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Roots in Leach Field

Drain Field or Septic Leach Field Repair Using RootX Root Killer

Getting rid of sewer roots using RootX in your septic leach field or septic drain field is an important, safe, inexpensive measure to properly maintain your septic leach field system. If you have trees near your leach field there is a good chance that you have tree roots growing in your leachfield. These tree roots in your drain field can potentially clog the leaching capability of your septic system.

The leach field or drain field acts as the “secondary treatment” process of the septic system that consists of underground trenches and perforated piping. The wastewater flows from the septic tank to the leach field where the partially treated wastewater enters the leach field system and filters (percolates) down though the soil for final filtration.


Using RootX to Eliminate Tree Roots in Leach Field (Methods)

Using the RootX application rate chart below for determining the correct amount of RootX to treat roots in leach field. The RootX root killer should be applied directly to the leach field (if the roots are in the leach field / drain field lines) via one of the methods listed below:

  1. Distribution Box – A distribution box or D-Box is typically a rectangular or round concrete or plastic box that connects a single effluent line from your septic tank to a network of pipes making up the drain field lines, leach field lines, galleys or seepage pits.
  2. Clean-Out – A leach field “clean-out” is simply a pipe that connects to the leach field line(s) on one end and extends vertically out of the ground with a removable cap. Installing a clean-out can help with many plumbing related issues and give access to your plumbing lines (or leach field lines). Not all homes have a clean-out installed but most newer homes have at least one.
  3. Through Outlet Pipe On Septic Tank – This is a more difficult method as there may be access restrictions. Depending on the configuration of your septic tank you might be able to see the outlet pipe (effluent pipe) that leads directly to the leach field. Older septic tanks may not contain a sanitary baffle tee allowing a PVC pipe or hose to be inserted into the outlet pipe and apply RootX root killer. In addition, many older septic tanks have an access point over the inlet and outlet of the tank as well as a larger access point in the middle of the septic tank. If you do not have access to the septic tank outlet you will need to use options 1 or 2 from above. Notes: Never get inside a septic tank as it is not safe. We also recommend that if your system does not have a sanitary baffle tee you consider installing one to prevent excess solids from entering the leach field lines.

RootX Root Killer for Tree Roots in Leach Field (Application Rates)

Method RootX Amount Pipe Diameter Length
RootX Jars 2 lb. Jar 4 in. 50 ft.
RootX Jars 4 lb. Jar 4 in. 100 ft.
RootX Jars 4lb. Jar 6 in. 75ft.

Visit our How Much RootX Should I Purchase page for more detailed application rates.


Treating with RootX: Leach Field Application

Distribution Box Method

  1. Restrict water flow for a few hours prior to treating leach field with RootX. Water should not enter the leach field for 6-8 hours after treating for roots in leach field with RootX root killer. The field lines should be relatively dry prior to treatment.
  2. Refer to the application chart (above) for the correct dosage rate for treating roots in drain field. Typical dose rate is 2 pounds for every 50 feet of 4” diameter pipe.
  3. Pour the RootX from the jar into a small pail and mix the two components (discard the plastic sheet divider).
  4. A leach field distribution box usually has multiple outlets that lead to each individual drain line. You can treat each drain line by
    • Using a flexible hose that will fit just fit the inside diameter (to seal) of the leach field pipe inside the distribution box (d-box).
    • Construct an applicator out of PVC (diagram below). Parts can be obtained from your local hardware store. Note: We stock and sell similar distribution box applicators so contact us if you would like to purchase.
  5. Pour the RootX root killer herbicide from the pail into the flexible hose or d-box applicator. If your leach field system has several cleanout access points, you may treat each leach field line separately.
  6. Pour5 gallons of water per pound of RootX used to activate the root-killing foam.
  7. The natural flow of the line carries the foam and root killing aquatic herbicide down the pipe.
  8. Restrict water flow into the leach field for 6-8 hours.

Clean-Out Method

  1. Restrict water flow for a few hours prior to treating leach field with RootX. Water should not enter the leach field for 6-8 hours after treating for roots in leach field with RootX root killer. The field lines should be relatively dry prior to treatment.
  2. Refer to the application chart (above) for the correct dosage rate for treating roots in drain field. Typical dose rate is 2 pounds for every 50 feet of 4” diameter pipe.
  3. Pour the RootX from the jar into a small pail and mix the two components (discard the plastic sheet divider).
  4. Pour the RootX root killer herbicide from the pail into the cleanout. If your leach field system has several cleanout access points, you may treat each leach field line separately.
  5. Pour5 gallons of water per pound of RootX used to activate the root-killing foam.
  6. The natural flow of the line carries the foam and root killing aquatic herbicide down the pipe.
  7. Restrict water flow into the leach field for 6-8 hours.