root problems in main line of plumbing?

Older house has had problems with pipes - root problems - pipe has all been replaced yet problems remain with roots - is there a treatment that can kill back the roots?

Public Comments

1. go to hardware store and buy any septic root killer solution and pour it in toilet pronto
2. You can buy chemicals that you flush down the toilet that will attack the roots but they are harmful to the tree. Another solution is to call a plumber and ask him to install a t joint in between the tree and your house. That will allow a plumber to access your main line and pull out the roots more easily. Or you can always remove the tree. No matter how many time you use a chemical treatment the roots will come back. and it's cheaper to hire a plumber to clean the main if you have a T joint.
3. Yes there is a powder treatment that you would mix with some water in a bucket and then pour down the clean out in your yard; that's if you have one out there. The way the stuff works is once it's in the drain it expands and then it eats away at the roots it comes into contact with. My house is 120 years old and about 6 or 7 years ago I had to have a section of sewer replaced outside, so they ended up putting a clean out outside. It comes in very handy, because I check my clean out twice a year now to make sure it's flowing properly and if it's not I call and have them come out and clear the line. Then, I have them treat the line with the root treatment stuff.