Roots in Plumbing Mainline?

Question

I have just been told by a plumber that the water gurgling up and overflowing in my downstairs toilet is the result of roots invading the mainline pipes running through my front yard. Anyone ever rented a ditch witch and tackled this problem themselves, and if so, what should one know before taking on a project like this? I'm expertly handy, in fact as a professional in my work, but don't know if this is beyond my capabilities. Thanks!

Answer 1

I think Steve may have already given this answer, but I'm not sure (never heard of an electric eel in reference to plumbing)

Why can't the plumber use a snake with a cutting head? This is done hundreds (if not thousands) of times a day to remove roots.

Answer 2

I once owned a home that had to be re-plumbed. I was told by the utility where there liability ended with regard to my inlet and sewage draining.
The "easement" was as far as they were responsible for; but they stated that they'd cut me a break if I did the digging. All I had was a pickaxe and shovel; but 2 ft. down; for about 30 ft. I made the ditch; uncovered the plumbing and had the job taken care of.
Certainly a ditch witch will make it easier.

Obviously you should detrmine the direction of the pipe and its depth for best results. The Plumber might have an idea about that or certainly any utility company that has charge of your sewage draining. My thought about knowing relates to not tearing up your entire lawn; and possibly doing some further damage to pipe and piece of equipment.

If he is reputable the plumber gave you the better of two possible services and options. He could have charged the trip fee, plus shoved a snake in the plumbing with a chop blade on the end and called it a day. Sadly or unfortunately roots in a drain often mean broken pipe and the ROUTING out would only be a temp. fix.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

Before, i say, before you get a ditchwitch and dig up all your backyard, try getting hold of an electric eel with a chopping nozzle, this is like a long snake and you set it down in the pipeand it curls its way thru the pipe and clears the blockage,that should work, or find another plumber who has one of them, i have found this works 8 time out of ten. Your plumber should have suggested this .

Answer 4

renting a ditchwitch might help if you can convince her to cast the right spell...haha jk Seriously first you must get the plans from the city and find exactly where to dig as not to ruin anything in the process, then it's as easy as 123 make the hole find the rooted section of pipe, cut and patch till you have a root free pipe end of story...oh yeah you should fill in the hole made by the witchy witch

Answer 5

Once you get it cleaned out use "Copper Sulfate" down the drain. This will kill any roots that invade your whole septic system.