Had a plumber over last week because our drains were backing up again (ugh). Turns out the big maple in our front yard had roots sneaking into the pipes underground. He recommended pouring some copper sulfate crystals down the drain every few months to keep the roots away. Seems pretty simple and cheaper than calling him back every year, lol. Anyone else tried this or got another trick that works?
Copper sulfate can definitely help, but just a heads-up:
- Be careful handling it—wear gloves and eye protection. It's not super dangerous, but better safe than sorry.
- Don't overdo it. Too much copper sulfate can corrode older pipes, especially if they're metal.
- Keep an eye on nearby plants you actually like; copper sulfate can harm them too if it seeps into the soil.
Still, it's a solid preventive measure and way cheaper than annual plumber visits. Good luck keeping those sneaky roots at bay...
"Don't overdo it. Too much copper sulfate can corrode older pipes, especially if they're metal."
Yeah, learned that the hard way... ended up replacing a section of pipe after getting a bit too enthusiastic with copper sulfate. Moderation is key, folks—trust me on this one.
ended up replacing a section of pipe after getting a bit too enthusiastic with copper sulfate.
Good point about moderation. Copper sulfate can be helpful, but it's definitely not a "more is better" situation. I usually recommend checking the pipe material first—older metal pipes can be pretty sensitive. If you're unsure, it's safer to start with smaller amounts and monitor closely. Better yet, if tree roots are a recurring issue, it might be worth considering a physical barrier or professional root removal... saves headaches (and plumbing bills) down the road.
