Show All Answers

1. What is root control?

In order to prevent slowdowns and blockages in sewers, routine periodic cleaning is necessary. When tree roots find open cracks or pipe joints, they grow well in the sewer environment. Mechanical removal of roots is often difficult and can damage pipe and service line connections. Foaming herbicides is a method to coat roots, causing them to die off over a period of months. The foam is injected thru a small hose inserted in the sewer.

2. How does the process work?

The foam will only affect the roots within and immediately adjacent to the entry point of the sewer. It will not harm the tree or ground cover, or impact the sewer or treatment processes. The contractor takes great care to contain and clean up any foam that may spill or get on the ground.

3. As a property owner, is there anything I need to do before root control is performed in my neighborhood?

No. There will be no evidence of the work or any interruption to the sewer system and most sites will be foamed within 20-30 minutes. When manholes are located in rear yards or outfalls, the contractor may need to access to them in order to ensure the injection hose actually gets to the endpoint or to insert the hose for foaming. The homeowner does not need to be present for this, and the contractor should be distributing notices several days in advance of this private property entry.

4. Will the cleaning affect me?

No. There will be no disruptions to your sewer service during the foaming.