I hear you about regular maintenance, but honestly, I get a little nervous every time I have to dig anywhere near the old pipes—one wrong move and it’s a whole new headache. I’ve read about those root barriers you can install, but I’m not convinced they do much long-term. Has anyone tried those chemical root killers? Part of me worries about what else they might mess with underground... but at this point, I’d consider almost anything to avoid another flooded basement.
Has anyone tried those chemical root killers? Part of me worries about what else they might mess with underground...
I get where you're coming from. I’ve looked into those chemical root killers too, but honestly, I’m a bit wary about dumping stuff in the pipes that could end up affecting groundwater or even the pipes themselves over time. I did try the foaming kind once—didn’t notice much difference, but maybe I caught it too late. Root barriers seem like a pain to install, but at least they’re not adding chemicals into the mix. Still feels like a lose-lose sometimes.
Honestly, chemical root killers get a bad rap, but they do have their place if you use them right. The key is not to go overboard and to stick with copper sulfate or dichlobenil—those are designed to target roots in pipes without leaching all over your yard. I’ve seen plenty of older clay lines saved from total replacement just by hitting roots early with the right product.
Root barriers are great in theory, but unless you’re already digging up the yard for some other reason, most folks don’t want to go through that hassle or expense. And even then, roots can sometimes find a way around them if there’s water nearby. If you’re dealing with a big tree close to your line, sometimes a combo approach is best: mechanical clearing first, then a root killer as maintenance.
I get the concern about chemicals, but a properly applied dose once or twice a year is a lot less invasive than having to dig up and replace the whole sewer line down the road. Just my two cents—sometimes the “nuclear option” is actually the more practical one in the long run.
“a properly applied dose once or twice a year is a lot less invasive than having to dig up and replace the whole sewer line down the road.”
That’s what I keep telling myself every time I’m staring at the price tag for a new bottle of root killer. I get nervous about the chemical side, but honestly, the cost of replacing a line is just brutal. Anyone else ever try just snaking it and skipping the chemicals? I did that for a while, but it felt like I was just buying time. Also, does copper sulfate stain concrete? My last batch left some weird blue marks on the driveway... not sure if that’s normal or if I just spilled too much.
Copper sulfate definitely stains concrete—those blue marks are almost always from spills or powder dust getting wet. It’s normal, but it’s a pain to get out once it sets. I’ve seen some folks try to scrub it off with vinegar or CLR, but honestly, sometimes you just have to live with the smudges.
About snaking vs. chemicals:
That’s exactly it. Snaking clears the blockage, but it doesn’t kill the roots. You’re basically just giving them a haircut and waiting for the next clog. Chemicals aren’t perfect, but unless you want to dig up your yard every few years, they’re the lesser evil. I get being nervous about dumping stuff down the line, but if you follow the instructions and don’t overdo it, it’s way less risky than a busted pipe.“I did that for a while, but it felt like I was just buying time.”
If you’re worried about chemicals, there are foaming root killers that supposedly stick to the pipe walls better and use less copper sulfate. Haven’t tried those myself yet, but might be worth a shot if you’re seeing blue everywhere.
