Will Vinegar Kill Tree Roots In A Sewer Line? (Find Out Now!)

Alex Praytor
by Alex Praytor

You may have noticed that your toilet is not flushing like it used to. If your toilet is backing up or slow to flush it could mean that there are tree roots growing into your sewer line. In this situation, you will want to kill off the roots in your line as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your pipes. There are chemical ways and natural ways to take care of these roots in your pipes. Vinegar is a natural household cleaner, but can it kill tree roots in a sewer line?

Flushing vinegar in combination with salt and baking soda down your toilet can kill tree roots on contact. The fizzing quality of this natural root-killer will enable it to better reach the tree roots growing in your pipes. The roots won’t wash away immediately, however, so you may need to wait to see the effect. If widespread damage has occurred to your sewer line, you may need to call in a plumber to repair it.

We’ve listed some signs that tree roots could be the cause of your toilet troubles, and we’ve also included tips for keeping your sewer line in working order.

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Signs There May be Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line

If you have an older home with older sewer lines, it is very likely that your pipes are made of clay or other porous materials. If trees are planted too close to the sewer line, this could be a recipe for disaster! A porous pipe material will allow tree roots easy access to a water source. The trees may thrive on the surface, but underneath the ground, your pipe may be suffering. As the roots continue to dig deeper into your pipes to search for more water, they will also grow thicker. This can cause a pipe to clog, leak, or even break.

Modern-day PVC has much tighter connections than older sewer line models. Also, its material is non-porous making it a much more root-resistant type of pipe.

If tree roots are at the root of your sewer line problems, you may notice some of the following signs:

  • Slow draining lines
  • Backed-up toilet
  • A bad odor
  • Low water pressure
  • Green grass patches

How to Make a Vinegar Root-Killing Solution

To make your foaming tree root killer, you should use equal parts of vinegar, salt, and baking soda. You can mix it up and then quickly pour it into your toilet before the fizz dies down. Or, you can pour in the baking soda first and then quickly add the vinegar and salt if you don’t want to risk the solution creating a mess on your bathroom floor.

This is an eco-friendly solution that should work effectively to kill tree roots growing in your line. Since roots usually enter from the top of your sewer line, the fizz action will allow this solution to reach the roots at the top of your pipe. As the roots die, they will flush away. This solution can clear out some of your clogged lines, but a plumber’s eye will be able to tell you if the roots have left you with any permanent damage.

Preventing Roots from Growing Into Your Line

Plant wisely

When you are designing your landscape, it is wise to keep in mind where your sewer lines are located to prevent a problem later down the road. You can choose shallow-root flowers and plants if your bed is close to a sewer line. Also, when you are choosing trees, you can research how large the root system will become.

Set boundaries

If you have an older home with established trees and plants, you may find that over time established trees and plants reach your sewer line. Aside from removing the original landscaping, you can protect your pipes with root barriers that can prevent or at least delay roots from getting too close to your line. You can use either metal or wood barriers that are buried at least 6 inches lower than your pipe to keep roots out.

Regular maintenance

Regular maintenance is important for keeping your lines in working order. Some plumbers suggest cleaning your lines as often as every 18 months. You can also keep your sewer lines in good working order by watching what you put down the drains. Using the vinegar root-killer solution from time to time can help keep your pipes clean.

If Tree Roots Aren’t the Problem, What Is?

While tree roots are a common reason for your sewer line to act up, this isn’t the only reason you may be experiencing clogged drains. Other reasons for a slow-draining sewer line include:

Pipe damage

Although tree roots are a common cause of damaged pipes, they are not the only culprit! Any type of pipe damage can make it difficult for water to get through. A plumber can locate your problem and repair or replace your line.

A sagging line

Lines can begin to sag when the soil shifts. This can cause a portion of your sewer line to lose its support and dip lower than the rest of your pipe. When this occurs, it can be more difficult for your pipe to drain properly. This problem is also known as a “bellied pipe.”

Flushing debris or grease

It is important to avoid flushing any foreign waste down your toilet as this can clog your line. Paper towels and grease are should not be disposed of in a toilet. Paper towels are too thick to dissolve easily and grease can solidify in your line and create blockage.

A full septic tank

If you have a septic tank that hasn’t been emptied or treated recently, your toilet may back up as a result.

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Related Questions

How long does a sewer line last?

Your sewer line’s life span will vary according to its material. PVC is considered the most durable type of sewer line and can last over 100 years. Clay, cement, and cast iron pipes can resist up to 100 years. Orangeburg has the shortest lifespan at about 50 years.


What is trenchless sewer repair?

Trenchless sewer repair is a minimally invasive technique to replace or repair your line without digging up your yard, slab, or tiles. This method is much faster than a traditional method and doesn’t require digging a trench for your line. Structural pipelining and slip lining both fall under the category of trenchless sewer repair.


Is a vinegar cleaner safe to use in a septic tank?

While bleach and ammonia are harmful to the good bacteria in your septic tank, both vinegar and baking soda are safe to use. Vinegar and baking soda can help to dissolve build-up and scum in your septic tank while allowing the good bacteria to continue to do its job.

Alex Praytor
Alex Praytor

Alex Praytor is a native Texan who got her degree in English Literature and decided to travel the globe. She finds the architecture and design of homes across cultures fascinating. In her spare time, she visits coffee shops with her family and creates projects for their own home. Alex enjoys sharing tips on how to keep repairs up to date while turning a house into a home.

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