RootX – The Root Intrusion Solution – Foaming Root Killer
RootX® is the original, simple, and fast non-metal sodium foaming root control solution. RootX comes in a very easy-to-use powdered formulation. It foams on contact with water to kill roots, inhibits regrowth, and restores pipe flow capacity.
The patented RootX® Formulation produces foam on contact with water, filling the entire pipe to reach the top where 90% of pipeline root intrusion occurs. From start to finish, a single RootX application takes less than 30 minutes, whether you are working with main or lateral lines.
The active ingredient in RootX is the aquatic herbicide Dichlobenil which has been used for years to control aquatic weeds. Root-X contains surfactants, degreasing agents that strip away the grime on roots, allowing Dichlobenil to penetrate the root’s ends. RootX is labeled for use in both sanitary and storm pipes and is not a restricted-use product. RootX will not harm pipes, septic systems or above-ground vegetation.
Why use RootX for clearing roots?
- Use RootX simply because it is a proven treatment method and the best solution for root intrusion.
- RootX promotes bacterial growth that assists in the decomposition of dead roots. For over a decade, thousands of municipalities and Professional Drain Cleaners have relied on RootX for their maintenance solution.
- RootX is registered for use in all 50 states as well as Canada, and it’s classified as a General Use product by the Environmental Protection Agency.
- RootX is not for use in septic systems in the state of Florida.
The Root Intrusion Solution
Roots can clog pipes causing blockages and sewer overflows.

RootX removes virtually all the roots, restoring pipe flow capacity.
How much RootX do I need?
RootX vs. Enhanced mechanical root cutting
Mechanical root cutting is an immediate and short-term solution to relieving pipeline blockages caused by root intrusion. However, cutting roots is like pruning a tree; it stimulates even more vigorous and destructive root growth in the remaining roots. The newly grown roots can fully clog your pipe again, in just a short period of nine months.
Treating pipes with RootX not only kills all the roots on contact, it also leaves a thin layer of herbicide on the pipe walls to prevent roots from coming back. After treating the lines with RootX the growth of new roots is much slower and less destructive to the pipe.
If this is the first time you are treating a pipe, or if it is completely blocked, it makes sense to use mechanical cutting. Call your local plumber/sewer and drain cleaning professional to remove the root mass and restore pipe flow right away. However, you can kill any remaining roots in the line and slow down re-growth by applying RootX immediately after mechanical cutting.
It’s important to apply RootX either within the first hour after cutting or wait for 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 treat with RootX the better.
Drainage Solutions LLC is a National-level Authorized RootX Distributor/Affiliate