Yeah, those blue stains are no joke. I tried scrubbing with vinegar and even a pressure washer, but once copper sulfate sets in, it’s pretty much there for good. Not the end of the world, but it does bug me every time I walk past the spot.
On the root issue, I’m with you—snaking is just a short-term fix. I did that routine for years and kept thinking I’d finally cleared it for good... then a few months later, same old slow drain. The chemicals make me nervous too, but digging up the yard is way out of my budget. I’ve used the foaming root killer a couple times now. It’s not perfect, but it seems to keep things flowing longer between clogs, and I haven’t noticed as much blue residue.
If you’re careful with how much you use and don’t go overboard, it’s probably the best compromise unless you want to shell out for new pipes. Just wish there was a way to keep both the roots and the stains away—guess that’s wishful thinking.
Those blue stains are like a badge of honor at this point—just wish they weren’t so stubborn. I’ve seen folks try everything from CLR to baking soda paste, but once copper sulfate gets cozy, it’s not going anywhere fast. At least it’s not as obvious as a giant patch of dug-up lawn, right?
I hear you on the snaking routine. It’s like playing whack-a-mole with roots. I’ve been told by a few old-timers that foaming root killer is the “least worst” option if you’re careful, and it sounds like you’ve found the same. I’m always a bit wary about overdoing it with any chemical, though. Too much and you risk messing with the pipes or the environment, too little and the roots just laugh at you.
If there was a magic fix for both roots and stains, I’d be first in line. Until then, I guess we just live with a little blue and hope the drains keep moving.
If there was a magic fix for both roots and stains, I’d be first in line.
Same here. I keep thinking, if copper sulfate is so good at killing roots, why can’t it be less stubborn about leaving those blue marks behind? I’ve tried the baking soda thing too—no luck. Anyone ever actually get rid of the stains, or are we all just pretending they’re not there? At least the drains are flowing, I guess... but every time I see that blue, I wonder if it’s slowly doing something to the pipes. Maybe that’s just me being paranoid.
I’ve wondered about the blue stains too, but honestly, I think they’re just part of the charm at this point. I’ve tried vinegar, lemon juice, even that “miracle” cleaner from the hardware store—no dice. But as for copper sulfate eating pipes, I’m not convinced it’s as bad as folks say. My old cast iron lines have seen their share and they’re still kicking. Maybe it’s just cosmetic? Or maybe I’m in denial because replacing pipes is way more painful than looking at blue streaks...
But as for copper sulfate eating pipes, I’m not convinced it’s as bad as folks say. My old cast iron lines have seen their share and they’re still kicking.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’d still be careful with the copper sulfate. It might not show up right away, but over time it can definitely speed up corrosion, especially if you’ve got any joints or spots where the coating’s worn thin. I’ve seen a neighbor’s pipes spring leaks after years of using it—granted, his lines were already pretty old, but the plumber said the blue stuff didn’t help.
The stains are annoying, but I’d rather deal with those than risk a surprise leak in the basement. Maybe it’s just luck of the draw, but I’d keep an eye on those pipes if you keep using root killer. Replacing a section of pipe is way more of a headache than scrubbing off some blue marks... even if they do kinda blend in after a while.
