Will rock salt damage a clay sewer pipe?

Question

If rock salt is recommended to prevent tree root growth in a sewer line, is there any concern about damage to the clay pipe from the salt?

Answer 1

THE PROBLEM WITH COPPER SULPHATE IS THAT IT WILL JUST LAY ON THE BOTTOM OF THE SEWER LINE. IF YOU READ THE ARTICLE ON THE WEBSITE I REFER TO BELOW YOU WILL PROBABLY WANT TO USE A FOAMING CHEMICAL AS THEY SUGGEST. OF COURSE YOU COULD DIG IT UP AND REPLACE THE LINE BUT THE COPPER SULPHATE ACTS AS A PREVENTIVE AND WILL KILL ROOTS IN THE EARTH AROUND THE LEAKY JOINT. THE CHOICE IS YOURS. READ THE ARTICLE AND THEN DECIDE. I'VE NEVER HEARD OF USING ROCK SALT AND I AM PRETTY SURE THAT IT WILL NOT DO ANYTHING FOR YOU.

Answer 2

Rock salt won't hurt your pipes, but my understanding is that Copper Sulfate (also a salt) is superior. I buy it in my local hardware store right along with the other drain cleaning products.

You might want to consider removing the offending tree?

Remember Roto Rooter type services will come and cut the debris out, but it will grow back.

My understanding is that the only complete fix is to replace the clay with new metal pipe or aother approved material. The clay is porous and actually attracts the roots.

My grandmother had a drip type leak in some plumbing in the cellar. (Was behind a cabinet, and no one saw it.) After 10 years or so we had roots growing up through the concerete floor! Mother Nature is relentless!

Answer 3

no not one bit. However there are many newer and better things available to take care of tree roots in sewer lines. Are you having trouble or just looking for a preventive?

I fought one for several years, finally made friends with a fellow on the city sewer Dept. he kept me supplied in a granular mix, SEWER AID, it is caustic and dangerous. This worked sometimes. But the roto rooter man was my best friend for several years. I finally bit the bullet and hired a plumber, and replace he pipe. It was pretty expensive, as the line was 15 ft in the ground and 87 ft long. 18 foot of the 87 was hand dug.

Answer 4

Well look at this way if you have roots getting into the system you need a new system anyhow. The salt is not as bad on clay as it is on cast iorn, but a new pvc pipe is the answer

Answer 5

No but there is a product for that purpose available at a hardware store that will be better suited and will not possibly kill vegitation in your lawn as the salt will.

Answer 6

i agree ,if you've got roots,replace it with pvc,roots will eventually plug or crush your sewer,compaction is key ,under,beside and on top of new pipe

Answer 7

no