Underground Construction - January 2022 - 43

be three to four inches, but the main sewer line could be larger
in commercial applications. A standard rule of thumb is to use a
cable at least ¾ inch to an inch in diameter.
* Maintaining mechanical equipment: Maintenance is key.
If the root cutting head is dull or damaged, it won't be as
effective. This also applies to snake cables. If a cable is kinked or
bent, it can cause it to bind up and result in injuries as well as
ineffectiveness because it has a weakened point. It could even
break off and get stuck in the sewer.
Sewer jetting is another common practice for root removal.
Jetters consist of a high-pressure water pump, water tank, hose
reel and ½ inch to 1-inch sewer cleaning hose. A sewer jetter is a
great tool to remove piled-up root debris that remained in the pipe
after using a root cutter.
Chemical treatment
Chemicals are great preventive maintenance tools after
mechanically removing roots from the sewer line. They open, clear
and prevent root-clogged drains and sewer lines. There are several
options available on the market today. Some include foaming
chemicals composed of metam-sodium. Foaming equipment may
be required to create the foam that enters the pipe.
Another effective chemical treatment is copper sulfate crystals.
This inorganic compound that combines sulfur with copper can kill
bacteria, algae, roots, plants, snails and fungi. These chemicals are
formulated to eliminate and prevent root growth in sewer-type lines.
For example, Hercules R-D Root Destroyer is a special flake-like
formula that prevents and stops root growth in external drain
lines. Because this formula interacts with water, the drain line will
need to be mechanically opened (snaked) to allow water flow if it is
completely blocked.
Once the line is open, a service tech can apply Root Destroyer at
or near the root clog's location. Adding a treatment before bedtime
will allow the Root Destroyer to work overnight without being
flushed out too soon.
R-D Root Destroyer uses a non-acid, non-caustic herbicide formula
that is safe for pipes leading to septic tanks, cesspools and drywells.
Large " root grade " crystals are blended with an active wetting agent
enabling R-D crystals to adhere to the root mass longer, dissolve
slower and effectively kill and eliminate root blockages.
In most cases, several days should be allowed for the infiltrating
roots to die, decay and wash away after absorbing dissolved
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R-D. Patience will be rewarded by the results of this proven
method of root control.
Best practices
* Read all cautions and directions carefully before using a product.
* Have proper PPE available.
* Avoid contact with your skin, eyes,
or clothing.
* Store the chemical in its original container and keep it in a
locked storage area. Do not reuse the plastic bag or empty
container. Rinse plastic bags thoroughly before discarding in
the trash.
* Be sure the chemical you are using is allowed in your state or
county. For example, Root Destroyer is an herbicide; therefore,
it must be registered with each state's EPA.
Some states do not allow copper
sulfate to be used as an herbicide.
It's important to understand that while chemical treatments
will kill roots and prevent them from growing if used consistently,
they won't immediately solve the problem. First, it is necessary to
mechanically clear the blocking after root intrusion is identified to
ensure that chemicals can effectively flow through the sewer line
and adhere to the root mass.
SEAN COMERFORD is a technical customer service specialist at
Oatey Co. He is third-generation tradesman with nearly 20 years of plumbing
experience, including serving as the lead plumber for commercial/residential
new construction, service and fire protection jobs. He holds a State of
Ohio Fire Protection License for Sprinkler and Standpipe.
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Tech Tips
Lateral Focus
UCONonline.com | JANUARY 2022 43
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Underground Construction - January 2022

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