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Tree roots in drain pipes - persistent problem?
|
|
| Gas Bag 2008-02-09, 8:25 pm |
| X-No-Archive:
For longer than I care to remember, I've been getting drainage
problems because of tree/plant roots growing into my drain pipes every
few months or so. I have become well familiar with the issue. If the
problem isn't too bad, I usually pour a few scoops of Root Rid (Copper
Sulfate) crystals into the drain, last thing at night. If the root
problem is more serious, I get a plumber to clear the drains with one
of those roto tools. This clears out the roots thoroughly and the
drains are cleared. I then keep up the Root Rid treatment for a few
more weeks. The problem is the roots grow back later.
I've been dealing with this problem for years and years, and I've had
enough. I want to know if there is anything that is EXTREMELY toxic to
tree/plant roots. I don't just want to use a chemical that will repel
them from growing in the drains - no. Rather I want to use something
that will kill the offending tree/plant, or poison it as thoroughly as
possible. What is the equivalent of "cyanide" for a tree or plant that
I can put into my drains last thing at night? The bottom line is I
don't just want to repel the roots, I want to thoroughly poison the
tree.
| |
| Edwin Pawlowski 2008-02-09, 8:25 pm |
|
"Gas Bag" <shazlikd@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
news:664e8156-cb3b-41fc-9d96-19ca1a5a1e50@u10g2000prn.googlegroups.com...
> X-No-Archive:
>
> For longer than I care to remember, I've been getting drainage
> problems because of tree/plant roots growing into my drain pipes every
> few months or so. I have become well familiar with the issue. If the
> problem isn't too bad, I usually pour a few scoops of Root Rid (Copper
> Sulfate) crystals into the drain, last thing at night. If the root
> problem is more serious, I get a plumber to clear the drains with one
> of those roto tools. This clears out the roots thoroughly and the
> drains are cleared. I then keep up the Root Rid treatment for a few
> more weeks. The problem is the roots grow back later.
> I've been dealing with this problem for years and years, and I've had
> enough. I want to know if there is anything that is EXTREMELY toxic to
> tree/plant roots. I don't just want to use a chemical that will repel
> them from growing in the drains - no.
I've heard a few people put a 50 pound bag of rock salt in their wash tub
and let it dissolve and go down the drain. Supposed to take care of the
problem. Never tried it myself.
Killing the tree may cause other problems since it is a very slow process.
Eventually the tree weakens and may fall on your car or house. Best to cut
it down first and kill the rest.
| |
| HeyBub 2008-02-09, 8:25 pm |
| Gas Bag wrote:
> X-No-Archive:
>
> For longer than I care to remember, I've been getting drainage
> problems because of tree/plant roots growing into my drain pipes every
> few months or so. I have become well familiar with the issue. If the
> problem isn't too bad, I usually pour a few scoops of Root Rid (Copper
> Sulfate) crystals into the drain, last thing at night. If the root
> problem is more serious, I get a plumber to clear the drains with one
> of those roto tools. This clears out the roots thoroughly and the
> drains are cleared. I then keep up the Root Rid treatment for a few
> more weeks. The problem is the roots grow back later.
> I've been dealing with this problem for years and years, and I've had
> enough. I want to know if there is anything that is EXTREMELY toxic to
> tree/plant roots. I don't just want to use a chemical that will repel
> them from growing in the drains - no. Rather I want to use something
> that will kill the offending tree/plant, or poison it as thoroughly as
> possible. What is the equivalent of "cyanide" for a tree or plant that
> I can put into my drains last thing at night? The bottom line is I
> don't just want to repel the roots, I want to thoroughly poison the
> tree.
An alternative is a plastic pipe liner. Impervious to roots.
| |
| Gas Bag 2008-02-09, 8:25 pm |
| X-No-Archive:
As much as I'd love to cut down the tree (years ago)......not an
option. Well, not at the moment anyway. Same as plastic pipe liner for
the drains. Not a viable option at the moment. Sounds like a good idea
though.
That "big bag of rock salt" option seems a reasonable idea. Might look
into that. If you can give me some feedback on it, I'd really
appreciate it. Also, I am thinking about buying some Round Up and
pouring a little bit into the drain last thing at night, and keeping
it up for a while.
The bottom line is that tipping some sort of chemical into the drain
is the only option at the moment.
| |
| symplastless 2008-02-09, 8:25 pm |
| A chain saw!
--
Sincerely,
John A. Keslick, Jr.
Consulting Forester & Tree Expert
http://home.ccil.org/~treeman
and www.treedictionary.com
Beware of so-called tree experts who do not understand tree biology.
Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions keep reminding us
that we are not the boss.
"Gas Bag" <shazlikd@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
news:664e8156-cb3b-41fc-9d96-19ca1a5a1e50@u10g2000prn.googlegroups.com...
> X-No-Archive:
>
> For longer than I care to remember, I've been getting drainage
> problems because of tree/plant roots growing into my drain pipes every
> few months or so. I have become well familiar with the issue. If the
> problem isn't too bad, I usually pour a few scoops of Root Rid (Copper
> Sulfate) crystals into the drain, last thing at night. If the root
> problem is more serious, I get a plumber to clear the drains with one
> of those roto tools. This clears out the roots thoroughly and the
> drains are cleared. I then keep up the Root Rid treatment for a few
> more weeks. The problem is the roots grow back later.
> I've been dealing with this problem for years and years, and I've had
> enough. I want to know if there is anything that is EXTREMELY toxic to
> tree/plant roots. I don't just want to use a chemical that will repel
> them from growing in the drains - no. Rather I want to use something
> that will kill the offending tree/plant, or poison it as thoroughly as
> possible. What is the equivalent of "cyanide" for a tree or plant that
> I can put into my drains last thing at night? The bottom line is I
> don't just want to repel the roots, I want to thoroughly poison the
> tree.
| |
| symplastless 2008-02-09, 8:25 pm |
| Why, its not your tree is it?
--
Sincerely,
John A. Keslick, Jr.
Consulting Forester & Tree Expert
http://home.ccil.org/~treeman
and www.treedictionary.com
Beware of so-called tree experts who do not understand tree biology.
Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions keep reminding us
that we are not the boss.
"Gas Bag" <shazlikd@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
news:178cfc4d-0901-4ff7-b211-6682dd8a3b22@1g2000hsl.googlegroups.com...
> X-No-Archive:
>
> As much as I'd love to cut down the tree (years ago)......not an
> option. Well, not at the moment anyway. Same as plastic pipe liner for
> the drains. Not a viable option at the moment. Sounds like a good idea
> though.
>
> That "big bag of rock salt" option seems a reasonable idea. Might look
> into that. If you can give me some feedback on it, I'd really
> appreciate it. Also, I am thinking about buying some Round Up and
> pouring a little bit into the drain last thing at night, and keeping
> it up for a while.
>
> The bottom line is that tipping some sort of chemical into the drain
> is the only option at the moment.
| |
| Sheldon 2008-02-09, 8:25 pm |
| On Feb 9, 6:46=EF=BF=BDpm, "Edwin Pawlowski" <e...@snet.net> wrote:
> "Gas Bag" <shazl...@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
>
> news:664e8156-cb3b-41fc-9d96-19ca1a5a1e50@u10g2000prn.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
> I've heard a few people put a 50 pound bag of rock salt in their wash tub
> and let it dissolve and go down the drain. =EF=BF=BDSupposed to take care =
of the
> problem. Never tried it myself.
I suppose that's okay for someone on city sewage but couldn't be to
good for a septic system.
> Killing the tree may cause other problems since it is a very slow process.=
> Eventually the tree weakens and may fall on your car or house. =EF=BF=BDBe=
st to cut
> it down first and kill the rest.
Yep, if tree roots are growing into a drainage system the best
approach is to remove the offending trees.
| |
| David E. Ross 2008-02-09, 8:25 pm |
| On 2/9/2008 4:16 PM, HeyBub wrote:
> Gas Bag wrote:
>
> An alternative is a plastic pipe liner. Impervious to roots.
>
>
This is also my recommendation. Your problem indicates that there is a
break or separated joint in your drain line. It doesn't take a tree to
clog it. Any plant, even annuals, can cause problems.
--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean
Sunset Zone: 21 -- interior Santa Monica Mountains with some ocean
influence (USDA 10a, very close to Sunset Zone 19)
Gardening pages at <http://www.rossde.com/garden/>
| |
| hallerb@aol.com 2008-02-09, 8:25 pm |
| I have lived peacefully for over 12 years with roots in my terracota
sewer line. every joint but one has roots, even under home, some 100
feet needing replacement at a cost of 10 grand or more
first do not kill the tree, if thats what you want fine, but have it
cut down. dont kill it, much bigger hazard and needs cut down anyway.
tree climbers charge more for dying trees, because of the greater
hazard...........
worse roots can go twice or 3 times the drip linew of the tree, you
might kill a neighbors prized tree
rock salt is my friend, 25 pound bag used perhaps 5 or 6 times a year.
cost under 20 bucks a year
start about now, in late winter when maximum root growth occurs. i
dumb in wash tub before going out for day. dissolve most and leave for
day the longer the better. our washing machine dumps in tub so it
dissolves the balance
the salt kills the roots but doesnt harm the trees.
$10,000 divided by 20 bucks a year Lets just say its free..........
| |
| Malcolm Hoar 2008-02-09, 8:25 pm |
| In article <664e8156-cb3b-41fc-9d96-19ca1a5a1e50@u10g2000prn.googlegroups.com>, Gas Bag <shazlikd@yahoo.com.au> wrote:
>X-No-Archive:
>I've been dealing with this problem for years and years, and I've had
>enough.
Given the presistence of the problem, your drain line is
likely shot. How old is it?
Roots follow the water. Therefore, there are leaks, and
cracks in the line that the roots can attack. In the
worst cases, there is no more pipe -- just a hole in
the dirt where the pipe used to be.
Chances are you're going to have to replace that line
sooner or later. Ouch!
--
|~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|
| Malcolm Hoar "The more I practice, the luckier I get". |
| malch@malch.com Gary Player. |
| http://www.malch.com/ Shpx gur PQN. |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
| |
|
| On Sat, 9 Feb 2008 19:49:44 -0500, "symplastless"
<symplastless@comcast.net> wrote:
>A chain saw!
A real prisoner chain gang! Dig it up, carry down the road and bury
it :-\
Oren
--
| |
| Cliff Hartle 2008-02-10, 3:25 am |
| > Also, I am thinking about buying some Round Up and
> pouring a little bit into the drain last thing at night, and keeping
> it up for a while.
Round up only acts on the leaves and specifically is designed to degrade
when it hits the soil.
Also may be a federal offence.
| |
| hallerb@aol.com 2008-02-10, 3:25 am |
|
>
> Given the presistence of the problem, your drain line is
> likely shot. How old is it?
>
> Roots follow the water. Therefore, there are leaks, and
> cracks in the line that the roots can attack. In the
> worst cases, there is no more pipe -- just a hole in
> the dirt where the pipe used to be.
>
> Chances are you're going to have to replace that line
> sooner or later. Ouch!
for me with my rock salt, i turned a disaster to a cheap maintence
issue.
the only trouble is home resale, then it will be a big issue
although the head of the sewer company explained to me they are
replacing the sewer plant, because in 1950 the home builder ran one
connection to the sanitary sewer into a gravel bed under the house so
all basements will be dry.
that explained the connection to no where with heavy roots coming out.
i had the line camered, and have a video tape.......
my line runs under a wall, under a driveway drain, and is bad all
under the house.
just emptying EVERYTHING from the basement and garage to do the work
and install a interior french drain, will be a killer
| |
|
| On Sun, 10 Feb 2008 03:25:33 GMT, "Cliff Hartle" <cknjsp@msn.com>
wrote:
>
>Round up only acts on the leaves and specifically is designed to degrade
>when it hits the soil.
>
>Also may be a federal offence.
>
>
Sure may!
One could end up in the Witless Protection Program.
Oren
--
| |
| farm hand ed 2008-02-10, 3:25 am |
| On Sat, 9 Feb 2008 15:39:45 -0800 (PST), Gas Bag
<shazlikd@yahoo.com.au> wrote:
>X-No-Archive:
>
>For longer than I care to remember, I've been getting drainage
>problems because of tree/plant roots growing into my drain pipes every
>few months or so. I have become well familiar with the issue. If the
>problem isn't too bad, I usually pour a few scoops of Root Rid (Copper
>Sulfate) crystals into the drain, last thing at night. If the root
>problem is more serious, I get a plumber to clear the drains with one
>of those roto tools. This clears out the roots thoroughly and the
>drains are cleared. I then keep up the Root Rid treatment for a few
>more weeks. The problem is the roots grow back later.
>I've been dealing with this problem for years and years, and I've had
>enough. I want to know if there is anything that is EXTREMELY toxic to
>tree/plant roots. I don't just want to use a chemical that will repel
>them from growing in the drains - no. Rather I want to use something
>that will kill the offending tree/plant, or poison it as thoroughly as
>possible. What is the equivalent of "cyanide" for a tree or plant that
>I can put into my drains last thing at night? The bottom line is I
>don't just want to repel the roots, I want to thoroughly poison the
>tree.
Back on the farm long ago my father used copper nails driven into the
base of the offending tree.
| |
| hallerb@aol.com 2008-02-10, 3:25 am |
| On Feb 9, 11:34=EF=BF=BDpm, farm hand ed wrote:
> On Sat, 9 Feb 2008 15:39:45 -0800 (PST), Gas Bag
>
>
>
>
>
> <shazl...@yahoo.com.au> wrote:
>
>
> Back on the farm long ago my father used copper nails driven into the
> base of the offending tree.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
a buddy tried that, accompished nothing.
besides its way better easier and cheaper to cut down a living tree,
than a dying one........
when a tree root gets in a line water is entering the line, in heavy
rains our local sewer plant gets flooded out........ so its being
replaced
| |
|
| On Sat, 09 Feb 2008 20:34:28 -0800, farm hand ed wrote:
>Back on the farm long ago my father used copper nails driven into the
>base of the offending tree.
Back in the day; my fore fathers traded mules along the river. Cypress
trees gave shade.
Oren
--
| |
| BETA-33 2008-02-10, 9:25 am |
| Does your homeowner's insurance company know about your old sewer line
needing to be replaced, and that part of the sewage empties into a gravel
pit under your house? :-)
<hallerb@aol.com> wrote in message
news:e634b75d-81d5-4d26-ae52-992c0e370c3d@f10g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
>I have lived peacefully for over 12 years with roots in my terracota
> sewer line. every joint but one has roots, even under home, some 100
> feet needing replacement at a cost of 10 grand or more
>
> first do not kill the tree, if thats what you want fine, but have it
> cut down. dont kill it, much bigger hazard and needs cut down anyway.
> tree climbers charge more for dying trees, because of the greater
> hazard...........
>
> worse roots can go twice or 3 times the drip linew of the tree, you
> might kill a neighbors prized tree
>
> rock salt is my friend, 25 pound bag used perhaps 5 or 6 times a year.
> cost under 20 bucks a year
>
> start about now, in late winter when maximum root growth occurs. i
> dumb in wash tub before going out for day. dissolve most and leave for
> day the longer the better. our washing machine dumps in tub so it
> dissolves the balance
>
> the salt kills the roots but doesnt harm the trees.
>
> $10,000 divided by 20 bucks a year Lets just say its free..........
>
| |
| Red Green 2008-02-10, 9:25 am |
| Oren <Oren@127.0.0.1> wrote in news:eq1tq3pbvdtfcooamp3b56abviumbglold@
4ax.com:
> On Sat, 09 Feb 2008 20:34:28 -0800, farm hand ed wrote:
>
>
> Back in the day; my fore fathers traded mules along the river. Cypress
> trees gave shade.
>
> Oren
> --
>
Mine were into chariot races.
| |
| hallerb@aol.com 2008-02-10, 9:25 am |
| On Feb 10, 9:32=EF=BF=BDam, "BETA-33" <BETA...@beta33hfd.cbd> wrote:
> Does your homeowner's insurance company know about your old sewer line
> needing to be replaced, and that part of the sewage empties into a gravel
> pit under your house? =EF=BF=BD:-)
>
no but the trouble occured after we bought the home..............
so its grandfathered in
besides it cant cause a insurance loss
| |
| Don Staples 2008-02-10, 9:25 am |
| "symplastless" <symplastless@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:nqadnRb1v_u71zPanZ2dnUVZ_qainZ2d@comcast.com...
>A chain saw!
>
> --
> Sincerely,
> John A. Keslick, Jr.
> Consulting Forester & Tree Expert
> http://home.ccil.org/~treeman
> and www.treedictionary.com
> Beware of so-called tree experts who do not understand tree biology.
> Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions keep reminding
> us that we are not the boss.
Neither a forester, biologist, arborist, or tree expert. This man is a
fraud.
| |
| hallerb@aol.com 2008-02-10, 9:25 am |
| On Feb 10, 10:06=C2=A0am, "hall...@aol.com" <hall...@aol.com> wrote:
> On Feb 10, 9:32=EF=BF=BDam, "BETA-33" <BETA...@beta33hfd.cbd> wrote:
>
l[color=darkred]
>
> no but the trouble occured after we bought the home..............
>
> so its grandfathered in
>
> besides it cant cause a insurance loss
if the sewer completely backed up, it will run out the garage door and
down the street. cant get much sewage in basement.
| |
| len gardener 2008-02-10, 1:25 pm |
| g'day gas bag,
not sure there is anything that could be pt down the drain that would
be assured of working, one bloke i heard used to tip a bottle of
glypho down but never ever herd if it worked, most poisons need to be
applied to the leaves, ther are tree killer poisons that get applied
into holes bored in the trunk, they may work but might be very
expensive experiment.
and as has been said the tree may become unstable and fall and do
damage.
have you identifyed which tree(s) are doing the harm? the worst
culprits are ficus (anywhere within 40 meters of the drain) mango's,
willows those types but any tree too close could do it?
so it sounds like you have older type pipes caly pipes they are the
easiest joints for roots to get through, if you ahve modern poly pipes
and they are glued corectly then roots almost can't get in, so maybe
you might need to replace those pipes?
or put in a root barrier between the offending trees and the pipes?
or remove the trees ok if they are you trees all you need do is make
the decision if they are neighbour or street trees then that is a
whole 'nother story.
for me as most of the above could be a hassle in various forms i'd cut
to the chase and replace the pipes.
On Sat, 9 Feb 2008 15:39:45 -0800 (PST), Gas Bag
<shazlikd@yahoo.com.au> wrote:
snipped
With peace and brightest of blessings,
len & bev
--
"Be Content With What You Have And
May You Find Serenity and Tranquillity In
A World That You May Not Understand."
http://www.lensgarden.com.au/
| |
| Bob M. 2008-02-10, 5:25 pm |
| "Gas Bag" <shazlikd@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
news:664e8156-cb3b-41fc-9d96-19ca1a5a1e50@u10g2000prn.googlegroups.com...
> enough. I want to know if there is anything that is EXTREMELY toxic to
> tree/plant roots. I don't just want to use a chemical that will repel
> them from growing in the drains - no. Rather I want to use something
> that will kill the offending tree/plant, or poison it as thoroughly as
> possible. What is the equivalent of "cyanide" for a tree or plant that
> I can put into my drains last thing at night? The bottom line is I
> don't just want to repel the roots, I want to thoroughly poison the
> tree.
Yes - it's called a "chain saw".
| |
| HeyBub 2008-02-10, 8:25 pm |
| Gas Bag wrote:
> X-No-Archive:
>
> As much as I'd love to cut down the tree (years ago)......not an
> option. Well, not at the moment anyway. Same as plastic pipe liner for
> the drains. Not a viable option at the moment. Sounds like a good idea
> though.
>
> That "big bag of rock salt" option seems a reasonable idea. Might look
> into that. If you can give me some feedback on it, I'd really
> appreciate it. Also, I am thinking about buying some Round Up and
> pouring a little bit into the drain last thing at night, and keeping
> it up for a while.
>
> The bottom line is that tipping some sort of chemical into the drain
> is the only option at the moment.
Okay... If you know here the blockage is - or can find out - dig up the pipe
and repair the crack.
| |
| hallerb@aol.com 2008-02-10, 8:25 pm |
|
> Okay... If you know here the blockage is - or can find out - dig up the pipe
> and repair the crack.- Hide quoted text -
PVC line is unlikely to crack or get root troubles.
terracota pipe is the most likely, and with joints every 3 feet, trust
me roots are everywhere./
rock salt can easily control the roots
| |
| David E. Ross 2008-02-11, 8:25 pm |
| On 2/10/2008 5:27 PM, hallerb@aol.com wrote:
>
>
> PVC line is unlikely to crack or get root troubles.
>
> terracota pipe is the most likely, and with joints every 3 feet, trust
> me roots are everywhere./
>
> rock salt can easily control the roots
>
If the drain is leaking -- most likely if roots have invaded it -- salt
will also leak, poisoning the soil near the drain line. You will kill
more than just a few tree roots.
--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean
Sunset Zone: 21 -- interior Santa Monica Mountains with some ocean
influence (USDA 10a, very close to Sunset Zone 19)
Gardening pages at <http://www.rossde.com/garden/>
|
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