I've got a root problem in my mainline. The stoppage is only about 20 feet from my outside 3" cleanout, but is apparently under the house by the front door or maybe just under the cement and brick stoop. We have put a camera down the line and used a sensor, but I've had two different opinions as to exactly where the problem is. What would you suggest for a snake? I've just tried a 1/2" manual feed and, though I was finally successful, it was a tough experience (especially pulling the line out). I ended up feeding it all the way to the street (about 90 feet) to make sure the whole line was clean. I'm tired of paying $80 to $120 every couple of months. How heavy-duty do I need to go to make sure I'm going to be able to get the job done? Guess I should have the tree taken out that's nearest the line. I've got to decide if I can do the job myself every 2 or 3 months or if I should have the area jack-hammered out and spend the $3500-$6000 the replacement and repair is going to cost. Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
keiththeclam

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Originally Posted by keiththeclam

I've got a root problem in my mainline. The stoppage is only about 20 feet from my outside 3" cleanout, but is apparently under the house by the front door or maybe just under the cement and brick stoop. We have put a camera down the line and used a sensor, but I've had two different opinions as to exactly where the problem is. What would you suggest for a snake? I've just tried a 1/2" manual feed and, though I was finally successful, it was a tough experience (especially pulling the line out). I ended up feeding it all the way to the street (about 90 feet) to make sure the whole line was clean. I'm tired of paying $80 to $120 every couple of months. How heavy-duty do I need to go to make sure I'm going to be able to get the job done? Guess I should have the tree taken out that's nearest the line. I've got to decide if I can do the job myself every 2 or 3 months or if I should have the area jack-hammered out and spend the $3500-$6000 the replacement and repair is going to cost. Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
keiththeclam

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Is there a clear path to re-route a new line away from the front door and brick stoop?

I've had that looked at and apparently the mainline goes from the cleanout under the slab to the stoop area (or inside the front door). Two plumbers have told me we can't get to that spot to bypass the whole problem. One plumber has suggested that we dig under the stoop where he thinks the line is and find the line that way. After that we'll have to run the new line past the kitchen and attach the kitchen line to it. Then to the hot water heater in the garage, the sink in the garage and the washing machine in the garage. Then out to and under the driveway and out to the street. Nice, huh? And, thanks for answering.
keiththeclam

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Originally Posted by keiththeclam

I've had that looked at and apparently the mainline goes from the cleanout under the slab to the stoop area (or inside the front door). Two plumbers have told me we can't get to that spot to bypass the whole problem. One plumber has suggested that we dig under the stoop where he thinks the line is and find the line that way. After that we'll have to run the new line past the kitchen and attach the kitchen line to it. Then to the hot water heater in the garage, the sink in the garage and the washing machine in the garage. Then out to and under the driveway and out to the street. Nice, huh? And, thanks for answering.
keiththeclam

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Yikes!!

Has anyone run a camera down it to see if the problem is actually roots and not a breakage in the line?

Yes... we saw the roots. I'm going to try some root killer tomorrow (just found out about it by reading another answer here. Great site. I'm just not sure if I should leave it all alone and just start snaking it myself, keep paying my plumber to do it, reroot the line (and all that entails) or what. Guess I'll try root killer and if that doesn't work have the nearest tree removed and if that doesn't work, decide whether to keep snaking or spend the big bucks. That sound like a good plan?

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Originally Posted by keiththeclam

Yes...we saw the roots. I'm going to try some root killer tomorrow (just found out about it by reading another answer here. Great site. I'm just not sure if I should leave it all alone and just start snaking it myself, keep paying my plumber to do it, reroot the line (and all that entails) or what. Guess I'll try root killer and if that doesn't work have the nearest tree removed and if that doesn't work, decide whether to keep snaking or spend the big bucks. That sound like a good plan?

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I would for sure try the root killer product, probably even go so far as to suggest you make this a monthly maintenance item -- I'm torn about suggesting you remove the tree, I have a sentimental attatchment to every tree in my front and back yard.

So try the root killer method, and make sure you follow through with it on a scheduled basis for awhile to see if it licks the problem.

Good luck.

Thank you so much for your input.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by keiththeclam

Yes...we saw the roots. I'm going to try some root killer tomorrow (just found out about it by reading another answer here. Great site. I'm just not sure if I should leave it all alone and just start snaking it myself, keep paying my plumber to do it, reroot the line (and all that entails) or what. Guess I'll try root killer and if that doesn't work have the nearest tree removed and if that doesn't work, decide whether to keep snaking or spend the big bucks. That sound like a good plan?

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Going in, let me say that sooner or later you're going to have to bite the bullet and replace that old sewer line with PVC.
RootX or Robics Foaming Root Killer that contain Dichlobrnic are two products you could try.
A less expensive way would be to call around to garden supply stores and ask for fine grain Copper Sulphate. Put a 1/2 pound in your toilet and flush it down. Repeat in 6 months.
Hope this helps Tom