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Tree roots in drain pipes - persistent problem?

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Tree roots in drain pipes - persistent problem? Gas Bag 02-09-2008
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Posted by Gas Bag on February 9, 2008, 6:39 pm
X-No-Archive:

For longer than I care to remember, I've been getting drainage
problems because of tree/plant roots growing into my drain pipes every
few months or so. I have become well familiar with the issue. If the
problem isn't too bad, I usually pour a few scoops of Root Rid (Copper
Sulfate) crystals into the drain, last thing at night. If the root
problem is more serious, I get a plumber to clear the drains with one
of those roto tools. This clears out the roots thoroughly and the
drains are cleared. I then keep up the Root Rid treatment for a few
more weeks. The problem is the roots grow back later.
I've been dealing with this problem for years and years, and I've had
enough. I want to know if there is anything that is EXTREMELY toxic to
tree/plant roots. I don't just want to use a chemical that will repel
them from growing in the drains - no. Rather I want to use something
that will kill the offending tree/plant, or poison it as thoroughly as
possible. What is the equivalent of "cyanide" for a tree or plant that
I can put into my drains last thing at night? The bottom line is I
don't just want to repel the roots, I want to thoroughly poison the
tree.

AppliancePartsPros.com, Inc.
Posted by Edwin Pawlowski on February 9, 2008, 6:46 pm

> X-No-Archive:
>
> For longer than I care to remember, I've been getting drainage
> problems because of tree/plant roots growing into my drain pipes every
> few months or so. I have become well familiar with the issue. If the
> problem isn't too bad, I usually pour a few scoops of Root Rid (Copper
> Sulfate) crystals into the drain, last thing at night. If the root
> problem is more serious, I get a plumber to clear the drains with one
> of those roto tools. This clears out the roots thoroughly and the
> drains are cleared. I then keep up the Root Rid treatment for a few
> more weeks. The problem is the roots grow back later.
> I've been dealing with this problem for years and years, and I've had
> enough. I want to know if there is anything that is EXTREMELY toxic to
> tree/plant roots. I don't just want to use a chemical that will repel
> them from growing in the drains - no.

I've heard a few people put a 50 pound bag of rock salt in their wash tub
and let it dissolve and go down the drain. Supposed to take care of the
problem. Never tried it myself.

Killing the tree may cause other problems since it is a very slow process.
Eventually the tree weakens and may fall on your car or house. Best to cut
it down first and kill the rest.



Posted by Sheldon on February 9, 2008, 8:02 pm
>
>
> > X-No-Archive:
>
> > For longer than I care to remember, I've been getting drainage
> > problems because of tree/plant roots growing into my drain pipes every
> > few months or so. I have become well familiar with the issue. If the
> > problem isn't too bad, I usually pour a few scoops of Root Rid (Copper
> > Sulfate) crystals into the drain, last thing at night. If the root
> > problem is more serious, I get a plumber to clear the drains with one
> > of those roto tools. This clears out the roots thoroughly and the
> > drains are cleared. I then keep up the Root Rid treatment for a few
> > more weeks. The problem is the roots grow back later.
> > I've been dealing with this problem for years and years, and I've had
> > enough. I want to know if there is anything that is EXTREMELY toxic to
> > tree/plant roots. I don't just want to use a chemical that will repel
> > them from growing in the drains - no.
>
> I've heard a few people put a 50 pound bag of rock salt in their wash tub
> and let it dissolve and go down the drain. =EF=BF=BDSupposed to take care =
of the
> problem. Never tried it myself.


I suppose that's okay for someone on city sewage but couldn't be to
good for a septic system.


> Killing the tree may cause other problems since it is a very slow process.=

> Eventually the tree weakens and may fall on your car or house. =EF=BF=BDBe=
st to cut
> it down first and kill the rest.

Yep, if tree roots are growing into a drainage system the best
approach is to remove the offending trees.

Posted by hallerb@aol.com on February 9, 2008, 8:15 pm
I have lived peacefully for over 12 years with roots in my terracota
sewer line. every joint but one has roots, even under home, some 100
feet needing replacement:( at a cost of 10 grand or more:(

first do not kill the tree, if thats what you want fine, but have it
cut down. dont kill it, much bigger hazard and needs cut down anyway.
tree climbers charge more for dying trees, because of the greater
hazard...........

worse roots can go twice or 3 times the drip linew of the tree, you
might kill a neighbors prized tree

rock salt is my friend, 25 pound bag used perhaps 5 or 6 times a year.
cost under 20 bucks a year

start about now, in late winter when maximum root growth occurs. i
dumb in wash tub before going out for day. dissolve most and leave for
day the longer the better. our washing machine dumps in tub so it
dissolves the balance

the salt kills the roots but doesnt harm the trees.

$10,000 divided by 20 bucks a year:) Lets just say its free..........


Posted by BETA-33 on February 10, 2008, 9:32 am
Does your homeowner's insurance company know about your old sewer line
needing to be replaced, and that part of the sewage empties into a gravel
pit under your house? :-)

>I have lived peacefully for over 12 years with roots in my terracota
> sewer line. every joint but one has roots, even under home, some 100
> feet needing replacement:( at a cost of 10 grand or more:(
>
> first do not kill the tree, if thats what you want fine, but have it
> cut down. dont kill it, much bigger hazard and needs cut down anyway.
> tree climbers charge more for dying trees, because of the greater
> hazard...........
>
> worse roots can go twice or 3 times the drip linew of the tree, you
> might kill a neighbors prized tree
>
> rock salt is my friend, 25 pound bag used perhaps 5 or 6 times a year.
> cost under 20 bucks a year
>
> start about now, in late winter when maximum root growth occurs. i
> dumb in wash tub before going out for day. dissolve most and leave for
> day the longer the better. our washing machine dumps in tub so it
> dissolves the balance
>
> the salt kills the roots but doesnt harm the trees.
>
> $10,000 divided by 20 bucks a year:) Lets just say its free..........
>



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