Tree roots in sewer pipe - expensive problem..... (house, utilities)

[Guitarmaan]

Any input on this would be great. We've discovered tree roots are growing into our sewer pipe, causing blockages. It cost over $300 just to get a plumber out & the blockage cleared for now. The question is, what's the long term solution to this?

The plumber suggested a new pipe being laid, surrounded with some kind of rock and salt to repel the roots. This involves a permit of course and digging down about 7 feet. The bill will run into thousands

Is there a viable alternative? Sometimes in the UK a cutter is sent down the pipe every year or so to keep the roots at bay, and this deals with the problem more cheaply. However, with so little water available do the trees here in AZ grow more quickly towards a water source? This might mean the cutting solution is inadequate.

Any advice on this?

[Guitarmaan]

ok well I've decided to try the cheaper alternative methods before any major digging operations. I wish the plumber had advised me there were alternatives to spending so much money

[Zippyman]

Originally Posted by Guitarmaan

ok well I've decided to try the cheaper alternative methods before any major digging operations. I wish the plumber had advised me there were alternatives to spending so much money

The long-term solution is continuous PVC drain pipe. Roots can't get in. A quote from a plumber is likely to be high, just because they're hiring the backhoe guy and marking up his bill. Heavy equipment with an operator is surprisingly inexpensive in the valley, and the material used to replace the pipe from the house to the street is unlikely to exceed $100. It's just plastic pipe.

If you decide to go ahead with replacement, check some of the equipment operators on Craigslist - I haven't hired a backhoe in years, but I did hire a bobcat guy, with a truck & trailer for about $75 an hour - and digging a sewer pipe isn't that many hours with a skilled operator. If I remember correctly, hiring an excavator for my parent's basement back east was $100/hr, and they dug a 70' x 30' x 8' deep hole in one day. I'd expect a quote around $2k including the permits for a sewer pipe.

[Guitarmaan]

I was quoted around $3000 for the job, but I have nothing to compare that to. It's a lot of money.

The plumber also told me they'd have to dig by hand because the pipe is deeper than 4 feet. He said it was to do with the utilities in the ground, and the danger of damaging them. So according to him, a bobcat couldn't be used.

The plumber did seem very genuine and helpful, but obviously I'm cautious about parting with so much money. I'm concerned he didn't mention any of the cheaper alternatives. Is that normal? As a courtesy I would have appreciated knowing that root cutting and RootX are also effective treatments.

Am I expecting too much?

[tumamoc]

I can't offer any advice, but I feel your pain.

[Guitarmaan]

What are the stages people go through? Denial, anger, acceptance....

I now accept there is a problem. I just don't accept the solution

[kygman]

I went through the roots in the sewer problem a few years ago. After he snaked the sewer line and cleaned it out, the plumber told me something that has helped out. He said once a month run about a pound of rock salt down the drain. That rock salt will kill those roots in the sewer. That was around 15 years ago. My ex got the house (of course!) but she told me she still runs the salt down the kitchen drain and still no problems.

[YAZ]

That old clay pipe won't last forever.

Pay the 3 or 4 grand for new plastic and ya won't worry about it again.

Sorry.

[Guitarmaan]

Originally Posted by YAZ

That old clay pipe won't last forever.

Pay the 3 or 4 grand for new plastic and ya won't worry about it again.

Sorry.

The pipes are ABS plastic!

[YAZ]

Originally Posted by Guitarmaan

The pipes are ABS plastic!

And you still have a root problem?

Oh boy.