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FAQs
- How do roots grow in sewer pipes?
As trees and plants mature, their underground root system grows and naturally seeks out moisture. The most consistent source of moisture is sewer and wastewater pipelines. Joints and cracks in the pipe create natural entry points for roots. Roots start to grow at the top of the pipe and spread. - Is root intrusion a serious problem?
It can be. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, root intrusion is probably the single most destructive element involved in maintaining a wastewater collection system. Left untreated, roots will spread throughout the pipe. Material passing down the drain gets trapped in the roots, restricting the flow or even causing a complete blockage. Root intrusion can eventually destroy a sewer system, costing cities hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars to repair or replace. - How is chemical root control with RootX different from better than mechanical cutting?
Treating pipes with RootX takes less time than mechanical cutting, and the results last longer. Your maintenance crews can treat a 400-foot mainline in 30 minutes or less using the jetter trucks you already have.
Mechanical root cutting leaves some roots behind in the pipe. Cutting roots is also like pruning a tree; it stimulates vigorous re-growth in the remaining roots. That means new root growth can fully clog your pipe again in just nine months. What’s more the cycle of cutting roots, re-growth and cutting again will eventually destroy the structural integrity of the pipe.
RootX kills roots on contact; the dead roots decay over time and are carried out with the flow of the pipe, restoring the pipe to its full capacity. RootX also leaves a barrier on the pipe walls to prevent future root growth. Once you’ve put your pipelines on a maintenance program with annual RootX treatments, you should be able to eliminate mechanical root cutting in most cases. - Should I use RootX together with mechanical root cutting?
If this is the first time you’re treating a pipe or if the pipe is completely blocked, you can clear away the immediate blockage by cutting the roots first. Then use RootX to kill the remaining roots and leave a barrier on the pipe to prevent re-growth. Make sure you apply RootX within one hour of cutting the roots; this ensures the remaining root structure properly absorbs the RootX herbicide. Otherwise, you’ll need to wait 6-8 weeks before using RootX to allow root ends to develop. - How long does it take to apply RootX?
In a typical application using the FDU 100 foam dispersal unit, your regular sewer maintenance crews can treat up to 400 feet of mainline in 30 minutes or less. - How quickly can I expect results with RootX?
RootX kills roots on contact and destroys the root structure within the first hour after application. The roots decay over time depending on the type of plant and the size of the root mass. In extreme cases where the pipe is completely blocked or close to it, you should use mechanical root cutting to clear the blockage, followed immediately by RootX to kill the remaining roots and prevent re-growth. - What kind of chemicals does RootX use?
RootX kills roots using Dichlobenil, a proven aquatic herbicide. RootX also contains degreasing agents that strip away the grime on roots, allowing the Dichlobenil herbicide to penetrate the root ends. Unlike other root control chemicals, RootX contains no diquat dibromide, copper sulfate or metam sodium. - Is RootX harmful to the environment?
No. The RootX formula is non-caustic, non-fumigating and non-systemic. It is classified as a General Use product by the Environmental Protection Agency and is registered for use in all 50 states (EPA registration #68464-1). In addition, RootX carries the signal word CAUTION, the lowest chemical hazard rating according to the ISO 3864-2 standard for hazard severity panels. - Does RootX harm trees and plants?
No. RootX only kills the roots inside the pipe and prevents their re-growth. Since the RootX foam only flows through the pipe, it has no effect on roots outside the pipe.
- Is RootX hard on pipes, septic systems or wastewater treatment plants?
No. RootX contains no diquat dibromide, copper sulfate or metam sodium, and it has no effect on the wastewater treatment process. The RootX formula is non-caustic, non-fumigating and non-systemic. RootX also promotes bacterial growth, which is good for septic systems. - Can I use RootX with my jetter truck equipment?
Yes. With the vacuum method, you can use the cleaning nozzle at the upstream manhole to create a vacuum that pulls the RootX foam down the line. And for 8-inch and larger pipes, you can attach the FDU 100 foam dispersal unit to your truck’s water hose. The FDU 100 disperses a foam spray throughout the pipe, allowing you to use the same amount of RootX to treat pipes of varying diameters. The FDU 100 is also more efficient than the direct pour or vacuum methods, allowing you to treat more than twice as much pipe using the same amount of RootX. - Will the RootX foam stop or block any flow during application?
No. RootX foams on contact with water, and it uses the natural flow of the line to spread the foam throughout the pipe. Wastewater continues to flow under the foam, so using RootX does not cause any service interruptions. - How long does it take the RootX foam to dissipate after application?
The fast-acting RootX foam will normally dissipate in about 15 minutes. - How often do I need to treat a pipe with RootX?
RootX is guaranteed to keep 8-inch and larger municipal sewer lines free from blockages caused by live root growth for 24 months after application. For smaller 4- to 6-inch service laterals, the guarantee is 12 months. You should plan to apply RootX every one to two years as part of your regular sewer maintenance.
“RootX kills roots, and it’s simple and easy to apply. And you know that if you can use it in California, you can use it anywhere.”
— Ralph Palomares, El Toro Water District, Lake Forest, CA