Tree Roots in Drain pipes is surely a big headache. When it comes to plumbing, there are undoubtedly those heroes who prefer do-it-yourself choices. If you don’t have anything better to do with your weekend, you may dig up a stormwater drain at the root entry site, chop up and poison (or seal) the roots, and then replace any damaged pieces of pipe. However, you should keep in mind that determining exactly where (and how many times) the roots are entering the pipe could be difficult. To be sure, you’ll have to do a lot of digging. A CCTV inspection, on the other hand, can reveal everything you need to know.
There’s also the fact that working on sewer pipes on your own is illegal. However, if you’d rather be watching tv and spending time with your kids, hiring a professional might be the better option. Ensure you hire a reliable drain repair specialist with high-definition CCTV equipment (so you can see what’s causing the blockage and determine the entrance site). Check to see if they can remove the roots using a variety of methods, as certain equipment can harm some types of pipes) and if they can reline the pipes to prevent re-entry.
Roots may wreak havoc on a homeowner’s drainage system. When the contents of your flush start to come back up into the bathroom floor, you’ve got a problem. For a homeowner, this might be one of the costliest repairs. This issue is more common in older plumbing systems.
Drain pipes hold water, nutrients, and oxygen, all of which are necessary for tree growth. When tree roots reach the pipes, they squirm their way into the gaps and fissures, obstructing normal flow. The tree roots spread out like a net, capturing fats, oils, hair, grease, grit, tissue paper, and other solid waste. As a result, expert plumbing services are required to remove the roots.
The roots can be removed from the pipes in four different ways.
1. Cutting Tree Roots Mechanically
This issue can be resolved in a few ways. A mechanical auger, which has a spinning head that cuts the roots away, could be used. The rotating spiral head of the sewer auger features teeth that cut away at the roots, however this does not totally address the problem. If the pipe fracture or fissure is not adequately sealed, tree roots can grow again.
2. Chemical Tree Root Extraction
Copper sulphate, in both crystalline and foamy forms, can help keep roots out of sewer systems and prevent them from returning. Because the roots cannot pass through the toxic zone in the soil outside the pipes, this method of root removal is effective. Flushing 12 cup down the toilet once a month will assist to repair or avoid minor root issues. You must understand that this is not a quick fix. The tree roots in the pipes could take a few weeks to kill, and even the dead roots can cause problems because they can take months to decay. It’s possible that you’ll still need something to get rid of the dead roots.
3. Hydro-Jetting
A hydro jetting can be used to clear sewer systems that are slow or congested. To locate the exact placement of the roots, a video check should be undertaken first. Then a snake is dispatched to rip away the hefty roots. After the snake has removed the larger roots, a skilled plumber uses a hydro jet to blast 4000psi of water into the pipes to clear clogs and build-up. This is one method for removing tree roots that is not harmful to the environment.
4. Digging Tree Roots
Another alternative is to dig up roots, although this may cause further difficulties in the future by stimulating more root growth. You’ll need to use an examining camera to video the inside of the pipes to pinpoint the specific site of the problem. This may be costly, but it would be worth it to pinpoint the specific location of the problem.
While root-killing substances are unlikely to be found in your kitchen cupboards, there are a few simple solutions you may try without having to call a plumber or sewer line specialist. To try to kill the roots in your pipe, these treatments entail flushing various salts into the toilet. They’re also effective as preventative measures, as they make your pipes less appealing to roots.
In addition, there also a few homemade remedies you can try by yourself.
1. Copper Sulphate
Most home improvement stores carry this vivid blue salt-like crystal. Copper sulphate is a natural herbicide that will kill the little tree roots that have infiltrated your sewer pipes. Half a cup of crystals flushed down the toilet should enough. It’s worth noting, though, that copper sulphate isn’t suitable for septic systems.
2. Salt
Copper sulphate and rock salt have a comparable effect on tree roots. It’s also a good alternative to copper sulphate because it’s safe to use in septic systems. Just be careful not to overdo it. One application should be enough to destroy the root, but if done on a regular basis, the tree will become poisoned.
Contact CJ Drain & Plumbing to get any assistance 24/7 with your drain pipes.
