Our team recently completed a septic system excavation and inspection project for a homeowner in Redmond, WA after concerns about root intrusion inside the septic tank. The goal was to expose the tank, inspect its condition, eliminate the source of the root intrusion, and make future maintenance much easier.

After arriving on site, we excavated the first compartment lid, second compartment lid, and crossover baffle to gain full access to the septic tank. Once the second compartment was opened, we discovered significant root intrusion entering through the second compartment lid and the crossover baffle lid. To ensure the problem hadn’t caused additional damage, we excavated the entire top of the tank and performed a thorough structural inspection.

The inspection confirmed that the septic tank itself was in good condition. We found no cracks, holes, broken sections, or gaps in the concrete tank or transport line. A small amount of roots was present near the outlet baffle, but further inspection showed the roots were entering only through the crossover baffle lid and second compartment lid, not through the tank structure itself.

With the source identified, our technicians removed all of the root intrusion and upgraded the system by installing a new 12-inch riser over the crossover baffle along with new 24-inch risers on both the first and second compartment lids. These risers create a tighter seal against future root intrusion while providing easy access for routine inspections and septic pumping without the need for repeated excavation.

By the end of the project, the septic tank had been fully inspected, all intrusive roots had been removed, and the new risers were securely installed. The homeowner now has a properly sealed, more accessible septic system that will be easier to maintain and better protected against future root-related issues. Routine inspections and prompt attention to root intrusion can help extend the life of a septic system while preventing more expensive repairs down the road.