How to Fix Sewer Root Problems
According to the University of California's Statewide Integrated Pest Management Project Pesticide Education Program, "Intrusion of roots into sewers is probably the most destructive problem encountered in a wastewater collection system." Root intrusion can cause a number of issues, including sewer stoppages and overflows, structural damage and formation of septic pools. These issues can be prevented using root control treatments. Upon clearing out the invading roots, one should contact a plumber to repair the damaged pipes. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Identify the sewer line root problem. View the maintenance records for sewer lines to determine which lines have had root problems in the past. Obtain video reports of the sewer line to see where the roots have infiltrated the sewage pipes. Look at other root systems with the same types of trees. If the pipes were installed around the same time and the trees are the same it is likely that if other pipes are encountering roots so are the pipelines where identification of sewer line root problems is happening.
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Apply copper sulfate solution to rid the sewer pipe of tree roots. Pour one half cup of copper sulfate into the toilet in repeated steps. Flush after each addition and continue adding until you have used two pounds of this chemical. Copper sulfate will not kill the tree but it will kill the roots that it contacts.
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Call a plumber to repair the damaged sewer line. If the broken pipes are not repaired, the plumbing system may leak sewage into the soil, which causes much bigger, and more expensive problems. Some things are better left to professionals, and due to permitting restrictions, and the expense of projects of this nature, this is often one of them.
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