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Started By
Message
Tree roots in sewer line
Posted on 9/9/22 at 12:21 am
Posted on 9/9/22 at 12:21 am
I have some tree roots growing into my sewer line. I see several products that you are supposed to be able to flush to kill the tree roots. Does anyone have experience with any these products?
5
Posted on 9/9/22 at 10:24 am to Spankum
My experience is the root killer products will not clear up a blockage caused by roots. The products will prevent future root problems if you use it on a regular schedule after the root blockage is cleared using a drain snake machine.
Posted on 9/9/22 at 12:12 pm to weadjust
I have already used a snake to clear the blockage, but just wanted to see if these products would prevent blockage in the future. I just got a quote to replace the sewer service for a couple of thousand dollars, so if I can keep the roots out by using one of these products periodicallly, it may save me a couple of thousand dollars. 
Posted on 9/9/22 at 1:55 pm to Spankum
quote:
couple of thousand dollars,
That sounds like a good price.
Do you have the clay tile pipe? If so, you will have to replace it in the next few years.
Posted on 9/9/22 at 2:04 pm to Spankum
Eventually you may need to remove those roots with a large, electric snake that has a root cutter blade.
Cutter blades can get stuck in root cracks – so unless you've done this job before, look for a licensed plumber who works your neighborhood and gets lots of repeat local business. If the plumber has a good reputation expect to wait days or weeks to schedule a service.
Beware of big Rooter service companies that can schedule your service right away, will take as much of your money as fast as they can, and you'll never see again.
ETA: before replacing that drain, inspect the line with a sewer camera. Sometimes roots can enter the line from the city sewer main, and the homeowner's pipes are not the issue.
Cutter blades can get stuck in root cracks – so unless you've done this job before, look for a licensed plumber who works your neighborhood and gets lots of repeat local business. If the plumber has a good reputation expect to wait days or weeks to schedule a service.
Beware of big Rooter service companies that can schedule your service right away, will take as much of your money as fast as they can, and you'll never see again.
ETA: before replacing that drain, inspect the line with a sewer camera. Sometimes roots can enter the line from the city sewer main, and the homeowner's pipes are not the issue.
This post was edited on 9/9/22 at 3:01 pm
Posted on 9/9/22 at 4:28 pm to WB Davis
I've fought mine for 30 years. I use on a rotating basis monthly-Rock Salt soaked in dish detergent, Copper sulfate crystals soaked in dish detergent, and throw in a lye crystal treatment occasionally. I check my cleanout once a month on the 1st and if there is any backup at all then I use-sulphuric or muriatic acid followed 1 week later by Patriot Sales foaming root killer or Root Bomb by Bosley Septic Company Louisville, Ohio. The last 2 products are by far the best I've ever seen at actually somewhat dissolving roots. I haven't snaked in 2 years. Before I started this regimen it was every 4-6 months. I wish you well.
Posted on 9/9/22 at 8:19 pm to bovine1
(no message)
This post was edited on 1/30/25 at 10:27 am
Posted on 9/9/22 at 10:35 pm to Spankum
Only one solution. Chainsaw.
Posted on 9/9/22 at 11:20 pm to Spankum
I had this problem at my last house. I lived there for 5 years. The first year I lived there, I had to rent a sewer auger about every 3 months. It always clogged in the same spot. I had it dug up and replaced that section of pipe, and never had anymore issues after that. It sucks having to auger it very often that's for sure.
Posted on 9/10/22 at 3:14 pm to rexorotten
The problem with replacing our pipe is that the main is under the street half way across and no one wants to mess with it. Believe me I've thought about it. I can live with treating it once a month and not snaking for 2 years and counting. I've got all the root wads killed and cleared except the last one. I'm at all out war with it. I have clay pipe.
Posted on 9/10/22 at 3:17 pm to Spankum
go to home depot rent a mini back hoe get pvc pipe the length from the house to the street send the wife to store get stakes for your buddies and a few cases of beer ice. dig out pipe replace fill in the dirt cook out have some beers you just saved a few grand, buy more dirt an smooth out the area, its really that easy
Posted on 9/10/22 at 3:36 pm to Cracker
quote:
its really that easy
Well, no it isn't, it's still a lot of work. Ive rented a mini excavator and replaced one of my lines and there is still a lot of hand digging involved. It was a good 15 hour day with 2 of us working
Posted on 9/10/22 at 4:17 pm to Zappas Stache
We have to cut and replace 6 feet of street.
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