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Sewer line problems/tree roots

Posted by paintergal92 (My Page) on
Mon, Mar 24, 08 at 11:24

We are having problems with our basement drain backing up and flooding the basement. We've had the plumbers in twice last week. The second time they suggested putting root destroyer down the toilet before we went to bed. We have lived in this house three months. Before that the house sat empty for over a year.
They have referred us on to a root specialist. I'm a little nervous about calling them since I'm sure it will be a great expense. My son thinks we should wait a few days to give the root killer more time to work.
Any suggestions or ideas?


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Sewer line problems/tree roots

you can call sewer/rodder people that will snake a cable attached to a video camera down your line. you will be able to see for yourself what the problem is.

it may be tree roots (we had some) and the only thing we really needed to do about it was have the main sewer line rodded out to the street once a year. easy--no more flooded basement.


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RE: Sewer line problems/tree roots

Root destroyer is a great product, assuming roots are your problem. Having had limited knowledge of your problem due to your short term habitation, you must be sure first that roots are it.

Until a plumber chases a cutter down your pipe or uses a camera to inspect, roots may be suspected but not the cause. Any number of reasons including broken, sagging, plugged pipe could also be the culprit.

If it turns out to be roots or you just wish to throw some money down the drain, via chemicals, remember that root destroyer takes time to work. If any water is used or flushed, more treatment is required. It is best to add at night when going to bed and avoid using any water for 8 hours or more.

Also, many times basement drains are not tied to the sanitary and often to the storm sewer. If so and not a root problem, you may have other issues. Not necessary a fix but a way to prevent future flooding would be to install a backwater check valve or flood-guard like one made by General

http://www.generalpipecleaners.com/specialties/floodguard.html

Here is a link that might be useful: Root Destroyer


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