Roots in Your Sewer Line
Roots In Your Sewer Line, A Common Problem
Do you have these early signs that your main drain/sewer line could be partially blocked? These include . . .
- Gurgling sounds coming from the toilet when you flush.
- Slow drains – including your toilet – that tend to backup.
- Clogs that keep returning after you’ve cleared them. This is because you haven’t taken care of the real problem: holes or cracks in your pipe. The roots just keep coming back.
- Obnoxious odors.
Tree roots will find their way through cracks and holes into your drainpipe.
If you suspect your sewer line has some level of blockage, now is the time to address this problem before your line is completely blocked or your sewer line breaks due to the pressure of the roots. This can lead to an expensive repair.
It’s Best to Catch the Problem Early
Over time cracks and small holes form in your drain line. Roots are naturally attracted to these openings because they are searching for water and nutrients. As the root mass expands in your sewer line it will cause a blockage.
Two Options to Eliminate Tree Roots
Option 1:
One approach to cleaning out your sewer line is to use a variety of products including rock salt, sodium chloride, copper sulphate or commercial products like Root X to kill the roots and prevent them from continuing to grow. This fix is fairly simple in that you just flush these compounds down your toilet and wait 6- 8 hours. This process does not remove the root mass.
Products like RootX can kill roots in your pipes but can’t remove them.
One word of caution. It is possible for salt to kill not only the roots but the tree as well, and any other vegetation growing in the area. Salt also has the potential to corrode and weaken your pipes. Because copper sulfate can harm animals, it has been banned in certain areas. So, before you use it, check with the local authorities.
Option 2:
Secondly you can run a power auger or water jet down your sewer line to cut out the roots and open up your drainpipe. This is very effective in eliminating the blockage but does not prevent the roots from growing back.
What’s the Most Effective Approach?
Both of these options work on their own and can eliminate the problem temporarily for smaller blockages due to roots. Depending on the size of the root blockage, which can be determined by a plumber using a sewer line camera, using chemical products may work and be less expensive. If the blockage is large, then using the power auger or water jet will be necessary.
The most effective approach for larger root problems is to first cut out the roots with the auger or water jet and then apply a product like Root X to kill the ends of the roots and prevent them from growing back.
Think You May Have a Problem?
Give Brenneco a call if you suspect you have drain line problems. We can be reached 24/7 by calling 765-448-6190. Let us know if we can help.
