Sewer Line Tree Root clogging the pipes Issue

[Gautam S.]

Hello BP Nation:

I have a clogged sewer line issue in a rental property as there are roots growing in the pipes. There is big tree near by in the front yard!! ( I hate trees :( )!!

The plumber did a rodding job and found the problem and suggesting that I have to do rodding every few months ( at least twice a year!!).

So I am trying to getting advice on what are the options to fix this root infestation problem.

1. Keep rodding every few months? how often?

2. How much you typically pay for a rodding job. Paid $300 as it was kind of emergency!

3. Is the chemical treatment works?

4. Do you suggest to replace the old pipe with new ( about 50 ft from house to city sewer line?

Any estimate for this replacement? it just runs like 6ft below ground.

5. I have a big tree close by - may be cut the tree ( May cost like $1000 - not sure).

It is rental property that I want to hold 5-10 yrs or more.

Let the ideas coming...

[Jon Holdman]

Cutting down the tree won't help.  Not sure what you mean by rodding, but if you mean running a cutter through the line (i.e. "roto-rooting") that will help for a while.  If that just mean running a rod through the line it will help, but not for long.  Chemicals may help for a while, too.

But, the bottom line is you need to replace this line.   I've done three of these in the last 10 years or so.  Costs are going to vary from area to area.  If you have to dig up any of the street, that significantly increases costs.  Around here I would expect to pay $5000 +/- for a line of the length you describe, as long as I didn't have to cut the street.  Cutting into the street could double that cost.

If your plan is a long term hold, do this ASAP.  Otherwise you're running the risk of having sewage in your house.  Tenants can get upset about things like that.