On Tue, 1 Mar 2005 13:29:33 -0800, "Kim" wrote:

As to the root penetration, the cost of replacing the sewer main is
much, much greater than giving the roots a haircut once a year. It
would be a 30-year payback. Neither plumber nor sewer guy suggested
replacing it at this time.

What would the payback be if the toilet backup into the house? (Hint: I had
to replace the bathroom floor, replace the bedroom carpet and underlayment
on my rental.)

I guess that would depend on where your fixtures are. If my toilet
backs up, it won't be because the sewer is running slow. The backup
will appear first in the sump. I will know about it looong before it
gets to that point. It doesn't happen all of a sudden; it's gradual
and I have a water alarm in the sump. Besides, it's a low-flow
toilet.

Now you know where the penetration is so just dig out that portion,
repair/replace and kill the root shouldn't cost that much relative to
replacing the whole main run. I did it myself 10 years ago and no problems
so far. Cost for parts was almost nothing, just a lot of digging since I
didn't know where the penetration was without the benefit of a camera, and
some cutting.

People next door had their main sewer line replaced last summer. The
contractors used a backhoe and ended up with a 6' pile of dirt.
There's no way I could move that much earth myself, even if I knew how
to fix a sewer pipe. Which I don't.

I appreciate the advice, but I had two separate contractors do camera
work and neither indicated that the section should be replaced.

Sue(tm)
Lead me not into temptation... I can find it myself!