Yeah, I hear you on holding off on digging. Honestly, I’ve seen a root cutter buy people some time, but it’s kind of a gamble depending on how bad the roots are. Sometimes you get lucky and it clears up for a while, other times it just punches a hole through and you’re back to square one in a few months. If you haven’t scoped the line yet, might be worth seeing what you’re actually dealing with before going nuclear on the yard. I’m always surprised by what those cameras find...
If you haven’t scoped the line yet, might be worth seeing what you’re actually dealing with before going nuclear on the yard.
Couldn’t agree more—scoping is a must before anyone starts tearing things up. I’ve seen people spend a ton replacing pipe they didn’t need to. Root cutters are a short-term fix at best. I wouldn’t trust them if you’re hoping for any real peace of mind. If the camera finds a break or collapse, that’s when you know it’s time to dig, not before.
Totally with you on the scoping—no sense in digging blind. Here’s something I’ve wondered: if you do find roots but the pipe’s not actually broken, is there a way to keep them out long-term without trenching? I’ve heard mixed things about chemical root killers and lining the pipe, but never tried either myself. Anyone have luck with those, or is it just delaying the inevitable?
Here’s what’s worked for me over the years:
- Copper sulfate or foaming root killers can slow things down, but you’ve gotta stay on top of it—think annual treatments, not a one-and-done fix.
- Pipe lining (CIPP) is pricier up front but actually seals out roots for good if the pipe isn’t collapsed. Had it done at one property and haven’t had a call about roots since.
- Hydro jetting clears roots but doesn’t stop them coming back.
Honestly, chemicals are more of a band-aid. If you want to stop worrying about it, lining’s the way to go... just depends on your budget and how much hassle you’re willing to put up with.
I hear you on the chemicals being a band-aid. I tried copper sulfate a couple years back and it did buy me some time, but those roots just kept finding their way in. Ended up getting hydro jetting done twice in one year—felt like flushing money down the drain, literally. Finally bit the bullet and got CIPP lining last winter. Cost a chunk, but honestly, not having to snake the main every few months has been worth it for my sanity. If your pipe’s not totally shot, lining’s a game changer... but yeah, it’s not cheap.