Will lye, bleach or other chemicals at home dissolve tree roots?

Most household chemicals do not dissolve roots inside sewer lines. Roots respond best to mechanical cutting or professional-grade root inhibitors. Instead of pouring chemicals into your plumbing, use a proven process handled by trained technicians.

The Best Ways to Remove Tree Roots from Sewer Lines

1: Cut out tree roots with water jetting

Water Jetting is the most effective way to remove roots quickly and safely. Water jetting is optimal because you can cut through thick roots and target clogs with pinpoint accuracy preventing any pipe damage. After removal, the surrounding area of the clog will remain hydrated and undamaged.

Where can I find water jetting?

Leading the industry in quality since 1941, Roto-Rooter has built a reputation as the best service for clogging and flooding issues across the country. Roto-Rooter technicians begin by using a machine to cut through the initial layer of roots. The technicians will follow up with powerful water jetting to remove the roots in high density areas and restore proper water flow.

Call 414-541-4477 or contact your local Roto-Rooter location.

2: Apply non-caustic chemicals to prevent growth

Killing the roots in your pipes is only half the battle. Whether your trees are like the big, old trees in Elm Grove or the young, new trees in Franklin, they will send more roots right back into your sewer line if steps are not taken to prevent them from returning.

While you could cut the troublesome tree down entirely, this is expensive. Instead, Roto-Rooter’s EPA-approved non-caustic chemicals dissolve tree roots in sewer lines without contaminating the whole tree or surrounding plants.

3: NEVER use Bleach or Other Chemicals

Never, ever, ever, do this unless you want to DAMAGE THE ENVIRONMENT and DESTROY YOUR PIPES!

Lye, bleach and salt might seem like great, inexpensive ways to remove tree roots from a sewer line, but they have major drawbacks:

• They’re not effective. Homemade root killers can flow past the target or crystallize, adding to the clog. When they do reach the roots, lye and bleach can kill the tree itself and even nearby grass and plants.
• They’re dangerous. Lye and bleach can cause serious chemical burns on the skin, in the eyes and in the respiratory system if not handled properly with full protective gear.
• They’ll kill your pipes. Lye and bleach are corrosive. Salt speeds up the corrosion process. Instead of protecting your pipes, they damage the metal, leading to future plumbing issues.

To remove tree roots from your sewer line effectively, it’s best to call a professional. Saving a buck today might cost you 10 tomorrow. Tree root removal experts such as Roto Rooter can fix your sewer line the right way.