Finally won the battle against invading tree roots

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.

Foam’s definitely less harsh on the nose, I’ll give you that. I’ve seen it work well for maintenance, but if you’ve got a real root choke, nothing beats a good old auger first. Sometimes folks skip that step and end up disappointed. For ongoing issues, I usually recommend alternating treatments - mechanical first, then foam every few months. Keeps things flowing without wrecking the pipes or septic.

“if you’ve got a real root choke, nothing beats a good old auger first.”

Couldn’t agree more on that one. Auger’s saved my bacon more than once - foam’s great for keeping things in check, but when you’re dealing with a full-on root blockade, it’s like bringing a pool noodle to a sword fight.

- Mechanical first: always. I learned the hard way after trying to “out-foam” a root mass the size of a squirrel’s nest. Didn’t end well for my basement.
- Foam after: I do the same - hit it with foam every few months, especially in spring and fall when roots seem to go nuts.
- Watch the pipes: Some of those harsher root killers will eat your old cast iron if you’re not careful. Been there, patched that.

One thing I’ll add - if your yard’s got thirsty trees, keep an eye out for dips or soggy patches above the line. That’s usually where trouble starts. Roots are sneaky little devils... they’ll find any crack.

All in all, nothing like a good auger workout to remind you why you didn’t skip arm day.

“roots are sneaky little devils... they’ll find any crack.”

Ain’t that the truth. I swear, my old maple’s roots have a sixth sense for finding weak spots. I’m with you on the auger - nothing else gets through a real clog. One thing I’d add: wear gloves and eye protection, especially with older pipes. Last time, I got a face full of something I’d rather forget. Learned my lesson there.

I hear you about the gloves and goggles - learned that the hard way after a nasty splashback from a clay pipe. One thing I’d add: before even breaking out the auger, I always run a flush of hot water and dish soap down first. Sometimes it softens up the mess just enough to make things easier. And if you’ve got older pipes, I’d double-check for any joints or bends where roots seem to love sneaking in. A quick patch job now can save a real headache later.

That’s a solid tip about the hot water and dish soap - never thought to try that before grabbing the auger. I’m always a bit paranoid about old joints too, especially after seeing a root ball come out looking like spaghetti. Good call on patching early.

Hot water and dish soap is one of those “why didn’t I think of that?” tricks. I used to go straight for the heavy artillery too, but honestly, sometimes the simplest stuff works. That said, I’m a bit skeptical about how much it helps with serious root invasions - roots seem to laugh at soap, at least in my pipes. Still, it’s worth a shot before hauling out the auger and making a mess.

I’m with you on being nervous about old joints. Once you’ve seen what roots can do - like that spaghetti tangle you mentioned - it’s hard to trust any of those ancient connections. I made the mistake of ignoring a slow drain for too long and ended up with a mini excavation project in my yard. Patching early is definitely the way to go. It’s not glamorous work, but it beats having your backyard look like a construction zone... or worse, dealing with sewage backup inside.

I get the appeal of patching early, but honestly, sometimes I think folks jump to digging way too fast. I had a slow drain last year and was convinced it was roots, but after a bit of DIY troubleshooting (and a lot of YouTube), it turned out to be a buildup of grease and gunk - not tree roots at all. I tried the hot water and dish soap thing, and it actually worked for me. Maybe I just got lucky, but before calling in the backhoe, I’d say it’s worth trying the cheap fixes first. Worst case, you’re only out a few bucks and some time.

before calling in the backhoe, I’d say it’s worth trying the cheap fixes first.

That’s a solid point. I’ve seen plenty of folks jump straight to heavy equipment or chemical root killers, only to find out later it was just a clog from years of buildup. Still, I’d add - if you’re ever dealing with repeated slow drains, especially after storms or in older homes, it’s smart to check for signs of root intrusion. Sometimes, those “cheap fixes” can mask a bigger issue for a while. Just don’t forget to use gloves and eye protection when you’re messing with any drain cleaning chemicals or tools... I’ve seen some nasty accidents from folks getting too casual.

Honestly, I get the “try the cheap fixes first” logic, but sometimes that just drags things out.

Sometimes, those “cheap fixes” can mask a bigger issue for a while.

I get where you’re coming from, but isn’t it a bit of a gamble to jump straight to the camera every time? I mean, I’ve seen cases where it’s just a minor clog and a quick snake actually does the trick for years. How often do you think roots are really the culprit versus just buildup? I always wonder if I’m overthinking it when I reach for the big tools right away.

I mean, I’ve seen cases where it’s just a minor clog and a quick snake actually does the trick for years.

- 100% agree with you there. I’ve had plenty of slow drains where a cheap hand auger was all it took - no need for fancy stuff.
- From my experience, roots are way less common than people think, unless you’ve got old clay pipes or a ton of big trees right on top of your line.
- I usually start with the basics: plunger, then snake. Only call in the camera if I keep getting backups or there’s that weird gurgling sound.
- Had a plumber try to upsell me on a camera once after a single clog. Turned out to be grease and coffee grounds… not roots.
- My rule: if it’s the first time or hasn’t happened in years, don’t overthink it. Quick fix first. Save the camera for repeat offenders.

Honestly, sometimes the “big tools” just mean a bigger bill. Gotta pick your battles, especially when you’re watching the budget.

From my experience, roots are way less common than people think, unless you’ve got old clay pipes or a ton of big trees right on top of your line.

That’s spot on. Most of the time when I get called out for a “root problem,” it’s actually just buildup from years of soap or grease. But I did have one job where the roots had basically woven themselves through every joint in a 60-year-old clay line - couldn’t believe how bad it was until we ran the camera. Still, for most folks, a snake and some patience does the trick unless you’re seeing repeat issues or have those old pipes. No need to jump to the expensive stuff right away.

Yeah, I’ve seen folks panic about roots when it’s really just years of gunk slowing things down. But when you do get those old clay pipes with big trees nearby, it can get wild fast. Sounds like you handled it right - no need to go nuclear unless it’s a repeat offender. Just gotta keep an eye on it and stay safe if you’re snaking yourself. Those old lines can surprise you...

You nailed it about those old clay pipes - sometimes it’s just years of buildup, but when roots get in, it’s a whole different headache. Had a job last winter where a maple had basically claimed the sewer as its own. First time, I thought it was just a clog, but the snake came back with what looked like spaghetti. Ended up running a camera down there and, sure enough, roots everywhere.

Here’s what worked for me: I started with a small cutter head to poke through, then switched to a bigger one to clear as much as possible. Didn’t go straight to chemicals - just kept it mechanical and checked back a few months later. If you’re snaking those old lines yourself, I always say, go slow and don’t force it. Those pipes can crack if you get too aggressive, and then you’re in for a real mess.

Honestly, sometimes folks jump to replace the whole line, but if it’s not a chronic issue, a good clean-out and regular checks can buy you years. Just gotta respect those old pipes... they’ve seen a lot.

If you’re snaking those old lines yourself, I always say, go slow and don’t force it. Those pipes can crack if you get too aggressive, and then you’re in for a real mess.

That’s spot on. I’ve seen folks get impatient and end up with a collapsed section - then you’re looking at a dig job, not just a cleanout. Regular camera checks are underrated, too. They save a lot of guesswork.