Question
QUESTION: You answered question about "Red maple roots in sewer line" and recommend to use copper sulfate to kill the hair roots.
" The copper sulfate is applied by flushing a significant quantity, usually 2 to 4 lbs". Are you taking about "blue crystals" of cooper sulfate or it's 25% solution?

I also have roots in sewer line and remove them mechanically about 4 weeks ago.
How many times I should flush copper sulfate?

Thanks
Mark

ANSWER: Measure out about one-half cup of medium sized copper sulfate crystals. Pour the crystals into the commode or toilet stool. Flush the toilet.

Repeat this procedure until the 2 lb. container is empty. Flush the toilet several more times to make sure the crystals are carried outside of your home and into the sewer line.

Leave the house for several hours to allow for any fumes that might result to dissipate.

Observe the flow of your toilet for the next several days. Copper sulfate does not work overnight. It requires several days to several weeks to kill the roots and it may take even longer for the dead roots to decay and break away, thereby clearing the sewer line and restoring proper flow from your toilet.

Repeat the procedure every three to four months using smaller amounts of copper sulfate to prevent the roots from growing back.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Jim,

Please, give me more clarifications:
1. Is one-half of cup about 150 millyliters?
2. Is it matter to to it into toilet or into special opening in my basement?
3. How long should I wait between flushes (1 min., 1 hour or 1 day?
4. "Repeat the procedure every three to four months "
how many times should I repeat it (once, twice)?

Thanks
Mark


Answer
1. 1/2 cup is 118 ml.
2. Put it into the toilet.
3. Until the tank refills.
4. Repeat routinely every 4 months. OR you could wait until you see some sign of stoppage. These treatment are more of a preventive since you may not have too much root buildup in 4 months.