How to use RootX

RootX application chart

 

Each box or case of RootX jars comes with two pairs of gloves and two dust masks for use when handling the RootX chemical. Choose the application method that works best for your location.

Treating mainlines (8 to 18 inches)

Foam Dispersal Unit (FDU) 100 method
Using the FDU 100, your maintenance crews can treat a 400-foot mainline in 30 minutes or less.

1.	Determine the correct orifice to attach to the FDU 100 by measuring the time it takes to fill a 5-galllon bucket with the jetter truck running at idle. RootX includes a variety of orifice attachments and an orifice chart with the FDU 100.
2.	Insert the orifice into the inlet side of the FDU 100.
3.	Insert the hose with the cleaning nozzle in the downstream manhole and begin pushing it upstream.
4.	Remove the cleaning nozzle and hose from the upstream manhole using a gaffing hook or rope. Signal the jetter truck operator to slacken the hose. Detach the cleaning nozzle from the hose.
5.	Take the RootX bag out of the box and remove the tie separating the two chemicals.
6.	Grasp both ends of the bag and rock it back and forth for about a minute to mix the two chemicals together. For RootX to work properly, the chemicals must be completely mixed, creating a uniform gray mixture throughout the bag.
7.	Cut the small end of the RootX bag about 1/2 inch from the top and slip the transfer tube into the opening. Slide the two retaining rings over and bag and transfer tube, securing them in the two grooves on the transfer tube.
8.	Pick up the FDU 100 and remove the locking ring, then remove the nozzle. Place the transfer tube with the RootX bag attached inside the FDU 100 and secure it with the locking ring.
9.	If you’re using the RootX tripod, release the latch to open the tripod, place the FDU 100 inside and close the latch to secure the FDU 100 in place. If you’re not using the tripod, have one crew member hold the FDU 100.
10.	Lift the RootX bag over the FDU 100, allowing the chemical to flow into the chamber. Hold the FDU 100 so the chemical is distributed evenly throughout the chamber.
11.	Remove the transfer tube from the FDU 100. Be sure to retain the transfer tube, retaining rings and the locking ring for future use.
12.	Reinstall the nozzle on the FDU 100 and secure it with the locking ring.
13.	Attach the inlet cap of the FDU 100 to the leader hose. Attach the leader hose to your jetter truck hose. Be sure to tighten all connections with a wrench.
14.	Signal the jetter truck operator to slowly reel in the hose until the nozzle is just visible from the manhole. Use a sewer string to control the FDU 100 as you lower it into the manhole.
15.	With the FDU 100 now in position, signal the truck operator to start the water running at idle speed.
16.	Verify the flow has started out of the FDU 100 and signal the truck operator to begin reeling back the hose at a speed no higher than 20 feet per minute.
17.	The FDU 100 releases a foam spray to more efficiently treat pipes of varying diameters with the same amount of RootX chemical. The RootX foam coats the roots and pipe walls, leaving a barrier on the pipe to prevent re-growth.
18.	Once the FDU 100 reaches the downstream manhole, retrieve the unit by gently shaking the line as you’re reeling it in.
19.	Detach the FDU 100 from the leader hose. Remove the locking ring and the nozzle. Hold the open end of the FDU 100 over the manhole and use the jetter truck hose to clean out any remaining RootX chemical. Rinse out the nozzle as well. Make sure the wash water goes directly into the sewer.

Treating small lines and service laterals (8 inches or less)

Direct Pour
The direct pour method can be used on a pipe with a diameter of 8 inches or less that are too small for the FDU 100. You can also use the direct pour method on larger-diameter pipes with extreme blockages.

1. Take the RootX bag out of the box and remove the tie separating the two chemicals.
2. Grasp both ends of the bag and rock back and forth for about a minute to mix the two chemicals together. For RootX to work properly, the chemicals must be completely mixed.
3. Pour the RootX chemical directly from the package into the upstream manhole or cleanout.
4. Pour 1 1/2 to 2 gallons of water per pound of RootX used to activate the root-killing foam.
5. The natural flow of the line carries the foam down the pipe, coating the roots and pipe walls. The RootX foam leaves a barrier on the pipe to prevent re-growth.

Vacuum method
The vacuum method can be used on a pipe with a diameter of 8 inches or less that are too small for the FDU 100.

1. Follow steps 1-4 of the direct pour method.
2. At the downstream manhole, turn on the jetter truck and activate the cleaning nozzle. This creates a vacuum in the line, pulling the RootX foam through the pipe.

RootX jars
RootX jars offer a convenient method for treating residential service laterals and other small pipes. And it requires no equipment. Treating service laterals with RootX eliminates root intrusion problems before they can create problems in mainlines.

1. Pour the RootX chemical directly from the jar into an upstream cleanout.
2. Pour 1 1/2 to 2 gallons of water per pound of RootX used to activate the root-killing foam.
3. The natural flow of the line carries the foam down the pipe.