Kinda wonder if those root killers are just for folks who can’t do a full replacement yet. Otherwise, feels like throwing money at the problem instead of fixing it for good.
I get where you’re coming from, but I actually had decent luck with copper sulfate for a few years before I could afford the full replacement. Not ideal long-term, but it bought me time and kept things flowing. Sometimes you just gotta patch things up until you can do it right. And yeah, the foam smell is real—my wife complained every time I used it.
I get where you’re coming from, but I actually had decent luck with copper sulfate for a few years before I could afford the full replacement.
Honestly, you nailed it—sometimes you just have to “patch things up until you can do it right.” I’ve seen copper sulfate buy folks a few years, especially when a full replacement isn’t in the cards yet. Not perfect, but it’s a practical move. That smell, though... definitely not subtle.
Yeah, that copper sulfate smell really lingers... I remember using it in an old rental and my wife complained for days. Still, it kept the roots at bay until we could finally dig up the line. Not ideal, but sometimes you just need a stopgap.
That copper sulfate smell really does stick around, doesn’t it? I’ve had tenants call me up convinced there was a chemical leak after I treated a line—never mind I warned them ahead of time. It’s not exactly subtle. I get what you mean about it being a stopgap, though. Sometimes you just need to buy yourself a few weeks until you can get the right crew or equipment out there.
I’ve always wondered if anyone’s had luck with those foaming root killers instead. I tried one once, but honestly, it didn’t seem to do much compared to the old copper sulfate trick. Maybe I didn’t use enough, or maybe the roots were just too far gone at that point. Has anyone actually seen those work long-term, or is it just marketing hype? I’m always curious if there’s a less smelly option that actually gets the job done.
I’ve actually had better luck with the foaming root killers than copper sulfate, but I think it really depends on the situation. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- Foaming products coat the pipe walls, so they hit more surface area—especially in older clay lines.
- They’re slower acting, though. If the roots are thick, you might need a mechanical cleanout first, then follow up with foam.
- Smell is way less intense, which tenants definitely appreciate.
Honestly, copper sulfate feels like overkill sometimes, and it can be rough on septic systems. The foam isn’t a miracle cure, but for maintenance, it’s been pretty solid in my experience. Just gotta be patient with it.
