Root Damage

Even if you take precautions to avoid root damage, it's crucial to inspect your septic tank regularly for signs of damage. Always watch out for signs that your septic tank may have tree root issues. Some signs to watch out for are:

• The toilet and drains are slow
• The plumbing system makes odd sounds
• The sewage system has backups
• The tank fills up faster than usual

Most importantly, don't wait for the septic tank to misbehave so you can contact a professional for an inspection. Instead, contact a septic tank specialist for routine inspection and maintenance. This step helps the experts identify and rectify root problems before they escalate.

Use a Root Barrier to Protect the Tank

It's best not to leave anything to chance. Even if you plant trees at a distance, you won't lose anything if you decide to take an extra step to minimize the chances of root problems further. And there is no better way to do so than with a root barrier.

You have various root barrier options: metallic, plastic, or concrete. The critical step is to ensure the proper installation of the barrier around the perimeter of the septic tank to prevent roots from growing into it.

Note that root barrier installation is not a DIY project. It's vital to let professionals install the barrier. But remember that root barrier installation is not an alternative to proper septic system care. You still need to regularly inspect your septic system to ensure the root barrier is intact and efficient.

Pump Your Septic Regularly

When you pump your septic system, you remove solid waste from the tank, which reduces the amount of space roots can take up. The step also helps to keep effluent quality high, which makes it hard for roots to interfere with the treatment process.

Most experts recommend that you pump your septic every three to five years. However, if you have trees with long roots near your septic system, you may need to pump more frequently. Be sure to consult a professional to determine the best pumping schedule for your septic system.

The tips above should protect your septic system from potential root problems and maintain the system's efficiency. However, if you suspect your septic has root intrusion, don't hesitate to contact us at Dr. Flush Inc. for timely services. Our experts will inspect the system thoroughly to identify the root of the problem and recommend the best solution.