How to rid roots from sewer pipes

Question

We are having a problem with slow drains.  Had a camera put through the plumbing and discovered roots in the clay sewer pipe.  The plumber quoted $900 to jet it out, or $3500 to dig up and replace the pipe.

I see there are chemical root treatment options for this that is much cheaper.  My question is, does is work?  Does it cause damage to clay pipes?

JD Martin · Answer

Long term: you need to remove the "root" of the problem, no pun intended. That means any significant trees on/real close to the sewer line need to go. You also will (eventually) want to replace the clay pipe. Tree roots will generally extend to as far as the canopy of the tree.

Short term: You can get it rodded every couple of years. Not a permanent solution but can buy you some time if you can't afford the dig & replace. I wouldn't bother looking into cast in place liner on an old clay pipe. It's not going to be any cheaper than putting in PVC unless you have to demolish significant sidewalk and asphalt.

Don't try to snake or cut anything yourself. You can damage the pipe if you don't know what you are doing. Roots that aren't cut will often snap bell ends of clay pipe, which then means you are digging and sleeving or replacing anyway.

David Sisson · Answer

I agree with Joe - a clay pipe will eventually collapse. The price the plumber gave you to replace it is good. I spent $4500 to replace one last year.

Joe J. · Answer

The clay sewer pipe may create additional issues in the future.  It is a relatively large investment to fix it (rather than treat it), but I would recommend fixing if you plan on holding onto the property for a while.  You may want to look at a liner as well which is more cost effective than full replacement.

David Sisson · Answer

I've dealt with this before. It can happen in old iron pipes and also old clay pipes. Here's what I've done:

1) Have the plumber clear the line using a snake and a root saw. This will cut the roots out of the line

2) If you can afford it, have him prove that it's clear by running the camera down the line

3) Then, you treat the line with root killer (like ZEP Root Kill) every 6 months.

If you really want to save money, then rent the biggest snake you can (along w/the root saw) from home depot and snake the line yourself. Not for the fainthearted, it's a dangerous and difficult, and NASTY process. I've done it a bunch of times.

With any luck, this will be a permanent solution, unless the pipe collapses.

You might also consider clearing the roots and then lining the pipe (Trenchless pipe relining). This is a system where the plumber sprays a coating inside the pipe, which should make it as good as new. You may still  need to treat with root killer if you have an ongoing problem.