I have hooked up an RO/DI water purification unit to the cold water supply line underneath my kitchen sink. Considering this is my first plumbing task, it is a monumental miracle. :-D I had to get a 1/2" to 3/8" hose along with a 3/8" nipple to be able to get this to work (couldn't find a fitting to fit the connection of the ro/di unit t-adapter to the 3/8 pipe coming out of the floor). Even though I had these troubles it is now hooked up pretty darn good, except... Where I screw the nut down from the line coming from the faucet into the t-adapter for the water unit.. there is a small leak.. about 1-2 drops per second (adds up pretty quick though, aye?). I've read to get some teflon tape, but I googled it and some pages it said teflon tape would not do anything unless the threads were tapered. I don't know if these are tapered threads or not. So how do I stop this leak?

Is there any possible way to remove/reduce roots in the drain out to the sewer? I just found out that it can't be roto-rooted because the house we just bought has an oldfasioned catch in the sewer line rather than a cleanout. Eventually I will have the catch replaced with a cleanout and can do it then, but I've already plopped down $270 in plumber bills recently and (as you 1st time home owners know) money is beyond tight (at least until I can sue my former landlord for the $3000 he owes me, but that's another story and who knows how long it'll take). Does enzyme work on tree roots? Perhaps some sort of solution (muratic acid perhaps) that will disolve/reduce roots without destroying the pipes? I'll try virtually anything, but cost is the BIG key. Even if it'll buy me a couple of months to get some cash together for the cleanout. Thanks.