After an overflow, when asked what was done, many have answered with, we poured Copper Sulfate down the line after the overflow. What is the effectiveness of this strategy?
To be effective the chemical must come in contact with the roots. Roots grow in from above the water level down to the water. Short term results can be achieved when the roots are contacting the water, but once the above the water level, the chemical effect is greatly decreased. If the roots are not touching the water, there is no effect on the roots. It just flows by.
Coper Sulfate is most effective as a capful flushed down a private septic line. In the case of a septic tank, it is determined the best results is at 2lbs for 300-gallon tank. (Without destroying the good bacteria)
To be effective in a sewer main, what is the ratio of the amount of water to how many pounds of product are needed? Do you calculate or just pour some down the line? How do you know it works as it should? Is it to diluted to perform properly?
If the line is holding and slow draining, how does this chemical flow down to reach the obstruction before diluting? After Jetting, then placing the chemical in the flow, the distance downstream to the roots, the amount of water in the pipe, and the flow will dictate how effective this type of treatment is. Once again, it will only affect roots in contact with the water, but that is about it.
A better alternative is a jetter applied root control chemical. When this is applied through a jetter, it encompasses the entire pipe and coats all the roots protruding in the sewer pipe, not just what is in contact with the flow level.
Once opened, and only utilizing Copper Sulfate, is this line place on a regular treatment schedule? If using the flow line only and adding this chemical, it will need to be re-treated at least every other month, as this is a nutrient rich source for roots, and they will quickly be back at the water level to get more water and creating obstructions for debris to catch on and build back up.
When applying into a manhole or sewer system, do you wear gloves or eye protection? When you stand over the manhole dumping it in are you wearing respiratory protection from the dust and fumes or are you potentially inhaling these contaminates? This is an acidic chemical and needs to be treated with care.
Even with a Jetter applied chemical, you will still need to return yearly, but far less than pouring copper sulfate down the manhole.
There is also an option for a root control grant available through OMAG. With this grant it will remove the roots for two years, but roots are living and always growing and will be back even with the best chemicals. The question becomes how frequently do you want to come back and retreat to keep from having another backup on the same section?
