Sewers

are there any known posible ways to destroy roots, growing into the sewer pipes?

i'm curious as to find whether there might be a way to get the roots that have clogged up our sewer lines. can't help but wonder whether or not there may be some old time remedy. or root killer.

Public Comments

1. Dig up the sewer line and roots. Replace with new sewer line.
2. Call Roto-Rooter or a moderate-size plumbing outfit. I've had that problem a few times - the 'old time' remedies didn't work for me. Good luck!
3. Yes There is At your local hardware store. It is copper sulfate. It will typically be in the plumbing section by the drain openers. It may also be called root killer. Read the directions carefully for your application. You can also hire a porfessional contractor or rent the equipment if its a hevyer job
4. I wouldn't recommend poisons, they may kill trees let alone go into the water supply. I end up having Roto-rotter come out and cut the roots out of the line with their tools.
5. Here are some products... do you have a SEWER or SEPTIC system? http://www.roebic.com/septic/rp.htm Usually, roots are only problems in septic systems... not city sewers. If you have a septic system, RID-X monthly and root killer yearly flushed down the toilet is good for preventative maintenance.
6. There is a product called "Root Rid" which comes as a 2 disc pack, each about 1cm thick and about 8 cm in diameter. You flush one of these down the toilet and its supposed to kill off those roots in the pipes, and a week later the second one, but if I remember right, isn't recommended for septic tanks. It can be found at Hareware Shops. Don't know of any natural methods of root removal though. Hope this helps, B
7. There are many ways to take care of the roots growing into your sewer pipe line. 1) Call a sewer company to electrically clean your sewer pipe. 2) Use chemicals. Chemicals come in different forms, a) liquid b) powder c) crystals Using chemicals for getting rid of roots is not a good idea while your sewer is backing up. Its ideal to use chemicals after you get your sewer snaked. 3) Rent your own machine from a hardware store, this is not advised until or unless you have experience using the rooter machines. 4) Liners. With newer technology, it is possible to install a pipe with digging. This options is best if you want a more economical and safe way to replace a pipe. A Liners is actually installed using your existing sewer pipe. It also takes care of cracks inside the pipe. Whatever you do, keep this in mind, it will cost thousands of dollars to change your sewer pipe. It not guaranteed that even after replacing your sewer pipe you will not have a back up. The best thing to do is to have your sewer line electrically cleaned once or twice a year.