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Braden Peak
Braden Peak is the manager of Roto-Rooter Sewer, Drain, Septic and Grease Trap Service in Pittsburg, KS. A Girard native and a graduate of Pittsburg State University, he is a licensed sewer contractor and has been with the company since 2002. He can be reached at 620-231-5630 or by emailing kpp_rotorooter@yahoo.com. You can also become a fan of Roto-Rooter of Pittsburg on Facebook.
Plumbing
2013-01-02 14:59:04
How do I control tree roots in sewer lines?
Q-We have to have our sewer lateral cleaned out every so often and it is always a tree root blockage. Is there anything I can add to our sewer line to kill the tree roots?
A-That is a very good question and probably the most asked question in our business. First, let me explain how the tree roots get into the line and that will help you to better understand how to control them. The only way a single strand of a tree root can enter a sewer line is if there is an opening in the line. In other words, the line is not completely sealed to the soil around it. This opening can be minuscule yet still allow a large tree root mass to grow inside. Once inside the pipe, the tree has hit the jackpot with your waste as it is a fertilizer. The root mass will continue to grow inside the pipe and eventually can take up enough area in the pipe to cause a blockage. Sewer pipes such as those constructed of clay tile are prone to this problem because each joint of pipe can potentially become an entrance for tree root intrusion. In most cases the root mass enters into the pipe through the top portion and sides of the joint or opening in the sewer line and then drape downward into the line. The water flow in sewer lines obviously follows the bottom of the pipe. In essence think of the tree root mass as a curtain. The lower the curtain the more chance you have for a blockage to occur. Root masses also take the shape and look of a horse tail. They drape into the sewer and blossom out as they travel downward with the flow of the pipe. Once the tail gets big enough a blockage can occur. Controlling roots can be difficult, especially if the majority of the pipe has root intrusion. In some cases it is best to replace the line. On the other hand if most of the pipe is good but suffers from a root blockage on occasion there are some additives that can be introduced to the system to help control them. A foaming additive made specifically for sewer lines is the best treatment that can be purchased because the roots generally grow in from the top and sides of the pipe. The foam helps to cover the entire pipe and video evidence supports its effectiveness. Rock salt flushed down a toilet or poured into a cleanout is a way to help control roots; however, keep in mind that the root mass must first be in the flow line. Otherwise the chances of the mass being attacked are very small. The same holds true for store bought sewer line root kill products. The active ingredient in these products is normally copper sulfate. Regardless of what method you use it is best to not run any water for several hours so as to not flush out the treatment. Also, keep in mind that these types of treatments may not cure the root intrusion problem. If you have any questions, it is best to consult a professional to help keep your line clear of tree roots. Thanks for reading!
 
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