Septic tank?

[Steelharp]

Anything that dissolves roots?

[mikegideon]

I'm afraid the answer is gonna be, "Yes, a backhoe". Guessing we have some experts that will confirm.

[Westwindmike]

I had a root ball the size of a basketball clogging my intake pipe to the tank. Just had to get my septic tank pump guy to pump, then saw the roots out. They are tough. Put pellet sized salt around your tank and pipe to discourage the roots from trying to get in.

My roots were mostly coming from a nearby Crepe Myrtle bush. Here are the roots.

And no backhoe required here. My guy dug with shovel and used hand tools to lift the lid.

Edited September 11, 2010 by Westwindmike

[Guest 6.8 AR]

And cut the offending tree down.

[mikegideon]

"Roots" is a broad term. I worked in the plumbing field for awhile when I was a young 'un. If they're big enough to punch thru the pipe, you may be able to cut thru them with blade bits on the snake. It will open the pipe, but there's still a hole in the pipe wall. The blades are more for eliminating an immediate problem, like turds in the bath tub.

[Guest Verbal Kint]

Two words : Det Cord.

[Guest BEARMAN]

Sorry Steel, nothing chemical will do...it's all manual labor now, bro.

And expensive too...unless your willing to do it yourself.

BTW....If you do decide to DIY....be careful and don't injure those "moneymakers"!

[LazyAce]

Just went through that. My problem was the outlet pipe was plugged about 6 feet from the tank with roots. Had 2 plumbers out and neither one would fix the problem. One replace the outlet pipe which was plugged also and charged me $600.00 and the other one just pumped out the tank and left. I got a friend who does trucking and dirt work to come with his backhoe and dig me a new drain line and haul in some gravel. I got some drain pipe from the local building store and laid down a new drain line. Best thing was I only spent $150.00 for it. Nice to have good friends. Trees are nice to look at but a pain everywhere else. Good Luck

[Guest mustangdave]

Have a feeling this thread is going to get kinda

[Il Duce]

sounds like you are up shyt creek

[Guest BEARMAN]

sounds like you are up shyt creek

Without a paddle!..............