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| Roots growing in Septic tank...not willing to use copper sulfate |
kellyryder |
07/07/07 |
Hi,
I live in Florida and we just had our septic tank cleaned out. There were some roots growing through the concrete wall of the tank. On our tank cleaner's advice, we bought some coppe sulfate to kill the roots. However, upon reading the container, we saw that it was illegal to use in Florida. The best we can tell, it has shown up in several bodies of water throughout the state, as the aquifer is so close to the level of the septic tanks. We are staunch environmentalists, so using it regardless of the label is not an option for us. I have heard of two other things that can be used. One is a salt block used for providing salt to lick for hoofed animals (just break it up and put it in the tanks of your toilets). The other is to flush rock salt down the toilet. So, my questions are: 1. will either of these actually work to kill the roots 2. will the salt throw off the balance in the tank. if so, how can we compensate 3. if the rock salt will work, how much should be used and how often (I think our tank may be 800 gallons or so). We did try to dig on the outside of the tank and cut the root away, but stopped when the concrete on the outside started to crumble. Our sepic tank service man said we could patch it with concrete, instead of replacing the tank, as it is just a minor indentation on the outside of the tank and is close to the top. Thanks in advance for your reponses!
Kelly |
Clarification/Follow-up by PrinceHassim on 08/20/07 5:22 pm:
If you want to be environmentally friendly, the best way is for you to dig out all around your septic tank and give it a liberal dose of sodium chlorate. Nothing will; grow for six months. It is hard work, but probably the only way that will do what you want to do the way you want to do it .
When you have done that, pour cement in the trench to form an ever thicker barrier.
Every six months apply a good soaking to the ground adjacent to the tank using sodium chloride. It sterilises the soil for half a year and kills whatever is growing in it. Don't walk indoors and poke your boots up the chimney if they have picked up any of the mixture or else they could explode!
While your tank is empty you could also apply a screed of special cement that is as hard and impenetrable as iron. There are some brands used for patching worn steps that will take as little as 1/8th inch and adhere, but you might want to use a slightly thicker coat.
..... and don't forget your Riddex!
Good luck.
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