Anybody had roots cut out of their sewer line?

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Anybody here have this done. We backed uo today and from looking in the manhole it looks like we have a root problem. Anyone have experience on this? How did they do it and what did it cost? I see they use high pressure water or a rotating cutter head...any pros or cons?

 

[FoBoT]

our last rental place had to have roto rooter clear the line a couple times a year, they used the rotating cutter head

you also need to put this root killer stuff down the drain a couple times a year to slow the regrowth

the landlord had to pay something ~$125 a year for it

 

[jadinolf]

Last time I had it done was this summer. $185.

 

[sharkeeper]

Pardon the pun, but to fix this correctly, you have to get to the root of the problem! 😛

Roots will find sanitary (sewer) lines, older ones in particular that are in a state of disrepair. This is because the lines often have offset joints, leaks around joints, cracks, etc. These older, terra cotta (clay-like) pipes will exhibit this phenomenon in as little at 10 years from installation, sometimes sooner if the ground shifts or there is seismic activity present.

Anyways, once there is a slight breach in the line, a root will find its way in because environmental factors present in these pipes are highly desired for tree roots. Lots of nutrients (yes trees like your sh!t!), humid and warm air, etc. Once the roots find it, they will grow. Tiny threads that appear hairlike will grab on the insides of the pipes at first. These can often cause backups as large pieces of solid waste such as toilet tissue can get caught on them.

They are frequently discovered when the homeowner calls a pro to have the main line cabled with a cutterhead and root "hairs" are on the cable when it's pulled back. This service will restore the drain, but it is imperative to remember that the roots will grow back much faster and thicker when cut out of the way. If a root inhibitor is not used with frequency, a growback can be strong enough to damage the pipe bad enough where it needs to be replaced.

Replacement of the main sewer line can be quite costly and damaging to your landscape. This is something not to be taken lightly!

Cheers!

 

[VWhed]

I actually worked (indirectly) for a company that made the equipment that inspected, re-lined and re-cut the sewer lines. I think they would use a "jetter" to clear roots from lines. It uses super high pressure water to break through the roots and whatever else was in the way. I always thought that was the municipality's responsibility though?

 

[FoBoT]

Originally posted by: VWhed
I always thought that was the municipality's responsibility though?

it is like your water pipe, you own it to the street/where it connects to the main

 

[timswim78]

My neighbor rented the machine and did it himself. I can get more details if you are interested.

 

[sharkeeper]

Jet cleaning is more of a preventive maintenance rather than corrective maintenance work. Pipes made out of clay and orangeburg <cough> cannot take the stress of jetting and can be destroyed. Jetting works well on cast iron, concrete and plastic lines and is called for when line capacity is reduced due to eccentric buildup that occurs from organics, predominately grease.

Your municipality is responsible for the line on the street only. If you have a cleanout in your front yard, the will inspect the line from that cleanout with a pipe camera (see-snake) free of charge.

The inspection report can be given to a pro to determine what corrective work is necessary to abate your anomalies.


Cheers!

 

[AU Tiger]

I had root problems in my house when I first moved in. Roto rooter cleaned it out one time and suggested that it might be the city's problem because it was within 10 ft of the street (city right of way). Next time it backed up I called the city and they agreed. They jetted it a couple of times before finally digging up the pipe and replacing it. Pretty amazing at how the root got through a tiny crack and was growing like crazy inside the pipe.

 

[AU Tiger]

Originally posted by: FoBoT

Originally posted by: VWhed
I always thought that was the municipality's responsibility though?

it is like your water pipe, you own it to the street/where it connects to the main

You own it to the point where the city has right of way which is ten feet into my yard in my city. The main is often in the middle of the street.