How Can I Control Roots In My Pipes?

When tree roots are in your pipes, they can cause blockages and water build-up, leaving you with a stopped-up sink or other plumbing problems. Roots can appear when you have older piping, like cast-iron or clay or when there are cracks and fissures in your pipes. The roots are attracted to the nutrients in the waste that flows through the pipes and will start to invade them, leaving you with a problem.  

Thankfully, there are ways to combat roots invading your pipes with a few little tricks. Of course, if you want to get to the root of the problem, make sure to search a reputable website for a professional plumber. 

1)  Copper Sulfate

Copper sulfate can kill bacteria, tree roots, and fungi. Because of copper sulfate’s toxicity, it is essential to take care when using this product.  Wearing safety equipment like gloves and a mask may be wise. You can find copper sulfate in many home improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot. You can buy this product in liquid, dust, or crystal form. To use it in your drainage, pour half a cup of crystals down your toilet, but be sure not to use it in the shower or sink because it can erode your pipes. Copper sulfate is also not safe to use if you have a septic tank.

2)  Rock Salt

Rock salt is another product you can use to control the roots in your piping, but be sure not to use too much of it because it can poison the actual tree. Therefore, you should not consistently use this product because you only need one application to control the roots. You will want to flush four pounds of rock salt down the drain, followed by five gallons of water to kill the roots. Plus, rock salt is safe for septic tanks, so it is an alternative to copper sulfate if you have a septic tank.   

Any tree root killer that you can find on the internet or a home improvement store will control the roots in your piping. However, you will want to contact a professional plumber to get rid of the roots altogether, so you do not have to keep using harsh chemicals every few months.

Some ways a professional can help to eliminate your root problems are: 

●     A professional can use a unique tool called an auger or rooter. They can extend the auger down the pipe, find the root, saw it off, and flush out the piping to permanently take care of the problem.  

●     A professional can use a unique technique called hydro-jetting, where they use high-pressure water to cut through the roots and eliminate the problem. 

●     After a professional plumber takes care of the root, they can repair or replace your piping so that the root does not invade it again.  

All these steps put together can help to fix the problem permanently. You can either consistently control the root problem or never have to worry about it again. The choice is yours to make.