The joys of septic tanks

[dragoneggs]

:mur: One day after removing my backhoe and properly storing it, and hooking up and adjusting my box blade, the basement toilet and shower backed up. :thumbdown:

Ended up putting the backhoe back on and digging a couple holes to get to the clean outs on top of my septic tank. At least that was more fun than a shovel. Just went through this a year and a half ago. Holes dug and septic guy trying to unplug it.



From a borescope camera, it seems that a tree root is the culprit and now after spending a couple hours trying to unplug it, he will back tomorrow to jackhammer my back patio and cut out and replace a section of the main drain line.

Really not excited about this repair bill.

 

[Zippo1]

:mur: One day after removing my backhoe and properly storing it, and hooking up and adjusting my box blade, the basement toilet and shower backed up. :thumbdown:

Ended up putting the backhoe back on and digging a couple holes to get to the clean outs on top of my septic tank. At least that was more fun than a shovel. Just went through this a year ago and a half ago. Holes dug and septic guy trying to unplug it.

From a borescope camera, it seems that a tree root is the culprit and now after spending a couple hours trying to unplug it, he will back tomorrow to jackhammer my back patio and cut out and replace a section of the main drain line.

Really not excited about this repair bill.

I feel your pain. I had the septic guy install risers on the cleanouts and baffle locations so no more need to dig.

 

[dragoneggs]

I feel your pain. I had the septic guy install risers on the cleanouts and baffle locations so no more need to dig.

I might have him do that this time depending on the $$$. This is going to be an expensive repair and I will have have to repair the patio which is exposed aggregate which I haven't done before. Job probably too small to get someone that knows what they are doing so I might have to get creative with the patch depending on how much of the slab needs to be jack hammered.

 

[RoyKing]

For all you guys with root problems hasn't anybody explain adding copper sulfate to your distribution box twice a year eliminates root problems and will not kill your trees.

 

[jaxs]

I'm not a drain plumber but I've dealt with my fair share and that's the first if he has that cable in a septic tank.

 

[dragoneggs]

For all you guys with root problems hasn't anybody explain adding copper sulfate to your distribution box twice a year eliminates root problems and will not kill your trees.

Distribution box? This is in my main line exiting the house to the septic. The root (from a Sequia tree) likely followed the foundation wall and attacked the drain once it cleared the foundation. Hope to have it solved with pics to prove it tomorrow.

 

[dragoneggs]

I'm not a drain plumber but I've dealt with my fair share and that's the first if he has that cable in a septic tank.

He tried clearing the clog with the snake from the clean out by the washing machine near by the toilet. Couldn't get past the roots. He then tried to clear it with the snake going upstream from the baffle port where the drain is tied to the tank. Neither worked. Then tried a bladder pressure hose several times and that didn't work either from both ends.

A year and a half ago same guy confirmed with a camera it was a root. I passed on getting fixed after he was able to unclog it. No luck this time. Open to suggestions... especially from you 'head' engineers.

 

[ultrarunner]

I have had success with saw type heads for the cable end... it does take finesse and being able to read the cable.

Years ago I bought a professional Spartan 300 with accessories... set me back almost 3k when it was all said and done but quickly paid for itself managing rental properties...

This is a link

3-1/2 INCH SAW BLADE | Blades & Holders,Cable Machines,Accessories,Blades & Holders | Spartan Tool


Many here are opting for heat welded seamless 4" line trenchless replacement... only two small holes and the pipe is pulled though the existing... could be an option to avoid trenching damage.

 

[JK22]

At least in my neck of the woods, it’s very unusual not to have risers on your tank so that no digging is required. Like these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IEC9QU6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jlhKCbJQJWZ2J

Second, do you not have an external clean out port?? Looks like this in the picture. Usually on the side of the house? I’d try every water jet and/or snake I could find before tearing up a patio.

 

[oosik]

JK - same here. I have more manhole risers than raisins in a cookie. I have four risers - inlet of septic tank, outlet of septic tank, over pump access in pump tank, over valve pit on drain field. My manholes are 24" diameter Johns Mansville pipe with industrial covers. I know for a fact - Mr Roto Rooter has cutting heads on their powered snakes. These are specifically designed to clear tough clogs & roots. Clearing a pipe by cutting out the roots is only a bandaid fix.

Tree roots can not enter a closed pipe. It means a break in the pipe or an open/loose joint. That is why the section of main line needs to be replaced.

It's quite common to have this problem on a drain field. Trees are left standing too close to the drain field. The open holes on a drain field pipe are a sweet invitation to tree roots.

I don't have access to a backhoe. So I have manhole risers. I think I would have the risers even if I had access to a backhoe. In the winter - a little snow is easier to clear than digging in frozen ground.