Root Removal from Septic Tank Exit Pipe

[8ntruck 8,957]

Had the lake house septic tank pumped today as a precaution for the upcoming guests in the next monts. 

 

While the septic guy was here, we dug up the hatch over the exit pipe and discovered that the exit pipe was clogged with roots.  That 'splains the overflow we had last year from the septic tank.

 

The tank empties into a large drywall.  I suspect that if we open that exit pipe, we will also have to replace the drywall with a drain field to meet current code.  $$$$$ and lots of negotiation to get a drain field located so it will be in code to the 3 wells in the immediate area.

 

Does anybody have any advice about removing roots from PVC pipe without replacing it?  I'm thinking that this job is a better fit for a plumber who is more experienced with a drain auger than I am.

[Handy Don 16,752]

[ri702bill 12,246]

Are there cleanouts for that pipe both inside and outside the house??

I ask because if there are, it makes narrowing down the location of the of the root clog easier.....

[SylvanLakeWH 31,553]

Professional drain guys can deal with roots in pvc... the small homeowner cable drain routers like I have won't touch them... I do mine twice a year to keep ahead of the roots. Every 4-5 years I have it done professionally and there is no comparison... I have 4' crock sections so the roots love those joints...

[squonk 46,869]

Most of those guys will have a spring loaded razor sharp expandable bit that will conform to the pcv walls and slice the roots out. May enlarge the pipe a few thou! 

[953 nut 66,611]

Had that problem with a previous drain field. If you attach a 2" PVC pipe to the tank outlet pipe you can use this to add a couple of pounds of Copper Sulfate to kill the roots. I did this once a month for a year and then went to once a month for a year. Everything was flowing well and I continued to do this once every three months.