Clogged waste line near street
#1
05-31-17, 07:59 AM
Clogged waste line near street
Had the plumbers out for a whole house clog and they found a root ball 20-25 feet from the cleanout. First occurrence in 3 years although it is from a very mature Pecan tree. Not sure if this could matter, but we did have drought conditions last year. Anyway, they stated the product to kill roots does not work, wanted to verify. Also was charged $300 and was wondering if I should purchase the product they used for $250 from a well known website for possible use or am I asking for trouble trying to do it myself in the future if needed.
#3
05-31-17, 08:30 AM
They used something like the attached only probably more industrial: https://shop.harborfreight.com/media...mage_26045.jpg
They just stated that the root killing chemicals from Lowes/Home Depot did nothing. I figured they were not foolproof but if it did anything I do not mind spending the money on it.
They just stated that the root killing chemicals from Lowes/Home Depot did nothing. I figured they were not foolproof but if it did anything I do not mind spending the money on it.
#4
05-31-17, 08:44 AM
Did they dig up the pipe and verify that the Pecan Tree's roots had penetrated the sewer pipe ?
If so, then you need to secure the pipe and then do something do discourage the tree from seeking out moisture in that area . . . . and entering the pipe again.
Continuously roto-rooting the infiltrating roots isn't a solution.
I use Copper Sulfate in the ground to discourage the roots from even considering any of the pipes near my septic tank or leach field, by setting up a chemical barrier about 4' away from the areas they've investigated in the past.
If so, then you need to secure the pipe and then do something do discourage the tree from seeking out moisture in that area . . . . and entering the pipe again.
Continuously roto-rooting the infiltrating roots isn't a solution.
I use Copper Sulfate in the ground to discourage the roots from even considering any of the pipes near my septic tank or leach field, by setting up a chemical barrier about 4' away from the areas they've investigated in the past.
#5
05-31-17, 08:06 PM
Super Moderator
Im a plumber 35 years..
The roots need to be cut properly.
Once done a root X treatment is all I ever used. It works a a year guarantee is given from root x themselves when properly applied..
Did they do a camera inspection? This needs to be done to ensure roots are cut properly..
Foam Root Killer for Homeowners | RootX
The roots need to be cut properly.
Once done a root X treatment is all I ever used. It works a a year guarantee is given from root x themselves when properly applied..
Did they do a camera inspection? This needs to be done to ensure roots are cut properly..
Foam Root Killer for Homeowners | RootX
#6
06-02-17, 09:49 AM
They did not do a camera inspection. When they unclogged it, there was just a mass of roots on the snake. I can ask about that but I bet it will not come cheap.
#7
06-02-17, 10:02 AM
I had a camera inspection done a few years ago for $180. Not cheap, but well worthwhile to see what you're actually dealing with.
If it's just roots, they can be cut out and see how it goes.
But the roots have to get in somewhere. With that many roots, I'd be concerned about significant breaks in the piping. Unfortunately, you don't know unless you dig (or use a camera).
Good luck!
If it's just roots, they can be cut out and see how it goes.
But the roots have to get in somewhere. With that many roots, I'd be concerned about significant breaks in the piping. Unfortunately, you don't know unless you dig (or use a camera).
Good luck!
#8
06-02-17, 10:38 AM
I have used a foaming root killer made by Roebic based on recommendations from several people in the plumbing business. It seems to have stopped the roots from growing back but I don't know how long it will last. Some people swear by the product and claim they use it once or twice a year and it is keeping their lines open. It's only been 4 months since my first application so I can't say how well it has worked but so far I have not had any clog problems
#10
06-04-17, 02:35 PM
You're lucky that you can pin-point the break in the pipe at 20-25 feet from the clean out in order to dig it up and fix it so that the roots don't just invade again.
