Today the Roto Rooter man came and cleared out a bunch of roots inside our sewer line. It was pretty neat, actually, and probably something we'll have to do twice a year as maintenance. According to our tenant, the house has historically needed roto rooting 1-2 times a year.
I did a little research and found the following on invasive roots and how to deal:
I did a little research and found the following on invasive roots and how to deal:
- 5 Steps to Dealing with Invasive Tree Roots
- Sewer Line Replacement Procedure - This narrative takes it a step further than we needed (fingers crossed) but it's interesting nonetheless.
- Q & A on invasive tree roots with Reader's Digest's Handyman
It seems like periodically reaming the pipes is not a bad option. Roto Rooter man also recommended the following: once a month, fill all sinks and tubs in the house with water. At the same time, release the plugs and then a couple seconds later, flush the toilets. He says this should clear out the sewer line fairly well. I'll keep y'all posted.
Any other experiences out there? Has anyone tried the chemical solution (i.e. copper sulfate crystals)? Share in the comments please...
Any other experiences out there? Has anyone tried the chemical solution (i.e. copper sulfate crystals)? Share in the comments please...
2 comments:
If your kitchen sink seems a little clogged or is running slowly, dump a heap baking soda down the drain, and follow it with plain white vinegar. Cover the drain for 10 minutes or so, and then flush with hot water. It will get ris of greasy gunk that likes to hang out in kitchen pipes, and it is much more enviro friendly than Drano (which doesn't really work that well, anyway). You can also use the vinegar and baking soda in bathroom sinks, though it won't do much if you have a hair clog--you might have to repeat a few times.
Also, white vinegar is GREAT for getting rid of yechy deposits on chrome showerheads. Put some in a baggie, twist tie it around the showerhead so it can soak for 10 minutes or so, and then sponge it off.
Copper Sulphate works amazingly well but is unfortunately not environmentally friendly.
The flush your entire house all at once tactic works surpisingly well - especially if you do it a few times in the fall as some of the leaves from your roof may be making it down your rain spouts and into your root-filled sewer pipe (the leaves catch in the roots and plug your line).
Harvey - longtime home owner
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