How can I use copper sulphate in my septic system for root control

Wilburn Cox · Dec 30, 2018

My wife and I live on 4 acres with lots of oak trees. Only the two of us in household. The septic system is (2) 500 gallon concrete tanks installed by certified installer and system was certified by county inspector at time of installation. Tanks have been pumped twice in the (9) years we have lived here,
I read articles on this site this morning about septic systems and several responded with advice of using copper sulfate in the system as a way to control roots in the leach field.
Any suggestions as to how I can place this in the system? I have risers on top of each tank and also the access plugs on each. Should I just pour the copper sulfate into the second tank or what?
Any advice will be appreciated. I enjoy the forum and also sincerely appreciate all of you who offer advice on the many subjects.
Have a fantastic day and may your New year be blessed. Wilburn "Red" Cox, Stephenville texas

Travelover · Dec 30, 2018

When I had a new system installed, the county, who dictated the specifications, wanted me to cut down a tree I wanted to save. The alternative was to bury a pipe with holes in it across the field end where the roots would spread into. This pipe had a capped feeder pipe in the center so copper sulfate could be dumped into the pipe. I moved shortly thereafter and can't report on its effectiveness or practicality.

2LaneCruzer · Dec 30, 2018

You might check out the toxicity; as I recall it's pretty nasty stuff.

oosik · Dec 30, 2018

AH - - do something like Travelover did. DO NOT put copper sulfate into any portion of your septic system. It can/will cause plugging of the drain field. You will likely get to find out how much a new drain field costs. Geez - the list of old wives tales is never-ending.

RoyKing · Dec 30, 2018

Dumping copper sulphate down the toilet doesn't work. Yes copper cu-sp is a some what nasty chemical, put a steady supply into a stream will kill it and all vegetation. However it is something sold at every hardware and feed store. They makes cows walk through a slurry of it to keep their holfs healthy. Both copper and silver kill parasites and prevent infections. Copper bracelets, silver laced bandages for burn patience's. I use cu generator on my hot tube to reduce chlorine levels.

So find your tank in the yard, find the perimeter using a thin rod pushed into the dirt. The output side will be opposite the input side. Dig down on the output side to find your distribution box. That's where the plastic field pipes connect. Some tanks have concrete box, others have a plastic. Cut a hole in the top of the. distribution box and bring up a 1.5" piece of pvc pipe up in the yard, put cap on it but don't glue. Every 6 months pour in 3/4 of pound of cu-sp. No trees will die and the grass will grow just fine, but the roots will not creep up the pipes into the tank. Now if your installer was cheap and no distribution box, a trip to lowes will find drain field pipe and connectors, cut small section out install some dwv pipe with a T and reconnect everything. My field is 36 years old running through a field of water oaks, never been pumped. Since I was a Kid I fixed endless number of systems, and what kills them is solids down the drain like garbage disposal, cooking grease, things other than paper flushed down toilets. Cigarettes filters will just never go away, rubbers float and clog up everything. If you have lift pump rubbers will screw that up. Also excess use of bleach will damage the biomass digestion, also if your on city chlorinated water and you let a toilet run you may also screw digestion. Doesn't hurt to dump a digestion agent down toilet twice a year also. If the distribution box is concrete get your cordless drill an 1/4" masonry bit and drill a bunch of holes then take thin chisel and cut it open, take three sheet metal screws and start them into the pvc pipe so it will stand and not fall in, mix a little concrete and put a melon sized wad around the pipe and cover up.

I could tell about the first clogged clay pipe I had to dig from a kids toy being flushed down the toilet. I was about 10 at the time. All the men watching knew enough to stand back when I took 3lb hammer to that pipe. Afterwards Dads said your supposed to smash the pipe on the downside of the clog, that's why we tap on the pipe listen for hollow sound. They all thought it was very funny.