Last month we encountered some plumbing problems. All of a sudden the shower & bath water was not going down and to top that the toilets didn’t want to flush. Yes, your worst nightmare, toilets not flushing. So, we called our friendly plumber and he came out to see what was in our line. You’ve probably already guessed it, ROOTS. Lots of roots. He seemed impressed by himself with how many he pulled out of the line.
When he was all done and packed up I asked him if this was common problem or just something that randomly happens. He said he pulls roots out everyday, it’s very common. Then I asked him, if there was anything we could do to prevent this from happening again. He told me that if I put a spoonful of ice cream salt in my toilet every night that it would keep the roots out of the line. Apparently roots do not like salt and they will sense the salty water in the line and not stay. Who knew? So there’s a simple and easy solution to preventing roots to grow in the plumbing lines.
Plumbing Courses said,
December 2, 2009 @ 8:43 am
they wond sense the salt water until they have made it into the lines, plus what effect will the salt have on the system?
marti said,
December 2, 2009 @ 10:41 am
You’re right, the roots would have to penetrate through the pipes in order to sense the salt water. What I didn’t mention is that the house we are currently living in still has the old clay pipes running under it. The clay pipes crack and water seeps through naturally from my understanding.
As for any effects to the lines from the salt water… I am assuming none. Salt goes through our drains all the time in small quantities with no adverse effects. I couldn’t imagine an extra tablespoon a day would reap havoc on them, but I am no expert.