Get rid of roots in my bathroom drain line?

Susan
by Susan

The line coming out of our 1/2 bath was stopped up. Luckily the clean out was easy to get to, but when we opened it, it was full of roots! We cleaned out as much as possible. Is a plumber our only choice in fixing this mess?


  11 answers
  • Personally, I would call a plumber. I would want a professional to check for damage to pipes.

  • Roxy Roxy on May 23, 2020

    We had a similar problem with our toilet drain pipe. Plant roots had grown up around the pipe, then somehow into it - what a mess! Our plumber cleaned it out, then suggested we buy copper sulfate, which is a root killer. We bought ours from Ace Hardware, the brand was Rooto. Read the instructions and handle with care. Also, look on YouTube - do a search for "roots in drain pipe". There's lots of helpful videos that will help.

  • Cindy Cindy on May 23, 2020

    Hi Susan. I'm Cindy. Before you call in the pros try sodium chloride or rock salt. You can pour a half pound of rock salt into your toilet and flush as many times as you need to clean out the bowl. Immediately repeat this process until you have flushed a total of 2 pounds of salt into your pipes. Once the line is clear remember to do this every 6 months. Good luck Susan. Be well.

  • SawHorse Design Build SawHorse Design Build on May 24, 2020

    If there are roots in the drains, you will eventually need to replace the pipe. The waste from your lines is also leaching into your yard which is not sanitary and could cause other issues.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on May 24, 2020

    Not sure if it’s too late for ridx but you can try it.

  • Dee Dee on May 24, 2020

    copper sulfate, rock salt, kosher salt, epsom salt will kill the roots. You need to flush it down the toilet and not use the potty at least for overnight. I used to do this when we went on vacation just as a precaution.

    I clean my potty with white vinegar and dawn which also helps keep the pipes clean.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on May 24, 2020

    You need to figure out what trees roots they are and take it down so they don’t go through the pip I’m surprised your pip is still draining and it didn’t collapse.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on May 25, 2020

    We had our line scoped and checked after finding out how close the line was to our tree. All was well since the lines were still intact. The previous owner had a company remove a root ball from the line but it was done correctly and the line is intact. Apparently it's a common problem with trees. You want it done correctly. There are companies that specialize in sewer line repairs. Good luck and stay safe!

  • Tou50327272 Tou50327272 on Dec 17, 2020

    Yes you do you can receive options from them I suggest get 3 estimates from professionals with good reviews