RootX Root Killer – Tree Roots in Sewer Pipes

Tree Roots In Sewer Pipes – Restore Pipe Flow Capacity with RootX

Sewer pipes are designed carry the wastewater and sewage away from homes and businesses for final treatment. However, blockages that occur in pipes can cause backups into homes and businesses or create overflows of raw sewage on residential property, businesses or streets. These backups or overflows can pose significant risk to the property and health of citizens.

Tree root intrusion in sewer pipes may be the single most destructive element facing a homeowners’ sewer or wastewater collection system. Each homeowner or commercial establishment is generally responsible for the maintenance of their sewer lines or sewer laterals from the house to the street.

Tree roots grow in sewer pipes because they like it there. Sewer pipes contain three essential elements for tree root growth: water, organic nutrients and oxygen. The trees root system is able detect and find these essential elements and creep toward your sewer pipes, septic tank, or septic system leach field.

Starting a tree root treatment program for controlling tree roots in your pipes is the most effective, cost saving solution to protecting your property and eliminating tree roots in your sewer pipes or septic system. You also need to know that there are more environmentally safe remedies and solutions that are also non-systemic (will not harm the tree) and safe for all types of plumbing, pipes, and septic systems.

Did you know that nearly 100% of tree root problems in pipes start at the top of the pipe? As tree roots look for sources of water the trees root system generally grows deeper in the ground. Tree roots tend to follow the path of least resistance and detect the source of water vapor in sewer pipes and penetrate through the top of the pipe, usually through a crack or loose joint. Once the tree roots find access they will grow into and through the opening in the pipe eventually completely filling the sewer pipe with fine hair like roots.

Tiny hair like roots cultivate into stronger, more penetrating forces that, if left untreated, can eventually break pipe joints apart completely. Those fractures and crevasses pose a more threatening problem of raw sewage leaking into the ground and leave an open gateway for roots to enter. If this happens, you surely will have bigger sewage issues to deal with – like toilets backing up all over your bathroom floors.'

Tree Roots In Sewer Line(s) - RootX Application Rates

Tree Roots in Sewer Lines (Application Rates)

How RootX Can Help You Eliminate Tree Roots In Sewer Pipes

1. Apply RootX through a clean-out (if possible).  If you do not have a clean-out you can apply via the toilet (2 pounds at a time).
2. Apply RootX in only one location per treatment.  If you are treating for roots in two separate areas of the same sewer line, separate each treatment area by a few days.
3. Apply RootX in the early spring through the late fall if possible.  This is when tree roots are at their most active.  If you are having root problems in the winter months, we still recommend treating as the product will provide more benefit than not treating.  RootX will leave a film on the pipe walls inhibiting root growth.  If a treatment is applied when the ground is frozen, you should consider retreating in the early spring to ensure any dormant roots fully absorb RootX to protect you for the rest of the year.
4. If tree roots block 50% or more of the pipe you should consider mechanical pipe treatment first then apply RootX
5. Apply RootX within one hour of mechanical root removal.  If you do not apply within 1 hour after cutting roots you should wait 6-8 weeks after having your roots mechanically cut.  The reason is that damaged or "cut" roots quickly release "sap" that blocks some of the absorption of RootX.  Waiting 6-8 weeks allows enough time for RootX to be reabsorbed by the tree roots.
6. RootX is also an effective solution for septic tank root problems or leach field root problems. 

The active ingredient in RootX root killer is the aquatic herbicide Dichobenil.  It has been used for years to control aquatic weeds with minimal environmental impact.  Tests have shown that the aquatic herbicide Dichlobenil will kill roots at concentrations of 100 ppm (parts per million).  The concentration of Dichlobenil applied to roots during a RootX application is approximately 500 ppm.

RootX contains surfactants and degreasing agents that strip away grime on the roots allowing Dicholbenil to penetrate the root ends.  RootX is classified as a General Use Product by the EPA.  RootX can be used in sanitary and storm lines without adversely affecting the environment or the people who apply it.

Actual TV’d pipes show roots before a RootX treatment and after 6 months of applying RootX root killer.

Click Here to Order RootX Root Killer or feel free to Contact Us with any questions.