As trees and plants mature, their underground root system grows and naturally seeks out moisture; this is even more evident in Australia’s current drought conditions. The most consistent source of moisture is sewer and wastewater pipelines. The majority of these pipes have been laid in open trenches and backfilled with loosely cultivated soil. With the moisture produced on the pipe walls from the warmer pipe flow this is the perfect environment for tree root growth. The many joints and cracks in the pipe create natural entry points for roots, which start to grow at the top of the pipe. The roots spread gradually, trapping passing material, restricting the flow and eventually completely blocking the pipeline and destroying the pipe’s integrity.

Mechanical/high pressure 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. Using mechanical cutters or high-pressure jetters can also further damage pipeline walls

Sewer Equipment Company Australia (SECA) is proud to release the RootX product into the Australian market. A proven performer in the USA since 1994, RootX reaches the top of the pipe with its unique foaming action where 90 per cent of root intrusion occurs. Surfactants strip away grime and grease on roots and an approved herbicide kills them on contact.

RootX contains no metam sodium or copper sulphate and is easily applied directly from the package or with jetting equipment. It does not harm the treatment plant or surrounding environment.

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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.

The first time a pipeline is being treated 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, any remaining roots can be killed in the line and re-growth can be stunted longer by applying RootX immediately after mechanical cutting.

It is 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 RootX is applied 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 treated with RootX, the better.

If there’s still flow in the line, it may be possible 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 the pipe to its full capacity.

Developing a preventative maintenance program with annual RootX treatments, it should be possible to eliminate mechanical root cutting in most cases.