Sewer Pipe Clog Issues?

7/18/2016 (Permalink)

Is Tree Root Killer the Answer to Your Sewer Pipe Clog?

June 17, 2015

By Justin P. Lambert

Learn the pros and cons of chemical tree root killer and when it's time to call a plumber.

If you own an older home, there's a good chance you will eventually have to deal with tree roots invading your clay sewer pipes. This can be an especially common nuisance during periods of prolonged drought, since trees are searching for any source of moisture they can find, including water flowing through your sewer pipes.

One purported solution to this problem is pouring a chemical tree root killer down your toilet and letting it eradicate those roots for you. But, since we're talking about your home's main sewer lines — a potentially expensive and difficult repair or replacement project — let's take a moment to discuss this problem in more detail.

Finding the root of the problem

First of all, it's important to identify the cause of the sewer drain clog before just assuming it's tree roots.

If you have access to the site plans for your home, determine where your main sewer line runs toward the street and see if there are any trees growing along that path. Of course, larger trees can have root systems that travel for many feet underground, so take that into consideration when surveying the area.

Also, try to determine if your sewer lines are clay. If your home was built prior to 1970, chances are good you have clay sewer lines. If not, there's a chance your lines are PVC, and tree roots will not be an issue. Of course, older homes may have had the lines replaced in the past, and some newer homes may have had clay lines installed despite PVC being the industry standard, so digging down to the pipe may be the only surefire way to find out that answer yourself.

If you do have clay pipes and you have trees within thirty feet of your main sewer line, there's a good chance your clog is caused by tree roots.

Using chemical tree root killer

Various chemical root killers are available from your local hardware or plumbing supply store, and all of them work on the same basic principle: the chemical is poured down a drain, most commonly the toilet, and the corrosive properties of the chemical kill the roots when it comes in contact with them in the drain pipe.

Since you are working with potentially dangerous chemicals, it's vital to read and follow the directions on the package you choose and abide by any safety precautions recommended. Not only may the chemical be harmful to your skin and eyes, it may also have potentially harmful environmental effects as well.

For example, in years past, copper sulfate was used extensively to free clogs and kill roots in drains. However, this practice has been stopped because of the long-term corrosive effect this chemical has on your sewer pipes and the fact that it will kill beneficial bacteria in your septic tank, if applicable.

Knowing when to call a plumber

If there is any question in your mind as to whether or not tree roots are causing your clog, or whether a portion of your clay pipe may have collapsed due to the invasion of roots, you would be well served to hire a professional plumber to bring a borescope (a drain snake with a camera at the end) and determine what's causing the clog once and for all.

A plumber will also be able to offer some other solutions that may prove more effective with less potential hazard, such as trenchless sewer line replacement of a section of pipe that has collapsed or localized removal of the roots by means of a snake and cutting head.

Even more importantly, a professional can provide you with the peace of mind of knowing you're handling this repair as efficiently and effectively as possible, preventing another messy clog and protecting your single largest investment: your home.