Hello,

Our house in Wisconsin was built in the late 20's and does not have drain tile or a sump pump. After most large rainfalls we get water coming up from cracks in the floor. We will probably be putting in tiles and a pump because that alone is a huge pain.

After this last large rainfall in addition to the usual water, we also got backup (it looks like sludge and t.p.) from our floor drain. We had it professionally snaked out about 2 years ago, the first and only other time it happened. They pulled out some roots. My question is, Do I need to have this done regularly or can I purchase RootX or Robics Foaming Root Killer that contain Dichlobrnic, that you've mentioned in the past? Is that safe for pipes?

Also why does this happen? We are in the city and you've mentioned contacted the dept. of Sanitation. What can they or should they do?

Thank you,
Kerri

My question is, Do I need to have this done regularly or can I purchase RootX or Robics Foaming Root Killer that contain Dichlobrnic, that you've mentioned in the past? Is that safe for pipes?

Good news: you probably won't have to snake the line regularly if you care for it properly from now on. Here's how: once you get rid of the current load of roots by snaking, your goal is to inhibit future root growth. The cheapest, easiest, and safest-for-pipes method (and very effective, too) is to call around to garden supply stores and ask for fine grain Copper Sulphate (I've been told that you can even find it at Home Depot or Lowe's, but I haven't confirmed this personally). Put a 1/2 pound in your toilet and flush it down. Repeat every six months or so, and hopefully you won't ever have any more root problems, as long as you keep up this routine.

RootX or Robics Foaming Root Killer are both very good, but also very expensive - they can be as much as $50 for a lousy two pounds. Your best bet is the fine-grain copper sulphate.

Cheers,
Moishe
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