A clog in your sewer line can lead to a wide range of problems and expenses. Leaky pipes, broken fixtures and water damage to your home or business are all expenses that can occur. It is important to investigate a potential problem at the first sign of trouble.

What signs should you look for?

• One of the first signs that you could have roots in your sewer line comes out of the bathroom. Yes, the bathroom. If you suddenly notice that water is backing up out of the toilet or a drain, you could have a clogged sewer line. 
• Believe it or not, your home will attempt to tell you when something is wrong. Except the language it uses will be more in the way of gurgles. For example, after you hear a wash cycle finish, listen to other water sources in your home such as a sink or drain. If you hear what sounds like a gargling of some sort, odds are you have a drain issue.
• If you begin to notice tree roots near your house, you may want to be extra cautious and have your drains inspected by a professional regularly. It is always best if you can stop a problem before it starts. 

 If you find yourself experiencing any of these signs, it is important to contact a licensed plumber right away. They will be able to correctly diagnose your problem with either a camera or other device and determine if a chemical or manual removal is necessary.

Tree roots in sewer lines may not seem like that big of deal. After all, most of us would think that all we have to do is cut down and remove the offending tree. Problem solved. But did you know that tree roots will continue to live underground and grow for years even after the tree has been removed?

In fact, tree roots in sewer lines can cause all sorts of major problems, including flooding and the build up of hydrogen sulfide. Commonly referred to as "sewer gas" or "stink damp", hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas that smells like rotten eggs. The gas is created when organic matter decays in an environment without oxygen gas, such as sewer lines. The gas is extremely poisonous, but it's also very flammable, and therefore very explosive. Remember that classic scene with Cousin Eddie in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? That's the level of lethal stank we're talking about here.


So what's a simple, cost-effective way for getting rid of tree roots in sewer lines? We've already ruled out removing the tree above ground, since the roots go on living anyway. Digging down to replace the clogged pipes can be costly, time consuming, and labor intensive, and doesn't truly solve the long-term problem as the roots will continue to grow if left unattended. Chemical treatments designed to kill the roots and unclog your pipes can save you a lot of time and money.

Easy-to-apply and safe for the environment, chemical applications such as RootX foaming root killer use a herbicide called Dichlobenil to decay and remove tree roots from sewer lines. The treatment also leaves behind a thin layer of herbicide to keep new sets of roots from invading and clogging your pipes. It also saves you a ton of time, as a full application takes only 30 minutes. The picture included below shows just how effective RootX is.


So there you have it. Not only is RootX a proven way for getting rid of tree roots in sewer lines, but it's also quick, easy, and cost-effective.

Winter has a tendency of wreaking havoc on our homes and our businesses. It is often not until we have the below zero windchill when we remember that old drafty window or pick up a new snow shovel after the one from last year broke. Not to mention, all the bags of salt we must keep on hand for those icy days!

 Luckily, most of these scenarios are ones that do not hit the pocketbook too hard. Plumbing issues during these winter months have been known to be a little more expensive. The things you want to try and avoid are frozen pipes, cracks and leaks, and any type of flooding. Here are a few preventative maintenance tips that will help keep your home running efficiently

• Insulate Exposed Pipes- Any water pipes, indoor ones included, that are exposed to cold drafts run the risk of freezing. Avoid this by insulating these pipes, as the risk for freezing is heightened with any time they are not in use.
• Avoid Consecutive Showers- Try to space out showers during the day. This helps maintain a consistent water pressure and temperature. If this cannot be avoided, then try to wait at least 10 minutes between them. 
• Check Water Flow- Remember to turn on every water valve in your home randomly. Unused pipes have the ability to freeze quickly if they are not used. Write little reminders on the calender in order to help you remember if need be. 
• Avoid Grease in Pipes- This is one that stands true throughout the entire year, not just winter. Grease and oils are hard on pipes and drains, so try to think twice before letting any go down your garbage disposal. Catch any unwanted grease prior to it going down the drain. If you let it harden it can easily be emptied into a trash can. 
• Keep drains running smoothly. If you notice a delay in a water drain, treat it quickly to prevent a larger clogging issue from happening.

If you suspect you have a treatment with your septic system or pipes, contact us today!

RootX® is a simple, environmentally-friendly and proven way to effectively kill tree roots in septic tanks without killing trees.  Utilizing the herbicide Dichloberil, the formula kills the pesky root on contact, saving time and money.

A septic tank covers a large portion of land; usually it is close to tree roots or other vegetation.  Attracted to the water in a septic tank, tree roots often work their way into the tank through its drainpipes or cracks, creating blockage.  As the root of the tree continues to grow and gain larger access to your pipes, the chance of those blocked septic pipes completely breaking and leaking sewage increases, causing your system to fail.

If you suspect that you have tree roots making their way into your pipes, it is in your best interest to use RootX® before things get out of hand.

1. Using RootX® to eliminate tree roots in septic tanks:
2. Use 8 pounds of RootX® in septic tank per 1,000 gallons of septic tank capacity.
3. Pour the RootX® aquatic herbicide and foaming agent directly from the jar into a small pail and mix the two components together.  DO NOT ADD WATER.
4. Pour the DRY RootX® product directly into the septic tank or into the clean-out that leads to the septic tank.
5. If you are applying through a clean-out pour 5 gallons of water per pound of RootX® root killer used to activate the root-killing foam.  Do not over-dilute.  The foam acts as a carrying agent, lifting the herbicide to the top where 90 percent of roots grow.
6. The dead roots decay and are carried out with the natural flow.
7. The foam leaves a thin layer of the RootX® herbicide to prevent re-growth.

For more information on RootX® or any of your root killing needs, please visit www.rex-bac-t.com.

One of the most common questions that we get asked is how to apply RootX correctly. The two methods for application are by using either the clean out, or flushing it down the toilet. While both methods are similar, there are a couple of differences.

Instructions for the clean out method:

First you are going to want to gather all of the materials needed. These include your RootX jar, a bucket, and a stir stick. You are going to want to then pour the RootX into the bucket. You will notice a paper divider in the jar, this was used to keep the chemicals separated until ready to use. Remove this from the jar and discard. Next, you are going to want to use the stir stick to thoroughly mix the dry components in the bucket. Do not add water at this time. Make sure that you mix very well and completely, as this will ensure the most optimal foaming and root coating.

Now is the time to pour the dry RootX down your clean out valve. Once your bucket is empty, pour 5 gallons of water down the valve, per pound of product used. You should be able to some of the foaming action at work!

Now, for those using the toilet method:

You are going to want to follow all the same steps of the clean out method until you get to the step where you empty the bucket. Before you empty the bucket into the toilet, you are going to want to see how fast your toilet flushes. If it seems to run a little slow, pour the bucket into the toilet as it is flushing. If it seems to drain at a normal rate, then empty the bucket into the toilet bowl, and then flush. The foaming action will start quickly. After the toilet has flushed, add the same amount of water, 5 gallons per pound of product into your toilet.

As much as you can, you are going to want to limit water usage for the following 4-6 hours following a RootX application.

The best time of year for application is early fall through late spring. Be careful to avoid times when the ground is frozen however.

Pesky tree roots can wreak havoc on your sewer systems. Just because you want to kill the roots does not mean that you are looking at how to kill a tree. It is possible to merely kill the intrusive roots without causing damage to the tree.

With the RootX® foaming technology it is easier than ever. Utilizing the herbicide Dichlobenil, the formula kills the pesky roots on contact. This is a great solution for either maintaining your pipes, or in conjunction with mechanical cutting.

Mechanical cutting is when a specialist comes out and manually removes the roots using a mechanical auger. This is similar to a saw blade and is temporarily very effective. However, it leaves the remaining fine roots, and actually stimulates regrowth. This is the ideal time for a RootX® application.

When these two methods are combined, the end result is very effective. When RootX® is applied after the mechanical cutting, the layer that is left behind actually promotes bacterial growth, prohibiting this regrowth.
While RootX® does not contain Copper Sulfate and is safe for all pipes, it also will not kill the tree itself, only the unwanted roots.

Since RootX, there have been other root killers that have tried to join the market as contenders. It can be overwhelming trying to decide which product is right for you. The following table compares RootX Foaming Root Killer with the leading competitors. For more information visit our website.

	RootX	Mechanical Root Cutting	Other Root Control Foam	Copper Sulphate
Simple
Easy to handle	Yes
Prepackaged for easy application ; just add water	Yes			Yes
Treats residential service laterals and septic systems in minutes	Yes			Yes
Effective
Kills roots on contact	Yes
Guaranteed to keep pipes root-free for 12 months	Yes
Foaming action coats pipe walls	Yes		Yes
Foam leaves a barrier on pipes to prevent re-growth	Yes
Degreasing agents strip away grime to penetrate roots	Yes		Yes
Reaches the top of the pipe where 90% of the roots live	Yes		Yes
Uses aquatic herbicide Dichlobenil	Yes
Promotes bacterial growth to speed root decay	Yes
Low environmental impact
EPA classified as a general use product	Yes
EPA registered for use in all 50 states	Yes
Signal word CAUTION (lowest chemical hazard rating according to ISO 3864)	Yes
Non-caustic, non-fumigating and non-systemic	Yes	Yes
Contains no diquat dibromide, copper sulfate or metam sodium	Yes	Yes
Does not damage pipes	Yes
Does not harm trees and plants	Yes	Yes

Often times we get questions from our customers regarding the RootX® Foaming Root Killer. In this post, we'd like to take the time to answer a few of these. Please visit our website if you have any further questions, or better yet, email us directly here!

Q: How often should RootX® be used?
A: We suggest that RootX® be applied yearly. This precaution helps avoid any buildup that could be expensive down the road.

Q: Does RootX® clog the pipes at all?
A: No. The foaming root killer works with the flow of water within your pipes, so it does cause any service disruptions.

Q: How long does it take for the foaming action to dissipate?
A: It only takes around 15 minutes.

Q: Is RootX® hard on pipes?
A: Actually, quite the opposite! The residue left from the foam creates a protective layer within the pipes that promotes bacteria, which is beneficial for septic systems.

Q: When does the RootX® start working?
A: RootX® kills on contact and destroys the root structure, prohibiting growth. Over time, the roots will decay.

Q: How long does an application take?
A: A RootX® treatment can be applied by a professional plumber in a matter of minutes!

As the weather is getting warmer, and we are coming out of hibernation, we begin to do our home maintenance. If you don't have it scheduled yet, call your local plumber for your preventative RootX® treatment!

It isn't a big secret, in order to get rid of unwanted tree roots you need something powerful. There are many options out there that use very potent ingredients. However, it is smart to look into these ingredients before using them.

Diquat Dibromide-This is a one of the most common herbicides on the market today. It causes the root or unwanted plant to dry out very quickly and die. However, it can also be fatal to people if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed by the skin. http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/extoxnet/dienochlor-glyphosate/diquat-ext.html

Sulfate-Sulfate is another very strong ingredient used in root killers. It acts by damaging the cells of the plants, which in turn causes them to die out. It also carries the same risks to humans that the Diquat Dibromide does. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfate

Metam Sodium-This product kills any roots it comes in contact with. It has been shown to have many effects on the body, including reproductive effects and a possible carcinogen.  http://www.beyondpesticides.org/gateway/?pesticideid=48

REX-BAC-T^® Technologies, rather than using any of these harmful ingredients, uses Dichlobenil, which is a proven aquatic herbicide. We focus our research on providing our customers with the safest, most natural choices. Dichlobenil is known to have less side effects and yet maintain its effectiveness.  http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/factsheets/0263fact.pdf

We make it our focus to provide our customers with a tree root killer that is effective on roots yet not detrimental to your health. All our products are created within our controlled lab, so you can be assured you are receiving only the highest grade products!

There are many root killers available on the market today, and it can be confusing deciding which one is the best for you. Especially when you have a problem and need it resolved sooner rather than later.  Rest assured, there are a few things that you can look into that will make shopping around a little easier for you. 

Reputation- With the internet accessible to almost everyone, everywhere, it is easy to view reviews on most everything. When you get to view real-world testimonials, that speaks volumes. This is a great way for a high quality company to set themselves apart from the competition. Visit the testimonials page at http://www.rex-bac-t.com and see for yourself. 

Science- Chemicals are tricky business. You need something strong enough to get the job done, but safe for your family, pets, and pipes. REX-BAC-T^® has been in business since 1983 and continues to thrive due to our dedication to the environment and our customers. We use 100% natural and environmentally-friendly products, and employ the most experienced microbiologists, chemists, and production techs to formulate them. 

Customer Service- We offer an e-commerce website that provides a detailed explanation of all our products, as well as a list of Frequently Asked Questions. If you prefer to call in and speak with someone, we offer a customer service team that is knowledgeable and available to answer any questions you may have. They are just a phone call away. 

When you purchase from us here at REX-BAC-T^®, you can be assured that you are receiving the latest in technology. We offer only the most effective, environmentally-friendly products on the market today.

Tree roots are pesky business.  They have a tendency to get out of control and cause damage that can be quite costly to a home and landscaping.  Before we can get figure out the best method of prevention, it is wise to get a little understanding of the roots themselves.

On average, tree roots take space in an area two to four times the width of the tree crown.  However, larger roots do not stop growing, and they typically grow outward. The smaller feeder roots die off and and are continuously replaced. http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/02926.html.  It is getting easier to see how even a well-placed tree can eventually pose a problem to a home, isn't it?

Tree roots can cause damage to your plumbing systems, plain and simple.  The feeder roots take comfort in the sewer pipes below the ground, living off the moisture and minerals the pipes provide.  Before long, they cause a blockage.  A homeowner will realize they have a problem once they notice the back up that is coming up through their drains, because the water is not able to get through the blockage.  Mechanical root clearing in conjunction with a environmentally safe root killer is going to be your best option.

As mentioned before, the older the tree roots are, the larger and further spread out they become, eventually pushing their way into the walls of your home.  This has the potential to cause cracks in the foundation.  If the foundation is not fixed quickly, a homeowner runs the risk of leaks that can lead to mold a whole set of new problems. You want to be using a root killer before it gets to this point.

One of the other main consequences of overgrown roots is the eye sore they cause.  The last thing a person wants is for all their hard work and money spent on landscaping to be overcome with ugly tree roots. Unless the roots are maintained and taken care of with a root killer, this will eventually happen.

"Prevention is the best medicine." RootX® is just the product to do that. It is a root killer that is environmentally safe, 100% natural solution, it is the perfect remedy for those annoying roots. Not only does it go after the live roots, but with the foaming technology it prevents re-growth of future roots, while leaving the tree and your pipes intact.

Check out REX-BAC-T^® Technologies for more information!

Are there ways to avoid having roots in the drain line of your house?  Simple answer, yes.  There are things you can do that will help prevent both your pipes getting clogged, as well as roots damaging  up the drains around your property. 

To help avoiding general blockage, be very cautious about what you flush down your toilet.  Avoid flushing diapers, wipes-even if they disposable, any feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and basically anything with a thicker consistency that regular toilet paper. 

The kitchen sink is also a great place to take be aware of what goes down your drains.  Fats and grease, think bacon grease or butter for example, are toxic to our piping systems.  The best thing to do is try to get into the habit of disposing these substances with the proper containers and putting them out with the the trash.

Regarding tree roots, at first inclination that you may have some type of blockage with your drain lines that cannot be fixed on your own, call a plumber and  inquire about RootX® to fix the immediate problem, and rest assured that due to the science behind RootX® you are also protected for the future.  The foaming technology leaves a protective layer within the pipes that prevent regrowth of future pesky roots for up to three years.

By maintaining the lines of your residence using REX-BAC-T^® Technologies  products you are able to avoid costly corrective repairs down the road.  Also, have confidence knowing that REX-BAC-T^® Technologies  cares about the environment and your property and does not use Copper Sulfate as a key to their solution.  This toxic substance was found to have detrimental effects to the environment, as well as was found to be very damaging to the pipes it was applied to.

RootX®--intimidating name for an intimidating product. It has the ability to effectively kill the bothersome roots on contact. This may give off the false impression that it is a dangerous product.

RootX® is one of the highest recommended root treatments on the market. With the advanced foaming technology, it is able to only go after target roots, and does not harm any trees or plants outside of the clogged pipes or septic systems.  It is non-caustic, non-fumigating, and non-systemic.  RootX® takes pride in being an extremely effective tree root killer without the use of harsh chemicals such as diquat dibromide, copper sulfate, or metam sodium.

Now that we have established the safety on the environment, what about the pipes and/or septic tanks it is used on?

With the absence of the harsh chemicals listed previously,  RootX® is a safe choice to use on your pipes to get them flowing at their optimal function.  RootX® promotes bacterial growth to speed up the decaying process and natural removal of roots.  The foam also leaves a thin layer of the RootX® on the pipe walls to prevent re-growth.  Based on safety, RootX®  is the easy choice!

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

Tiny hair like roots cultivate into stronger, more penetrating forces that, if left untreated, can eventually break pipe joints apart completely.  Those fractures and crevasses pose a more threatening problem of raw sewage leaking into the ground and leave an open gateway for roots to enter.  If this happens, you surely will have bigger sewage issues to deal with – like toilets backing up all over your bathroom floors.

RootX Foaming Root Killer can be used with or without mechanical root-cutting equipment.  The treatment process involves a foam released application that expands along the interior walls of pipes, crevasses, and joints killing roots immediately on contact.  Surfactants strip away grease and grime, guaranteeing root penetration and restoring flow quickly. 

-RootX^® enhances bacterial growth to decompose dead roots that are then carried away by the flow of the line. 
-RootX^® sticks to the pipe walls, preventing re-growth for up to three years. Dead roots decay over time, restoring pipes to their full capacity.
-RootX^® kills roots using the aquatic herbicide Dichlobenil. It’s non-caustic, non-fumigating and non-systemic (will not kill the tree), and it contains no diquat dibromide, copper sulfate or metam sodium.
-RootX^® will not harm pipes, septic systems or above-ground vegetation.
-RootX^® reaches the top of the pipe where most of the tree roots growth occurs.
Root intrusion in pipes and septic systems can destroy the pipes and can cost thousands of dollars to repair or replace.  We recommend annual treatments of RootX Foaming Root Killer to keep your plumbing system root free and avoid costly sewer, septic tank, and septic system leach field repairs.

We have suggested an initial root control treatment application using RootX^®.  The application rate is 2 pounds for 50 feet of 4” diameter pipe.  For a complete application guideline visit review or RootX Application Table.  Re-Apply RootX^®  on an annual basis to keep your sewer pipes free from root growth. Going this ‘root’ will keep money in your pocketbook long term.