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Dealing With Tree Roots in Your Sewer

3 Bullet Proof Solutions: How to Kill Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line


Do you have tree roots in your sewer line? If you do, then it’s time to act fast.

Tree roots can cause major damage to your home and even lead to sewage back-ups. You must know how to kill tree roots in the sewer line before they become a problem for you. You don’t want to wait until your house floods or sewage starts coming up through the drains before taking action. So let’s get started!

How to Get Rid of Tree Roots in Sewer Line

prevent tree roots from growing in sewer line

There are several effective products on the market that kill roots in pipes. You can do it yourself, but it is better to contact a professional(like us) who specialize in sewer line repairs if you feel like you don’t have the confidence to do it yourself. Here are some options for killing tree roots in the sewer line:

1.) Rock Salt to Dry Them Out

Using rock salt to kill roots in the sewer line is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Rock salt has been used for decades because it’s inexpensive and works well against tree roots.

To kill tree roots using rock salt, pour some down into your pipes. Afterwards, you will need to flush the area with water. The salt will absorb all the moisture in your sewer lines, which will dehydrate any tree roots that are present.

2.) Chemical Drain Cleaners

Another option for killing tree roots in the sewer line is a chemical drain cleaner. You will need to pour this kind of product down your pipes, wait a couple of minutes and then flush your pipes with water.
There are available chemical cleaners on the market which you can use according to the manufacturer’s instructions. However, this method does pose a risk of damaging your pipes due to the acid nature of the chemicals.

3.) Copper Sulphate

Copper Sulphate is another option for killing tree roots in sewer lines. It’s a chemical product that you can use to kill roots and is available at most hardware stores.

Mix copper sulphate with water and pour it into your pipes according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The area should then be flushed with water to remove the chemical and dead roots.

Symptoms of Tree Roots in Sewer Line

Sewer Line Full of Roots!

Tree roots love moisture and oxygen. They will crack your sewer line to get both of those things. If you have any of these symptoms, there is a good chance that you have tree roots in your sewer line:

  • Unexplained backups in your shower, sink, or toilet.
  • A foul smell comes from the area where you pour chemicals into your pipes. Around this area, you may also notice foam-filled water.
  • When you run water you can hear gurgling noises in your drains.

How to Prevent Tree Roots in Sewer Line

The best way to keep tree roots from growing in your sewer line is prevention. Here are preventive tips to help you avoid this problem:

Don’t plant trees near your house

Before planting anything around a tree near your house, check its roots with a local home inspector. If you find any root damage or blockages, prune back the affected areas and place gravel at the base of the tree as an added measure.

Use copper mesh to wrap your sewer line

This is a cheap and effective way to prevent tree roots from getting into the sewer line. Copper mesh is usually available at most hardware stores, but make sure it’s wrapped tightly around the pipe.

Conclusion: Permanent Solutions for Removing Tree Roots In Your Sewer System

Repairing a Broken Sewerline Wiht Roots

All of the methods mentioned above are only temporary. To permanently get rid of tree roots in your sewer line, you will need to have a professional come and inspect the area. They’ll determine how far the roots have grown and what needs to be done to permanently prevent them from growing back in. This normally includes digging up the sewer line and repairing the section that has tree roots.

If you think that tree roots might be causing sewer line damage in your area, contact a professional plumber to inspect and assess the problem. The cost of doing this varies from place to place and depends on your home’s location, so it is also best to ask them for estimates.

If you live in the Lower Mainland give us a call today and we will be more than happy to help you out.

CALL NOW: 604-200-0162

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does tree roots in the sewer line cost?

The amount of money it will cost to fix a problem with tree roots in your sewer line varies from place to place and the severity of the issue. On average, expect to spend at least $200-$1000 for drain cleaning and $1,000-$6,000 for a sewer line spot repair.

Does homeowners insurance cover tree roots in sewer lines?

Unfortunately, most home insurance policies don’t cover damage caused by tree roots in sewer lines. You may be able to file a claim if the tree was planted too close to the foundation of your house and there wasn’t sufficient drainage to keep it away.

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