Plumbing help? Experience with tree roots?

[ckearns]

Hey Folks, sorry to go off topic here, but I'm in a bit of a pickle.

I've been experiencing back up issues from my main drain/sewer line. I had the pipe videoed and discovered it has 90% blockage (roots, grease, waste, etc.) in three spots before it connects to the city's pipe. We live in an older neighbourhood and the sewer line is the old clay sectional ones and runs for about 80 feet. Other than the roots penetrating between the joints, the pipe appears to be sound.

I'd like to get the issue resolved and am trying to decide between two options.

Option 1: The big dig. Full replacement. Life time of peace. Mucho dinero.

Option 2: Professionally cleaned by cutting away all the debris and then giving it a high-pressure rinse. Doesn't have a guarantee, however I was told 2 to 3 years of peace. About 1/10 the cost of option 1.

For cost alone, I prefer option two however, I want to make sure I'm not being sold snake oil and it will actually work as promised. Any advise you may have is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[poorman]

If you never plan on moving.

Option one.

Nothing better than a lifetime of peace.

[CanuckSARTech]

Conor,

I'm on another forum too, the Ridgid plumbing and power tools forum. Some great guys on that forum too, and an invaluable help for anyone handy.

From what I recollect with those guys, and considering what you're stating with the above, I'd say to go with option 2. Two to three years is putting it a bit conservative - three to five years would be good (pending what kind of tree roots and such). If you plan on keeping the house past about 20 years, then option 1 makes sense - over and done with. But, if you aren't absolutely 100% right now, then get option 2 done, and save up to have option 1 done at the 3 to 5 year mark, once you and the Mrs. decide further on the home-residency options at that point.

And it's not snake oil at all - those pipe-clearing cutters are a wicked little tool. Definitely work well, again, like you said, providing your pipe is good. Yes, it's a "maintenance" repair that has to be done every couple of years, but great nonetheless.

[Skyfall]

Let me come stay with you for a week, Feed me Beer, Steak and Pork Cracklins and I'll have your pipes cleared out in no time!

EDIT: Nevermind, the more I think about it, Beer and Steak for me for a week and a replacement toilet is probably not cost efficient.

[Trevor2118]

Option 3.

Pipe relining.....available in your area?

[Fuzz]

Option 3.

Pipe relining.....available in your area?

Good option, Trevor. Re-lining with epoxy will patch the joints and prevent further root blockage. Should be available in Toronto, I just Googled it.

[Guest rob]

I've been having pipes de-rooted 2 to 3 times a year for 3 years now..... I'm over it and about to have pipes replaced for PVC.

[markmurase]

To avoid future problems - DDT

[Squarehead]

Conor,roots will find their way into your old claypipes over and over again.I know it will cut into your cigarbudget but I would have the pipes replaced and have a peace of mind.Good luck buddy.

[ckearns]

Thanks for your input and pm's, folks.

If you never plan on moving.

Option one.

Nothing better than a lifetime of peace.

We plan to stay in the home. The short shortsightedness of option 2 has me worried because of this.

From what I recollect with those guys, and considering what you're stating with the above, I'd say to go with option 2. Two to three years is putting it a bit conservative - three to five years would be good (pending what kind of tree roots and such). If you plan on keeping the house past about 20 years, then option 1 makes sense - over and done with. But, if you aren't absolutely 100% right now, then get option 2 done, and save up to have option 1 done at the 3 to 5 year mark, once you and the Mrs. decide further on the home-residency options at that point.

And it's not snake oil at all - those pipe-clearing cutters are a wicked little tool. Definitely work well, again, like you said, providing your pipe is good. Yes, it's a "maintenance" repair that has to be done every couple of years, but great nonetheless.

Keith, thanks for that. Very helpful. Cheers.

Let me come stay with you for a week, Feed me Beer, Steak and Pork Cracklins and I'll have your pipes cleared out in no time!

EDIT: Nevermind, the more I think about it, Beer and Steak for me for a week and a replacement toilet is probably not cost efficient.

Best advise yet!

Option 3.

Pipe relining.....available in your area?

Trevor, I wish this was an option - especially because we have a stone landscaped front garden and steps that would have to be removed. Not to mention half our driveway that would need replacing. I was told this isn't an option because the line isn't a straight run. There's a trap/dip at one point and a "Y" connection to a floor drain at another point.

I've been having pipes de-rooted 2 to 3 times a year for 3 years now..... I'm over it and about to have pipes replaced for PVC.

Mate, I think that's the inevitable position I'll be in.

To avoid future problems - DDT

Wasn't sure what DDT is. A quick google search tells me it isn't strong enough.

[ckearns]

Conor,roots will find their way into your old claypipes over and over again.I know it will cut into your cigarbudget but I would have the pipes replaced and have a peace of mind.Good luck buddy.

Thanks Hans. I've booked a crew for tomorrow afternoon to do the second option cleaning. I'll get around to the big dig in a few years. Cheers.

[Orion21]

Conor,

I had my main sewer line replaced a few months ago. It was pure hell. They had to cut a 40 foot path from my master closet to my 2nd bathroom to replace the pipe because it wore out. I hydrojeted for a couple of years and finally had to do the replacement. There is no easy answer to your issue, but if your pipes are perfectly good, replacing them seems like an unnecessary expense. Tree roots will find their way to water even if you have new pipes. If the pipes were is disrepair I would say replace everything, but in your position I think you are better off saving your money.

[ckearns]

Conor,

I had my main sewer line replaced a few months ago. It was pure hell. They had to cut a 40 foot path from my master closet to my 2nd bathroom to replace the pipe because it wore out. I hydrojeted for a couple of years and finally had to do the replacement. There is no easy answer to your issue, but if your pipes are perfectly good, replacing them seems like an unnecessary expense. Tree roots will find their way to water even if you have new pipes. If the pipes were is disrepair I would say replace everything, but in your position I think you are better off saving your money.

Thanks Aaron.

Your experience sounds terrible and especially because it affected your living space. With ours happening in our unfinished basement, as least its somewhat isolated and we're not trekking through it.

Hope you're well, Mate. Cheers.

[Marker]

My first house had elm trees on the boulevard. The roots got into the line well before I bought it. Roto rooter (people with the long cutting snake) would come out and clear the pipe from roots every 2 years. Only cost $100. If the replacement of the pipe is $2000 that isn't bad, but sounds like it is in the 5 figure range.

I had an insurance client who had to replace their pipe from the house to the road (where the city takes over ownership). It cost $30,000. I got insurance to cover some of it. Not sure if that is an option where you are.

[jay8354]

I have a similar problem with our neighbours big tree.

I had to get the root cut out of the pipe and then high pressure cleaned cause it was already blocked.

However, just cutting the roots and cleaned means nothing. The roots will just grow new shoots, so in a few years time, the pipe will be in the same state.

The plumbers were selling their foam that kills the roots but it needs to be done every few years. Replacing the pipes was going costs more than a new car.

Then I found an alternative root killer - RootX. easy and cheap, once a year maintenance.

So cheap in fact it works out to be a lifetime supply with change vs replacing the pipes. Or 12 years supply of RootX vs Plumbers root killing foam single application.

[Fuzz]

I have a similar problem with our neighbours big tree.

I had to get the root cut out of the pipe and then high pressure cleaned cause it was already blocked.

However, just cutting the roots and cleaned means nothing. The roots will just grow new shoots, so in a few years time, the pipe will be in the same state.

The plumbers were selling their foam that kills the roots but it needs to be done every few years. Replacing the pipes was going costs more than a new car.

Then I found an alternative root killer - RootX. easy and cheap, once a year maintenance.

So cheap in fact it works out to be a lifetime supply with change vs replacing the pipes. Or 12 years supply of RootX vs Plumbers root killing foam single application.

Why not remove the cause and just kill the tree?

[Strick28]

ReLine or slip line but with traps etc it depends on the situation. Tearing up walks, beds etc is also a pain. As someone else stated if the line is intact and not broken cut the roots out clean and then treat as needed with the root killer stuff. The joints on those clay pipes are notorius for small feeder roots to find there way in. I have an old place in the country with this issue and it works for me. Of course every situation is different.

Depending on where the problem is u can also replace a bad section with the collars that fit the clay/concrete to PVC sections that work well.

[marper331]

I had the same problem several years ago. Had the pipe cleaned out and killed the tree. Problem solved.