Haha, copper sulfate is great until you realize it's slowly eating your pipes for breakfast. Personally, I've had luck with root barriers and the occasional camera inspection—beats playing "guess where the roots invaded" with my lawn every spring...
"beats playing 'guess where the roots invaded' with my lawn every spring..."
Haha, been there—root roulette isn't exactly my favorite spring pastime either. Root barriers definitely help, but I've found that strategic tree placement makes a huge difference too. When we replanted a few trees farther from the pipes, it cut down the problem significantly. Copper sulfate always seemed like a quick fix to me, but the long-term pipe damage just isn't worth it. Cameras are a lifesaver though...nothing quite like seeing firsthand what you're dealing with underground.
Yeah, root barriers are helpful, but honestly, I've seen roots find their way around those too eventually. Trees are stubborn like that. Moving them further out is smart—though sometimes space can be an issue. I agree about copper sulfate; quick fixes usually come back to bite you later. Have you tried hydro jetting? I've heard it's effective at clearing roots without damaging pipes long-term, but haven't personally used it yet...might be worth looking into.
Hydro jetting can be effective, but honestly, it's not always budget-friendly if roots keep coming back. I've had better luck with a sewer auger rental every year or two—cheaper in the long run and pretty straightforward to DIY if you're comfortable with tools.
Totally get where you're coming from with the auger rental—it's a solid DIY option if you're handy. Hydro jetting can be great, but yeah, the cost adds up fast if roots are persistent. I've seen folks have good luck with copper sulfate treatments too, just as a preventative measure between auger sessions. Either way, props for finding a solution that works for your budget and comfort level... plumbing battles aren't easy to win, haha.
