Roots in the Toilet - part 1

Greg diagnoses and then cures a toilet infected with roots, probably from a Palm tree not far away.
This entire house had flooded due to the combination of the roots clogging the drain and the flush lever sticking.

This video covers diagnosing the problem and explaining exactly what happened. Also real time demo of removal of the toilet without getting the floor wet or injuring your back., discovery and removal of roots in the drain pipe.
Part 1 of 2
See part two for how to prevent roots from ever getting into your drain pipe and reinstalling the toilet. Also a permanent fix for the flush lever so that it does not stick again.

For more videos, podcasts and information go to http://DIYplumbingAdvice.com

Music by Jon Hasz of Ramona Music Center-http://www.ramonamusiccenter.com

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• plumbing
• ramonas
• plumber
• toilet
• roots
• how to
• unclocg
• flush
• lever
• flapper
• wax
• ring
• drain

[danseman1]

I have a friend who moved out of state and left his house abandoned for a few years. It seems he had a root problem and now he has growth actually coming out the top of the toilet. He had a small leak that kept the roots supplied with water. He will have to pull the pipes to solve the problem. A real disaster!

[ramonasplumber]

@danseman1 No need to pull Pipes, cable clean, then camera, see where roots get in then dig to that point and fix. I have more if needed

[WTFFTW2012]

I am not a Plumber but, was surprised to see that there was indeed a root growing in that same way today while attempting to fix my Ma's crapper. I thought it was a simple fix (wax ring, flange replacement) but found that big root. This should be some kind o FUN!

[ramonasplumber]

@WTFFTW2012 Plumbing is fun! I have some stories on this site to read if you are into it....

[supertrex2]

That would scare the shit out of me if I have never seen this video and encounter it!

[ramonasplumber]

Why , the roots are not reaching up, they are going down as per gravity requirements and flow of water. The scary thing about this for me is not knowing if this condition exists and I clear the bowl using an auger and the tip of the auger gets stuck on the roots and I cant pull it out ! and all I quoted to the customer is $125 for augering the blockage and I need to pull the bowl just to get my auger back! I f you want some scary stuff check out my "stories" hyper link

[danseman1]

Greg, You did a great job on the video. I just pulled my girlfriend's toilet today to find it full of roots. I told her what I had done to fix it. When she came home she did some research and found your videos.She a curious sort. She asked if I had seen them because I did what you did. I watched and am pleased to say we think alike. I packed a lot of the crystals in the voids caused by the roots.My root structure was 4 inches in diameter and 18 inches long. Really thick. Thanks again.

[ramonasplumber]

Plumber reply, I am sorry the channel locks get lubed that way and the excess wipes off. I was a bit unprofessional not using a putty knife, for that I am sorry. I do use wax on my locks, try it sometime, the water exposure rusts them and you know how they bind.. not with bowl wax! and Oh my God is spelled OMG! Tottally thank you for your comments, I will use a putty knife next time Greg

[zenobuff]

Oh my God. BUY A PUTTY KNIFE, you just ruined a fine pair of ChannelLocks!