How RootX Works
RootX is a simple, cost-effective and proven way to kill
pipeline roots in residential sewer lines, storm pipes and
septic systems.
RootX uses the aquatic herbicide Dichlobenil. It’s non-caustic,
non-fumigating and non-systemic, and it contains no diquat
dibromide, copper sulfate or metam sodium. RootX is classified
as a General Use product by the Environmental Protection Agency,
and it’s registered for use in all 50 states (EPA registration
#68464-1) as well as Canada. In addition, RootX carries the
signal word CAUTION, the lowest chemical hazard rating according
to the ISO 3864-2 standard for hazard severity panels.
Foaming RootX formula kills roots
The patented RootX formula foams on contact with water. The foam
acts as a carrying agent, lifting the herbicide to the top of
the pipe where 90 percent of pipeline roots grow. Degreasing
agents strip away grease and grime so the active ingredient can
penetrate the roots, killing the root tissue on contact. RootX
promotes bacterial growth to speed the decay and natural removal
of roots. The foam also leaves a thin layer of the RootX
herbicide on the pipe walls to prevent re-growth.
Enhances mechanical root cutting
Mechanical root cutting is an immediate and short-term solution
to relieving pipeline blockages caused by root intrusion.
However, cutting roots is like pruning a tree; it stimulates
even more vigorous and destructive root growth in the remaining
roots. That means new root growth can fully clog your pipe again
in just nine months.
Treating pipes with RootX not only kills all the roots on
contact, it also leaves a thin layer of the herbicide on the
pipe walls to prevent roots from coming back. New root growth
after treatment with RootX is much slower and less destructive
to the pipe.
If this is the first time you’re treating a customer’s line or
if it is completely blocked, it makes sense to use mechanical
cutting to remove the root mass and restore pipe flow right
away. However, you can kill any remaining roots in the line and
stunt re-growth longer by applying RootX immediately after
mechanical cutting.
It’s important to apply RootX within the first hour after
cutting or wait six to eight weeks. That’s because roots release
a traumatic acid to cover the cut ends and protect them against
further injury. If you apply RootX immediately after cutting,
the herbicide can penetrate the root ends before the traumatic
acid coating is complete. After six to eight weeks, the
traumatic acid will have dissipated, leaving the most vulnerable
part of the root—the white tender meristem growth where cells
are actively dividing—exposed to the herbicide. The more root
tissue you can treat with RootX, the better.
If there’s still flow in the line, you may be able to save time
and eliminate root cutting altogether. Simply apply RootX to
kill all the roots inside the pipe. The dead roots decay and are
carried out with the natural flow, restoring your customer’s
pipe to its full capacity. Once you’ve put your customers on a
maintenance program with annual RootX treatments, you should be
able to eliminate mechanical root cutting in most cases. |
How to use RootX
RootX application chart
RootX is
fast and easy to apply with no special equipment required. For
severely blocked pipes where mechanical root cutting is also
needed, be sure to treat the pipe with RootX within the first
hour after cutting the roots to ensure proper chemical
absorption.
Each box or case of RootX jars comes with two pairs of gloves
and two dust masks for use when handling the RootX chemical.
Choose the application method that works best for your location.
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RootX Jars offer a convenient method for treating residential
service laterals and septic systems. The cleanout is the
preferred method for most residential applications because the
cleanout is closest to the pipes where roots can cause problems.
If there’s no cleanout at your customer’s location, you can
apply RootX using the toilet. To prevent foam overflow outside
the pipeline, you should only use a 2-lb. jar of RootX in a
toilet application.
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Cleanout
method
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Pour the RootX chemical
directly from the jar into the system cleanout.
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Pour 1 1/2 to 2 gallon of
water per pound of RootX used to activate the
root-killing foam.
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The natural flow of the
line carries the foam down the pipe.
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Toilet
method
-
Pour the RootX chemical
directly from the jar into the toilet.
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Flush the toilet to
activate the root-killing foam.
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The natural flow of the
line carries the foam down the pipe.
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Septic system
applications
-
Pour the RootX chemical
directly from the jar into the septic tank.
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Pour 1 1/2 to 2 gallon of
water per pound of RootX used to activate the root-killing foam.
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Pour RootX into the
distribution box to kill roots intruding into drain field lines.
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After a residential
application, you should limit water use for at least an hour,
allowing time for roots to absorb the RootX chemical. |
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RootX boxes
RootX comes in 40-lb. boxes for treating longer lines and
service laterals, as well as municipal main lines. For pipes
smaller than 8 inches, use the direct pour or vacuum method. For
8-inch and larger pipes, you can also use the FDU 100 foam
dispersal unit. With the FDU 100, you can treat more than twice
as much pipe using the same amount of RootX. |
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