You flush the toilet like you normally do only to be met by the sound of a slow gurgle as toilet paper gently swirls around in the bowl. What’s going on you wonder? You reach for the toilet plunger and begin to plunge away until you’re able to flush. Hours later another attempt to flush the toilet yields the same results. You plunge again. Frustrated, you call a plumber only to discover that tree roots have invaded your sewage line and have already started their slow assault. You wonder what to do to prevent a future plumbing issue as you look for DIY measures you can take to be proactive.
Physical Removal
The plumber has already taken the first step by removing the intrusive roots from your sewer line but he informs you that in order to put a stop to the damage you will need to take further steps. From a physical standpoint, the plumber recommends digging up the offensive roots if the problem is severe enough. Barring that, the only other physical option is another run with an auger to ensure that all the roots have been completely cleared.
The Hydro Jetter
There is strength in water. This is perhaps why the hydro jetter is another effective option, although it can be expensive. It may not be as expensive as renting an industrial mixer, but it’s certainly not cheap. Picture 17 or 18 gallons of water bursting through tree roots at a rate of 4000 psi. Impressive huh? This another way of putting those meddling tree roots to rest wth a quickness.
Chemical Removal
Perhaps the least physical method that can be used to remove intrusive tree roots is a chemical one. Chemicals have the power to kill the root structure so that they don’t grow back. Simple physical removal of roots is often not enough to prevent them from growing back.
Anyone who’s ever had a chronic plumbing issue and just couldn’t figure out what was going on breaths a sigh of relief when the mystery of the plumbing dilemma is solved. Once the culprit for a slow or non-flushing toilet is solved by physical methods or chemical, your sewage system will function properly allowing toilet paper and waste to flow easily and readily through your sewer line.
Leave a Reply