RootX RootX is a simple cost effective and proven way to kill pipeline roots in sewer lines, storm pipes, and septic systems. RootX uses the aquatic herbicide Dichlobenil. It’s non-caustic, non-fumigating and non-systemic, and it contains no diquat dibromide, copper sulfate or metam sodium. RootX is classified as a General Use product by the Environmental Protection Agency, and it’s registered for use in all 50 states

Foaming RootX kills roots
The RootX formula foams on contact with water. The RootX foam acts as a carrying agent, lifting the herbicide to the top of the pipe where 90 percent of pipeline roots grow. Degreasing agents strip away grease and grime so the active ingredient can penetrate to the roots, killing the roots on contact. RootX promotes bacterial growth to speed the decay and natural removal of roots. The foam also leaves a thin layer of the RootX herbicide on the pipe walls to help prevent re-growth.

Enhances mechanical root cutting
Mechanical root cutting is an immediate and short-term solution to relieving pipeline blocks caused by root growth. But, cutting roots is like pruning a tree, it stimulates even more vigorous root growth in the remaining roots. That means new root growth can fully clog your pipe again in just a few months.

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 is much slower and less destructive to the pipe.

If this is the first time you’re treating a pipe or if it is completely blocked, it makes sense to use a mechanical cutting method to remove the large root mass and restore the pipe flow. You can kill any remaining roots in the line and stunt any regrowth longer by applying RootX immediately after mechanical cutting.

It’s 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 you apply RootX 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 you can treat with RootX, the better.

Once you’ve put your pipelines on a maintenance program with annual Root treatments, you should be able to eliminate mechanical root cutting in most cases.