Does Root Killer work? - Let's find out
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- Опубликовано: 22 май 2024
- A common question plumbers get asked is if root killer works? This can be kind of a loaded question. We'll take you through how the chemicals work and what they do. We'll also talk about some alternatives that you need to keep in mind.
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#RootKiller #Drain #clogged #plumber #qanda #Service
GEE! Imagine a plumber dissing a cheaper alternative! Up until 2 years ago I was paying $300 a year to a plumber to keep my pipes flowing. Fed up I tried the crystal root killer. I use it twice a year-Spring and Fall with great success at around $20 an application. I saved myself $500! THE STUFF WORKS GREAT!
It's all good until you learn is didn't work. It can keep things flowing a tad longer but it's definitely doesn't eliminate roots.
@@SmedleyPlumbing …snaking doesn’t eliminate roots either. They grow back in a year.
@@sitbone3 yes but it physically removes them from the piping.
@@james2000_l the ultimate solution is to replace the line with a new one. Or you can have a liner installed in the existing line.
@@james2000_l replace the current for $10,000 plus
Have it lined for $300 per foot
Have it hydro'd once then use foaming root killer for $25 a year...
My 3 coworkers do plumbing as a profession.
All 3 recommend root killer.
I will not hire them to do any work for me due to keeping the relationship professional.
The plumber that I used to hire to hydrojet my sewer line was so against me using any root killer.
He used to charge me $120 per visit 2 times per year. That is super cheap. The roots on my sidewalk can me vicious. After the last hydrojet (3 years ago) I started using root killer. I use it 4 times per year - every 3 months.
Great flow and no more root issues 🙏🏽
Glad it's working for you
@@SmedleyPlumbing it works for everyone. Just need to be consistent
Foaming root killer can absolutely work. Just use enough to fill the pipe. 2,4 lbs. foaming root killer is best as a Maintenance product, can’t wait till blockage is severe
Foaming root killer can produce some results.
@@SmedleyPlumbinghi
I used to have a problem with roots clogging up sewer lines until one of the guys that cleared them out told me that I should as a preventitive measure flush copper sulfate down my toilet every 6 month in April and October. I followed his advice and haven't had a single clog the last 20 years.
That's great to hear!
@@SmedleyPlumbingthe only problem with root killer products is people thinking it's gonna make the roots disappear, I've seen a video here on a RUclips of a guy using rootx after hydro jetting his line and 6 months later it they hadn't grown back at all
@@trustn01rs this is a great strategy
Had plumbers come out and clear the line once a year for years ($125-$150 a visit). Started using Roebik root killer twice a year ($20 a use) and it’s been working great for years now.
It works until it doesn't.
RootX is way better than Roebic
@@SmedleyPlumbingit works. Stop saying it doesn’t. It works.
Several neighbors on the block spent $6k - $8k to replace their drains. Mine started to gurgle & burp but Copper Sulfate opened it up after a weekend of letting it soak. Needed another treatment after 2 years and it's been problem free for about 5 years since the 2nd dose. The town took down the big beetle infested Ash tree causing the problem & replaced it with a small tree so there's a can of copper sulfate waiting for the roots to invade.
Removing the tree can help!
@@SmedleyPlumbing would trimming tree help and does this happen in winter?
@@sherylwatson2877 you would have to completely remove the tree and then it would still take a few years for the roots to stop growing.
So a plumber says call a plumber
Indeed
@@SmedleyPlumbing That's funny, but I'd tend to agree for severe blockage!
lol
Says the plumber who doesn't want to lose business. The foaming killers do great!
They do but they don't remove the roots.
@Smedley Plumbing right idk why people in the comments don't understand this. As if root killer is some magical chemical that kills, cuts and removes the root from the pipe.
@@jets8991 our hopes can easily distortion our expectations. Especially when the code of root killer is $20 vs the cost of hiring a plumber.
@@SmedleyPlumbing ENOUGH ALREADY......people have proof it works !
The roots don't enter the sewer pipe just for a place to hang out. Roots enter the pipe because they are searching for water and nutrients so they go right to the bottom of the pipe where there is water. The roots take up water and the root killer that's in the water. The root killer stops the root from being able to absorb water killing the root several inches back from where it touches the water with the root killer. The root killer also disperses into the soil through the same small openings that roots enter through so the roots encounter the root killer before they enter the pipe. Root killers are best used as a preventative before pipes become blocked.
They do kill roots but they don't eliminate those roots from the pipe. Dead roots still clog lines.
I used the crystals to treat the soil around the drain line ~5 years ago ... no root problems since then ,,, time will tell... the hard part was digging down to the drain line
I would think you'd go ahead and replace the line is you dug down that far.
@@SmedleyPlumbing I only dug post holes
@@DadWil gotcha
I bought 2 bottles of that Roebic Foaming Root Killer today. Going to use it in the morning before my girlfriend and I go to work. That will be like 9 hours until either one of us is home to use any water again. Giving that product plenty of time to eat those roots up.
However. I had a plumbing company at my house today. One guy snake the pipe outside the house clean to get the water flowing again. The other guy used the camera and found the root issue. Luckily, we live in a community with an HOA and management is responsible for this repair because it is an external issue. The estimate for this repair is $9,000. We ain't paying a cent of that. This root killer absolutely works. Anyone I asked said it is the only one that gets the job done. Not a permanent fix but it will work good enough until we get management to get this repair going.
Foaming root killers can provide some results but not as fast as a traditional auger.
Did it work? I've had mine in 4.5 hours and contemplating trying to take a shower
@@rufusmcgee8587 it did a little. I only know because they were at my house again to use the camera and it was a little better but it's still getting fixed. Thank God the association is responsible for it. They're fixing it next week.
@@liquidalloy mine wound up being too far gone it helped enough to where I could get a 3 minute shower in. Would work great as a preventative I'll use it for that from now on
Thank you for the information what about copper sulfate? 👍
Yep!
I tride root killer for my weeds and I didn't have weeds for over a year ..it works 💯
Yes it kills roots. But they remain in the line.
I know that foaming ones can work however, if i were to use Roebic Foaming Rootkiller, and poor it directly through the cleanout in my backyard and have like a 5 gallon bucket of water chase after it, would i in theory get better results than just through the commode? I dont mind having a plumber come out or renting a clog hog from sunbelt but those augers are heavy and I'm getting old 😅 after clearing out my pipes once or twice i can understand why plumbers charge what they do.
Follow up question, in your experience are those sewer line protection plans worth it if a line needs replaced?
Nope. They leave you without service while they shop for the cheapest contractor to do the bare minimum to get you line back open
@SmedleyPlumbing guess I better start saving or look at a home improvement loan. Had to clear some tree roots in October (i think i had a a few pounds.) I rented a 3/4" auger. My lines backed up recently and we decided to call a plumber after trying to clear it out, but this time, I borrowed an auger from a friend, and I think it was about a 1/2" line and i didnt want to break anything or hurt myself. It doesn't help that I have a big tree close by. My cleanout is pvc down to the bottom, and then from there, I think it juts out to clay pipes or orangeberg after that. I mean they could be PVC too and just old. Thanks for the tip
What about roots in the septic system itself? Will the product help any for those?
It might but it will probably destroy the life in the septic tank that breaks down the waste.
@@SmedleyPlumbing That should build back up naturally though correct? Just like after having one pumped and it has to build back up.
@@Painmaster212 not quite the same. When you have one pumped, the tank is empty of liquid and enzymes. But 100% on the effluent entering the tank carries the bacteria. When you kill the enzymes without emptying the tank, now you're just diluting the enzyme concentration of liquid.
@@SmedleyPlumbing So pouring in, let's say 2 pounds of a root killer, would destroy all the bacteria in a 500 to 750 gallon tank?
@@Painmaster212 it's a high probability. If the goal is to get the mixture stone enough to kill roots, it will most likely kill the enzymes and bacteria as well.
Already called the plumber. They said to use foaming root killer. Time will tell if it works. The tree has already been cut down
The roots will still be active for a few years after you cut the tree down. But you're on the right path.
I disagree w/ your position that root killer isn't effective.
I used to call a plumber about every 12 - 18 months to unclog my sewer line for years.
Since I have started using Roebic Foaming Root Killer over the past 5 - 6 years, applying at a 6 - 9 month interval...I have yet to call a plumber.
I agree w/ you that it most likely only keeps the lower portion of your sewer line open, but that has proven to be quite effective for me!
I failed to apply it recently and low & behold, my sewer line is now backed up!
I'm going to go out to my cleanout to relieve the line then add some foaming root killer. This may or may not resolve my issue since it is now clogged, but using it regularly on a free flowing sewer line is w/o a doubt very effective!
Strict use of a foaming rook killer can produce results.
RootX is much more powerful foaming root killer.
Can a bladder hooked to a hose offer any assistance on the heels of foaming root killer for more advanced blockages?
Can I advance a bladder in a sewer line in order to be closer to the blockage w/o risk of it becoming lodged?
Bladders help with clogged sewers but not necessarily with tree roots.
So to be fair we will say root killer plus snake clear out at a later date. How about they work hand in hand to make the job faster and easier?
Meh, the roots will still return in a very short time.
@@SmedleyPlumbing let's just blow up the trees then
@@Saint696Anger seems a bit harsh when the line could just be replaced or rehabilitated with a root-proof material.
With a 6" clay tile main drain, what about sleeving with 4" PVC past the affected area ?
You would need to use eccentric adapters for the diminished pipe size and make water tight connections on either end.
RootX does make an enormous amount of foam if you put in a 4 lb container.
We plan to do a video test of RootX this year
Ever heard of RootX or foaming cleaner?
We have. It can kill roots but still leaves them in the line.
Wow,these comments are brutal and he is a 💯 % correct you think you have solved your issues with root killer in time you will see when the roots really set in the sewer system not even a ridgid k60 can remove them.
Yep. It's typically only aayyer of time.
Good morning,
I'm not saying you're lying, but you are a plumber, and plumbers make their living dealing with plumbing problems. In this case, tree roots in the main house pipes and others.
I would have liked a more objective review. That is, you buy a few products, RootX, etc. and compare them.
To do this, you have real pipes “invaded” by tree roots. You show this with a camera, of course. You apply the product, and you come back to film the pipes after 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.
Also, to say what kind of trees the roots come from.
We only have your word and on the Internet the words of people are far from being objective and moreover in real life too.
Thank you all the same for sharing your video, which for me is incomplete and not really objective.
Controlling those variables for a year can be tough. This is where our years of experience comes into play.
Yeah well I used a trencher and root killer. No problems. Stop the root out side the pipe. You can also inject copper sulfate into soil between tree a sewer. 🤔
At that point, why no lt replace the pipe to a root-proof pipe?
The haters gonna hate but the guy is not lying to you. The stuff works OK, but has limits just like he said.
Exactly
The root killer works 🎉
Been working for me
I rather fix my own sewer then to hire a plummer
I would too! 😘
If you got roots it means you have clay sewers with poor joints...the fix is to dig it up and replace with sdr 35 gasketed pipe to prevent root intrusion.
obivious plumbers dont want you to use root killers cause it takes business from them..
We get plenty of business. We aren't worried about that. We are worried about customers wasting money on things that don't work.
"Root killers don't work well, so call a plumber..." For 90% less expensive than this plumber's fake advice, you can try root killer and it OFTEN WORKS. If it doesn't, rent a roto-rooter at Home Depot for $70 and DIY it in less than 1 hour - super easy to do (see other RUclips videos). What a scammer. This is why plumbers have a horrible reputation
I put out my professional opinion that's been developed from over 20 years and I don't try to sell you anything but somehow you think I'm a scammer. Interesting....
@@SmedleyPlumbing Based on the comments of others, it appears I'm not alone in calling you out. Admitting error, humbling yourself, and putting the interests of others ahead of your own will give you the respect you crave.
@@torahislife it's pretty arrogant of you to think I'm looking for your respect?
@@SmedleyPlumbing I apologize. You're correct, I don't know what's motivating you. My apologies
Why do people have these huge trees in the yard just boggles my mind. These trees belong in the forest. One day that damn tree can fall on your house and kill your family members.
I love the trees in my yard. I also made sure none were planted over my sewer.
Three minutes too long.
Thanks for the feedback!
That annoying tune yet again in yet one more instructional video. Oh! For the sake of all mankind pleeaassseee make it stop!!!😰
It's pretty easy to unsubscribe if you don't like the content.