Roots

[piilani56]

I have roots coming out between my tile floor and the back lower edge of my toilet? What do I need to do? Thanks...Patti

 

[Dunbar Plumbing]

First, remove the toilet and see if the roots are originating from inside the piping or not. Roots seek moisture, and a leaking wax ring is a source of it. Let us know which way it is; there are numerous ways to control root growth in your situation.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[hj]

Remove the toilet, cut the roots away, and also dig the ones out of the floor between the concrete and the pipe if you can get to them. Then make a solution of water and a pound of salt, or copper sulfate crystals, and pour it down into the gap around the pipe. It will deter them for a long time, but eventually they will return. I have had customers with two toilets back to back and it would happen to one of them, and then 6 months later to the other one, and 6 months after that back to the first one. You will also find a tendril going into the pipe opening. Pull that out along with any root mass which has grown inside the pipe.