Main drain roots & other issues

Mike37

Hey guys. Well, I just had to have Roto Rooter snake my main drain for the second time in two years. We are getting fine roots growing through our old terra cotta drain. Toilet paper and other stuff gets caught and up comes the water in the basement.

I've been told that flushing some copper sulfate down the basement toilet will help a lot. Does anyone have any experience with the stuff? Also, is replacing about twenty feet of terra cotta drain with PVC a DIY job for three guys over a weekend or should I call a pro? Thanks!

TheEplumber

How deep is the line and have you asked your local authority of you can do the work?

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Bob999

Copper sulfate is sold commercially for the purpose recommended. It inhibits root growth and can, in some circumstances, may
kill the plant(s).

Plumber101

Check into Root-X it works really well.

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joecaption

Why would you not just dig up the drain line and replace it with PVC and never have to go through this again.

plummen

3 guys and a back hoe or mini ex depending on the depth and what ever else is located down there would probably have better luck.
Your biggest issue is going to be knowing where and how deep to dig and what else is buried in the area,if theres lots of trees in the area that adds a whole new dimension to the project in my experiance.
If youre going to dig up the yard Id definately go ahead and install double clean outs up close to the house.
And if you do decide to dig up the yard make sure you get the property located,diggers hot line does this for free.
You might want to get the property located anyway just so you can get an idea what else is buried in there so you can decide if you want to take it on yourself

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Javiles

Call anyone but Roto Rooter. Root X works well, but it has its limits and application is tricky. I use it often and have excellent results.

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ben's plumbing

as mentioned check with local...that job is going to need tested and inspected....can you do it is one thing are you registered thats another thing... before you dig call..local and one call..ben

Mike37

Thanks for the help. I'll be sure to make the calls before anything else. I believe the pipe should be 8' or 10' underground. Roughly how much could I expect to pay to have it done? And would I be better calling a plumbing company or a contractor?

joecaption

In my area you would have to call a company that installs septic systems.
Depending on your ablilty and local codes it's a super simple job just requires a strong back and a shovel to do it DIY.

TheEplumber

IMO- 8' -10' depth is beyond a DIY. That is a very dangerous depth. Yoo can be buried alive in a heart beat. You'll need a trench box unless you bench your side walls. Call excavation companies that do sewer work

ben's plumbing

I agree with eplumber 8-10' NOT a diy project too dangerous..out here we would call a plumbing company but where ever you are let a pro do it ..plumber,contractor,,,