hi,
just found the cause on my regular sewer back ups. Roots are finding their way into the line via a rubber boot that connects the clean out to the line. The boot as pipe clamps at each end but didn’t hold the roots back at all. Can I prevent the roots from getting in there so I don’t have to dig it up every year? All help appreciated.
Mike
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any idea what species tree is invading your drain line?
espalier
It could be from a big oak close by but i think there from a bush, the roots are very fine.
Mike
2 lbs copper sulfate every six months....
They also sell a product called Root A Way. HD sells it.
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
HD also has a very effective product called "chainsaw". Worked for me.
Root barriers around/foundations consist of a trench cut as deep as possible (36-42") and then a heavy plastic placed in the trench (lining one side) and then backfilled.
Sounds like you have the clean out riser and sweep exposed. Could you wrap some plastic around the pipe real well and then backfill?
Try bare copper wire- Research Council Canda found that a strand of bare copper wrapped around water/sewer/septic pipes changes the electircal frequency (don't remember how) and roots stay away.
Copper is toxic to many plants. That's why it works.Probably several different chemicals and barriers could be used, if the thing is exposed. I'd go with belt and suspenders -- double up on the clamps, put some sort of glop around the joints, mix copper sulfate or some such into the glop as it dries, then wrap with plastic back several feet.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
Tool,
Thanks, That's what I was thinking. Actually using doubled up professional grade weedblock fabric and backfilling with sand with the copper sulfate for insurance. Thanks to everybody for the advice.
Mike