Roots In Sewer Line Video
VIDEO SUMMARY
In the spring, trees start to bloom and grow leaves. But they also have aggressive root growth. These roots can cause problems if they work their way into your sewer line. Try this method to stop the roots from getting in the sewer line.
Use a hand operated auger to dig a 2-1/2 inch diameter hole into the ground. Then using 1-1/2 inch diameter PVC pipe with a pipe cap to drive into the ground. This pipe will be used to insert the root killing copper sulfate crystals into the ground.
Stop the drill about two feet above the sewer line. Extensions for the auger may be required to reach the desired depth. This will allow the crystals to poison the soil above and around the sewer pipe. Once the auger hole is done, drop the PVC pipe down in the hole and place the cap on it. The cap should be flush with the surrounding ground.
Pour the copper sulfate crystals down the tube and pour in some hot water. The water will help dissolve the crystals and spread them into the soil.
Some cautions before starting this job! Contact the local sewer district to help locate you sewer line. Or get a plumber who has equipment to locate sewer lines. Before you drill, be sure to locate all underground utilities, including power, telephone, cable, water lines and natural gas pipes. You don't want to hit any of these utilities. They are costly to repair if you hit one.
COMMENTS
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Marge 29 Sep 2008, 01:20
Recently we had a tree-roots blockage in the cast-iron sewer line between
our rental house and the town sewer main. The last/first time that happened
was 3 yrs. ago. The cost of having it reamed out and a camera run down it
was horrendous, though at least the guy marked the approximately location
on the lawn with spray paint. He wanted to dig down (with machine, I guess)
and replace the offending section of pipe(s); the problem seems to be at a
joint as the pipe does not seem broken or crushed. The pipe is about 3 ft.
deep. But that is way too expensive and possibly could open a whole can of
worms in my opinion. So your copper sulfate crystals method has
considerable appeal. It's either that or the foaming stuff (like RootX or
Roebic's product) on the inside of the pipe, but that is also quite
expensive. My big concern is what the copper sulfate will do to the tree
(trunk some 20-30 ft. away), a red maple. If it will kill the roots in the
vicinity of the pipe problem, what will it do to the tree? I don't want to
cure the sewer problem but kill (or damage) the tree. And where can copper
sulfate crystals (or another version of it) be purchased? We're in a small
town in a farming area, if that's any help. Thanks!
ale 01 Oct 2008, 22:13
Most farm supply stores will have copper sulfate crystals.
Sonia Stuart 04 Oct 2009, 19:19
How can i talk to a person who specialized on sewer lines and tree roots.
My neighbor has been planting trees next to my sewer liee and would not
respect the legal problem that I spent $35,000
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