Tree Roots in Your Septic System? 5 Signs and Fixes for Ocala Homes

Tree roots get into septic systems through cracked pipes, loose joints, tank lids and drain field lines, because the water and nutrients inside draw them in. Warning signs are slow drains that come back soon after pumping, gurgling when the washer drains, extra lush grass over the field, trees within 20 to 30 feet of the tank, and roots found at the inlet during pumping. Roots are cut or jetted out, and the pipe is sealed or replaced. Call (352) 677-6144.

Marion County yards are full of big trees, and many Ocala lots put the septic tank and field right under them. Our septic tank repair Ocala crews clear roots and fix the pipes they break.

Which trees cause the most septic trouble in Ocala?

Fast-growing, water-loving trees are the biggest risk. In Ocala that means laurel oaks, water oaks, willows, maples and bamboo. Live oaks have huge, wide root systems that can reach a drain field far from the trunk. Palms and small shrubs with shallow, fibrous roots are lower risk, but no plant should go right over the tank.

A common guideline is to keep large trees at least 20 to 30 feet from the tank and drain field, or more for big oaks and willows.

What are 5 signs roots are in your system?

1. Slow drains that return soon after pumping. Roots in the inlet pipe catch paper and solids.
2. Gurgling when the washer drains or a toilet flushes.
3. Extra green, lush grass in stripes over the drain field lines.
4. Big trees close to the tank or field.
5. Roots seen at the inlet baffle or in the tank during a pump-out.

Gurgling and slow drains can also mean a full tank. See signs your septic tank is full to rule that out first.

How are roots removed from a septic system?

Roots in the inlet or outlet pipe are cleared with a cable machine or a high-pressure jetter, then checked with a camera. Roots inside the tank are cut out during pumping. Drain field lines with roots are jetted, and badly broken sections are replaced. Inlet line clearing (jetting) usually costs about $200 to $500 in Ocala, and drain field repair about $2,500 to $8,000.

If roots have broken the field lines, read our guide to drain field repair options. For a full rebuild, our drain field repair Ocala team quotes the job after a test.

Do root killers work in septic systems?

Copper sulfate and foaming root products can slow root regrowth in pipes, but they do not clear a blockage and some can harm the tank's bacteria or are restricted in some uses. Use them only as directed, and only after the roots have been cut out. Fixing the cracked pipe or joint that lets roots in lasts much longer.

How do you prevent root problems?

• Plant only grass or shallow-rooted plants over the tank and field.
• Keep new trees at least 20 to 30 feet away.
• Ask for an inlet and baffle check at each pump-out.
• Install risers so the tank is easy to open and check. See septic tank risers.
• Book septic tank pumping Ocala FL every 3 to 5 years.

Call any time

Slow drains and big trees in the yard? Call (352) 677-6144 for a pump-out and root check.

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