Root Killer

Tree roots find sewer pipes through a small joint, then grow into a mat that slows the flow and stops it up. This granular root killer works inside the line, where the trouble starts, to kill and dissolve roots and fungus before they cause a stoppage.

It is made for sewer lines and septic tank drain fields. Pour the crystals through a toilet, or for a drain field, send them through the distribution box with enough water to carry them to the roots. It will not harm trees and shrubs outside the sewer, and it will not corrode sewer or drain pipes leading into or out of septic tanks.

It will not harm the bacterial action septic tanks need, and by keeping pipes clear it helps prevent odorous gases.

Highlights

• Kills and dissolves roots and fungus in sewer lines
• Made for sewer pipes and septic tank drain fields
• Granular crystals flush through a toilet
• Will not corrode sewer or drain pipes leading into or out of septic tanks
• Will not harm trees and shrubs outside the sewer

Why treat roots before the line backs up

Roots do not block a pipe overnight. They creep in at a joint, thicken and catch paper and grease until the water drains slowly. Treating while water still flows keeps the line open and can mean less rodding later.

Apply it at night, when water use is low, so the crystals have time to work before the morning showers and dishes.

At a glance

How to use it

Treat before roots become a full blockage. Read and follow label directions first.

1. Apply before retiring at night, when utility use is low.
2. Pour one third of the crystals into a toilet bowl and flush immediately. Flush repeatedly until all the crystals have gone down, then repeat with the rest.
3. For a serious or complete blockage, rod the line first so some flow gets through, then treat.
4. For a septic drain field, use the distribution box and add enough water by hose or pail to carry the crystals to the point of root penetration or blockage.
5. Do not apply through tub or sink drains.
6. Retreat no sooner than every 6 months, and never exceed 0.5 lb of metallic copper per application.

Good to know

Wear long sleeves, long pants, shoes and socks, goggles or a face shield, and chemical-resistant gloves made of waterproof material. Avoid breathing dust, and wash thoroughly before eating, drinking, chewing gum or using tobacco.

Store in the original container, in a place children and pets cannot reach. Keep the crystals dry and the container closed between uses.

Calm weather with no rain expected for the next 24 hours keeps runoff from washing the product away. It is toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates, so keep it out of storm drains, ditches and surface water.

Empty containers cannot be refilled. Put them in the trash or recycling if available, and never pour unused product down any drain.

About Hi-Yield

Hi-Yield is a registered trademark of Voluntary Purchasing Groups, Inc. Its brands have proudly served independent merchants for over 50 years, and the line covers weed killers, fertilizers, fungicides and insecticides for home lawns and gardens.

Cautions

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

DANGER: Corrosive. Causes irreversible eye damage. May be fatal if swallowed. Harmful if absorbed through skin. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Avoid with skin. Wear long-sleeved shirt and long pants, shoes and socks, goggles or face shield and chemical-resistant gloves made of waterproof material. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating, drinking, chewing gum, or using tobacco. Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse. Avoid breathing dust.

This pesticide is toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. Drift and runoff may be hazardous to aquatic organisms in water adjacent to treated areas. To protect the environment, do not allow pesticide to enter or run off into storm drains, drainage ditches, gutters or surface waters. Applying this product in calm weather when rain is not predicted for the next 24 hours will help to ensure that wind or rain does not blow or wash pesticide off the treatment area. Sweeping any product that lands on a driveway, sidewalk, or street, back onto the treated area of the lawn or garden will help to prevent run off to water bodies or drainage systems.

Get ahead of the next backup, and treat before roots find the line.