Root-Xperts FAQs
View all resourcesHow do roots grow in sewer pipes?
As trees and plants mature, their underground root system grows and naturally seeks out moisture, leaving sewer and wastewater pipelines as the most consistent source. Joints and cracks in pipes create natural entry points for roots, where they 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 or septic system, costing homeowners thousands of dollars to repair or replace.
How is chemical root control with RootX different from mechanical cutting?
Treating pipes with RootX takes less time than mechanical cutting and the results last longer. Using your jetter trucks, your maintenance crew can treat a 400-foot main line with RootX in 10-30 minutes or less. 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, causing new root growth that can fully clog your pipe again in just nine months. Even worse, 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 continue to 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. In most cases, once you’ve put your pipelines on a maintenance program with annual RootX treatments, you can fully eliminate mechanical root cutting.
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 the immediate blockage by cutting the roots first. Then use RootX to kill the remaining roots. This will also leave a barrier on the pipe to prevent re-growth. Make sure you apply RootX within one hour of cutting the roots to ensure 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 or 300 foam dispersal units, your regular sewer maintenance crews can treat up to 400 feet of main line in 10-30 minutes.
How quickly will I see 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), you should use mechanical root cutting to clear the blockage, followed by RootX within one hour 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 the pipe and roots, allowing the solution to penetrate the root ends. Unlike other root control chemicals, RootX has a low environmental impact and 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). RootX also 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 does not impact vegitation outside the pipe.
Is RootX hard on pipes, septic systems or wastewater treatment plants?
No. Since RootX contains no diquat dibromide, copper sulfate or metam sodium, 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 or 300 foam dispersal units to your truck’s water hose. The FDU 100 and 300 disperse a foam spray throughout the pipe, allowing you to use the same amount of RootX to treat pipes of varying diameters. The FDU 100 and 300 are 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 1-2 years as part of your regular sewer maintenance.
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