does Rootox work?

 We are having problems with tree roots getting into old sewer pipes.
The cost of replacing all the pipes is prohibitive, so I'm thinking
of staving off the inevitable for another 5 or 6 years by regular use
of Rootox or Rootkill (supplemented up by the eel when necessary).

Has anyone here had first hand experience with either of these chemical
treatments? How often do you need to flush some down the pipes for them
to work? Is one product better than the other?

I'm wondering whether the best time might be last thing of a morning
before leaving for work, or last thing at night, so that the chemical
will lie in the pipes for maximum length of time. Advice appreciated.
--
John Savage                   (my news address is not valid for email)

 G'day John

While I've never used it, the old fashioned blue bags (used in the
laundry) were supposed to be good for clearing roots from pipes.  Having
said that, I'm not sure if you can still buy them....must look when I'm
next in the supermarket, but they were a good non-chemical treatment and
the lady I know who used them was treating super-invasive Ivy.

I'd go along with last thing at night or when you leave for the day as
this would give maximum exposure to whatever you use.

Thinking while typing.....wonder if Glyphosate would work???  then again
the root growth in the pipes would have low nitrogen levels and Glypho
works best on green growth....might be worth a try though, depends on
who owns the problem tree.

Reckitt's was one company making laundry blue bags, from my
understanding they are a branch of Lever & Kitchen?

Interested to read what other's think.
Bronwyn ;-)

John Savage wrote:

 John Savage wrote:


If the house is empty by day, then do it last thing before leaving for
work. Doesn't really matter.

Does seem to work. We had trouble for years, then started doing it
infrequently, plus we occassionally caustic soda. I think we really have
a problem with too little water over too long a run. either way, a
program of both when the problem occurs fixes it.

 I use rootox and I've kept my pipes usable for 10 years. I use it all during
the growing season and forget all about it in winter. The only times I've
needed a plumber out was when I'd forget to start using it in spring.

Directions are on the packet. I get Rootox at several Woolworths and
Bunnings and I live in Sydneys west.

jules

 
Thanks for that. So I bought some at the local hardware store. $12.50 for
just 4 tablets, so that's one month's "treatment". Then I found the tablets
so large and heavy that they won't flush, and the novelty of having to roll
up my sleeve is fast wearing thin!! :-((

I think I might look for some copper sulphate powder and throw in some of
that on a daily basis.
--
John Savage                   (my news address is not valid for email)