Sewer lines

Tree Roots in Your Sewer Pipe: How to Spot Them, Clear Them and Keep Them Out

Tree roots are a common cause of sewer backups. Cutting them out clears the pipe for now, but roots that are only cut grow back. This page explains how to tell if roots are the problem, how to clear them, and how RootX kills the roots in the pipe and stops them growing back for up to 12 months.

Shop RootX How much RootX do I need?

Why tree roots grow into sewer pipes

Roots grow toward water and nutrients. A sewer line that leaks even a little, through a hairline crack, a loose or offset joint or a worn seal, releases moisture into the soil around it. Roots follow that moisture to the pipe and push in through the gap. Inside, fine roots spread into a dense mat that catches toilet paper, grease and solids until the flow slows or stops. Over time, roots can crack or break the pipe itself. This can happen in clay, cast iron and poorly joined plastic pipe.

Signs you may have roots in your sewer line

Drains that slow down again a few months after they were cleared
Water backing up into a floor drain or basement shower
Sewage smell near the floor drain or outside over the line
Soggy, sunken or unusually lush patches of lawn over the sewer line
Large trees or shrubs growing near the line between the house and the street

These signs can have other causes. The only way to know for sure is a camera inspection by a plumber or drain contractor. If the camera shows roots, have them cleared first, then treat with RootX.

Who is responsible for roots in the sewer line?

In most Canadian cities, the property owner is responsible for the sewer lateral: the pipe that runs from the house to the city's main sewer. The city is generally responsible for the main line. Rules differ by municipality, including for the section of pipe under the city boulevard and for roots from city trees, so check with your city before you book any work.

How to get rid of roots in your sewer line

Have the roots cut out by a professional. If roots are causing a full or partial blockage, they must be cleared mechanically first. RootX is not a drain opener. Do not try this yourself with a rental machine: without the right equipment and training it often does not work and can be unsafe. {Roots must be removed by a professional for the RootX warranty to apply.}
Treat with RootX at the right time. Apply RootX within one hour of cutting, or wait 6 to 8 weeks. After cutting, roots regrow quickly and actively take up water, which is the best moment to treat.
Treat again every year. Roots keep growing toward the pipe. One RootX treatment a year keeps the line clear.

Why cutting alone is not enough

Mechanical cutting and hydro jetting remove the roots inside the pipe, but they do not kill the roots outside it. The cut ends grow back and can block the line again in {as little as 9 months}. Paying for root removal every year adds up. RootX kills the roots that grow into the pipe and leaves a coating that stops new roots growing in, so the line stays clear between treatments.

How RootX works

It foams. Each jar holds two components. Mixed and poured into the line with water, RootX turns into a foam that fills the pipe, all the way to the top, where most roots grow.
It cleans, then kills. Degreasing agents strip away grime so the herbicide (dichlobenil) can reach the roots. RootX kills the roots it reaches inside the pipe.
It keeps working. RootX sticks to the pipe walls and stops new roots growing in for up to 12 months. The dead roots decay over time and the pipe returns to full flow.
It does not harm the tree. RootX only affects the roots inside the pipe. It will not harm pipes, septic systems or plants above ground.

RootX is non-caustic, non-fumigating and non-systemic, and it does not contain copper sulfate, diquat dibromide or metam sodium. It carries the signal word CAUTION, the lowest hazard level on pesticide labels, and is registered for use in Canada under the Pest Control Products Act {(PCP Reg. No. 26435, 26436 or 26437: confirm the number on the jar)}.

How much RootX do you need for a sewer line?

Each jar is one complete treatment. Do not split a jar. Amounts are approximate.

Sewer line

RootX needed

Up to 50 ft of 4" pipe

One 2lb jar

Up to 100 ft of 4" pipe

One 4lb jar or two 2lb jars

Up to 75 ft of 6" pipe

One 4lb jar or two 2lb jars

Not sure how long your line is? Measure from the house to the street, or ask the plumber who cleared it. For septic tanks and drainfields, see RootX for septic systems.

Shop 2lb RootX Shop 4lb RootX

How to treat a sewer line with RootX

Before you start: wear the gloves and mask that come with every order. Remove the lid, attach the funnel with its lid on, and gently rock the jar back and forth for about two minutes to mix the two components well.

2lb jar (lines up to 50 ft)

Pour the mixed RootX into the toilet on the lowest floor and flush right away.
Pour in {a 5 gallon bucket of water} to make the foam and push it down the line, then {a second bucket of water}.
Or pour the RootX into the sewer cleanout instead and follow it with {about 10 gallons} of water.

4lb jar (lines up to 100 ft of 4" or 75 ft of 6")

Pour the mixed RootX into the sewer cleanout. Never flush a 4lb jar down a toilet: it makes too much foam and can overflow.
Follow it right away with {about 20 gallons} of water to make the foam and push it down the line.

After either method: do not use any water in the home for 4 to 6 hours, so RootX can work and dry onto the inside of the pipe. That coating is what stops roots growing back.

Full directions: How to use RootX

What RootX cannot do

RootX controls roots. It does not repair cracked, broken or collapsed pipe, and it does not clear blockages caused by anything other than roots. If a camera inspection shows a broken or sagging pipe, talk to a plumber about repair, pipe lining or replacement. RootX can still help keep roots out of the line once it is repaired.

How to keep roots out for good

Treat once a year. Any time of year works, even in winter; early summer is best.
Plant away from the sewer line. Trees with aggressive roots, such as willow, poplar, silver maple, elm, ash and birch, cause the most trouble. When you plant near the line, choose smaller trees and shrubs.
Have the line inspected if drains start to slow again, before roots cause a full backup.

{If you order from RootX Canada, we email you a reminder when your next treatment is due.}

Common questions

Will RootX kill my tree?

No. RootX only affects the roots that grow into the pipe. It will not harm the tree or any plants above ground.

Can I use RootX if my drain is completely blocked?

No. RootX needs water to carry it down the line. If roots are causing a full or partial blockage, have them cut out by a professional first, then treat with RootX.

Can I flush RootX down the toilet?

Only the 2lb jar. A 4lb jar makes too much foam for a toilet and must go into a sewer cleanout.

How soon after root cutting should I use RootX?

Within one hour of cutting, or 6 to 8 weeks later, when the roots are growing back and taking up water.

How often should I treat my sewer line?

Once a year. The coating RootX leaves stops regrowth for up to 12 months.

Stop paying to clear the same roots every year

Every order includes easy-to-follow directions, a free mask and gloves. First orders also get a free reusable funnel: keep it for your yearly treatment. Questions? Call 1-888-458-1979, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 4:00 Eastern, or email contact@rootxcanada.ca.

Shop RootX