Drain clogged with tree roots. What are my options

Question

I have a house built in the 1940s, with NO outdoor clean-out. I also have a tree planted during that era, that has grown large. The sink drains fine. The toilet drains fine. I do not suspect the outside sewer line has collapsed. But when I try to drain the washing machine, the toilet and tub back up.

I do not have the money to have a clean-out installed at this time, and most places will not pull toilets or get on the roof (I don't trust myself with such duties, anyway).

I believe there are chemicals which can be used to kill the tree roots, and keep them from coming back if used regularly. What are they?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

something you can do right now is when the washing machine starts to drain just let one quarter of the water out than stop the machine wait four or five minutes than let some more water out etc this way no back up

Answer 2

Most plumbers will pull the toilet, but you will have to pay the price. If you can not find a plumber to it, then you can get a handyman to to it. I don't know about your town but where I live there is a city clean-out at the street or sidewalk that you can get a snake in.... But cleaning the pipe is only a temporary fix.....

You probably have cast iron pipes. Roots usually grow into the pipe where the joints are. They are put together with lead, and with ground movement that's where they start to grow into.

Anyway it can be done......

Answer 3

The post above has some good advice. To answer your question, copper sulfate is a chemical to use to kill the roots. It is sometimes called 'Root be Gone' when bought in a store. Basically copper is toxic to life. That is one of the reasons it can be used for roofing and piping. Nothing will grow on it. Use it in small amounts every month. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

I am married to a plumber and I can tell you one of 2 things get rid of the tree and you will have root problems for a while or move the line BUT the roots will follow the water source that being the drain line.  You could have someone come out and cut the roots out of the line it maybe cheaper to set it up on a 6 month basics.  Trees with tap roots are not as bad but trees with spreading roots ie oak well you will have to make that decision which came first the tree or the sewer????

Answer 5

here's my take on the matter...

by stating "when I try to drain the washing machine, the toilet and tub back up"  it's probably too late.

you will need to have the mainline rootered.  once snaked and cleared, as stated above copper sulfate should be added to the pipes to SLOW DOWN growth of roots in your pipe.  Copper Sulfate comes in many names such as Root Destroyer or Root-X or...

when funds become available, remove that tree!  tree roots will follow moisture which means you have an opening in your pipe and the tree is living on the worlds best fertilizer!

time is of the essence here.  keep looking for a "Plumber" to add a clean-out and rooter your lines.    the longer you wait, the more roots will grow making it harder and more expensive to take care of.  PLUS your house's drain will stop at the most critical time.  

MARK MY WORDS!!!