What can I use to kill roots in my sewer line?

Copper Sulfate
This bright blue salt-like crystal is available in most home improvement stores. Copper sulfate is a natural herbicide and will kill off the small tree roots invading your sewer pipes. Flushing half a cup of the crystals down the toilet should do the trick.
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What product kills roots in sewer lines?

Product Description

Safe for all types of plumbing, Roebic K-77 Root Killer clears roots from pipes and stops new root growth. The fast-acting copper formula chemically kills roots that find their way into in a home's sewer line, which can cause costly backups.
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Can you put root killer for sewer lines?

Eliminating Plumbing Clogs with a Root Killer

Plumbing supply and hardware stores typically sell the chemical, and all that's needed is to pour it in the toilet or drain so it can get to work killing roots that are clogging the sewer lines.
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What to put in pipes to kill roots?

Use copper sulfate

Copper sulfate crystals can be found at your local hardware store or garden supply center. These crystals can be used to kill roots inside the sewer lines – by pouring one-half cup of crystals into your toilet, they can travel along the pipes until they come to the obstruction.
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Will Epsom salt kill tree roots in sewer line?

Use Epsom Salts to Kill Tree Stumps

Using an Epsom salts solution kills and rots the tree, including the roots that have found their way into your sewer lines.
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How to get rid of Tree Roots from the sewer drain line



How long does it take for rock salt to kill tree roots in sewer line?

Use Rock Salt

Then, repeat the process, until you have used about 2 pounds of rock salt. You will have to wait for about 8-12 hours for the magic to work. If you do this consistently, it can help to prevent tree roots from entering your drain pipes.
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Will muriatic acid kill tree roots in sewer line?

Muriatic acid burns through nearly anything it touches, making it a suitable killer for weeds and adult trees around your home. It's best to use muriatic acid with caution, as it can kill other plants in the surrounding areas.
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How fast does Zep Root Kill work?

Usually, within 3 to 4 weeks, after roots have accumulated sufficient copper sulfate, the roots will die and begin to decay and water flow should increase.
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How long does it take for copper sulfate to kill roots?

It can take as little as two or three days to clear out the line. However, if your system has a slower flow of water, it can take a bit longer (up to a week) to get rid of the roots. By contrast, copper sulfate takes up to four weeks to even start the process of root decay.
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Will Roundup kill roots in pipes?

Hortiscope: Roundup won't kill tree roots growing in sewer lines.
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Does Roebic root killer work?

Fortunately, root problems can be controlled through the use of either Roebic K-77 Root Killer or Roebic Foaming Root Killer (FRK). You will need to choose the one that is right for your particular situation. Both of these products kill invading roots, but they will not "burn or "corrode" the roots out of the system.
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How do you make root killer?

Homemade Herbicide

Select a warm, dry day and fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. Spray vinegar to thoroughly coat the leaves of shoots growing back from the tree roots and stump. This destroys the leafy top growth that is supplying the roots with food and eventually kills the remaining tree roots.
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Does copper sulfate dissolve roots?

Copper sulfate is an effective root destroyer, and it's easy to apply to a sewer line.
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How often should I use root killer in my pipes?

How often do I need RootX treatments? You should treat your sewer lines or septic system every year. Ask your plumber to send in the RootX registration card, and we'll send you a reminder after 11 months that it's time for your annual RootX treatment.
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Will copper sulfate damage my pipes?

Under NO circumstances should copper sulfate crystals be placed in sink or tub traps where they will erode the light-weight metal pipes and cause leaks. It would be wise to leave the house for the day after treatment.
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Will Root Killer damage pipes?

Using tree root killer can be a simple fix to stop clogs, but sadly, it won't repair the cracks in your pipe.
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What is Zep Root Kill made of?

A: Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate Active Ingredients: Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate (Copper as Metallic, 25.1%); by Weight: (99.0%). Other Ingredients: (1.0%). Total (100.0%).
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How often can you use Roebic foaming root killer?

Root killers should be applied twice per calendar year. We recommend treating the pipe in the spring and in the late fall. Can I apply K-77 Root Killer directly to the roots?
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How do you kill tree roots in drains?

Using Rock Salt – Salts in the form of rock salt, sodium chloride and copper sulphate are poisonous to tree roots. To use the salt, you need to pour about a half a kilo of salt into a bucket of water and flush down the toilet leading to the blocked were line.
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How do you dissolve tree roots in pipes?

Try Copper Sulfate. Copper Sulfate is also effective in killing roots in your sewer line pipes. You can get it at your local hardware store. Just pour about half a cup down the toilet and flush as many times as needed to wash it off.
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What acid dissolves tree roots?

Potassium nitrate, sulphuric acid, and nitric acid are the most commonly used but should only be used by those with experience and with great care, following label instructions. A simpler solution may be to bore holes throughout the stump and apply salt (rock salt) and boiling water in the holes.
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How long does sulfuric acid stay active in pipes?

Even with severe clogs, sulfuric acid should be able to eliminate them within 15 minutes. Flush with water once clog has been eliminated.
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How much rock salt kills sewer line roots?

Locate the Area of Root Intrusion

Insert a length of 2-inch PVC pipe into the hole and pour 4 pounds of rock salt or copper sulfate into the pipe. Pour 5 gallons of hot water into the pipe and allow the mixture to slowly drain into the soil where it will destroy the invasive roots and clear your sewer lines.
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