Melbourne Newman Plumbing Licensed Sanafoam Vaporooter Applicator
What is Sanafoam Vaporooter?
VAPOROOTER is a combination of herbicides that are placed in sewer lines as a foam for the purpose of eliminating roots and preventing further destruction of sewer pipe caused by live tree roots. Only roots within the pipe and a very short distance outside the pipe are effected. Trees and shrubs immediately above ground are not harmed.
VAPOROOTER is composed of:
- A herbicide which pentrates root cell walls, bursts them and causes the root to die and decay.
- A root growth inhibitor which attaches to surface-active organic material to inhibit further root cell division or growth for approximately three years.
- A surfactant blend which strips away grease and slime from the roots permitting penetration for the formulation into the root mass.
- A foaming agent which provides a durable, fine-textured "vehicle" to carry Vaporooter into maximum contact with all roots and pipe surfaces.
Before Treatment
Vaporooter Applied
After 4 months
The scientific research history of the Vaporooter.
The infiltration of the tree roots in the sewage pipes has been a very destructive, time and money consuming issue for many decades. Traditional methods of clearing the pipes, including root cutting, usually led to costly emergency interventions that sometimes even included replacing or relining the pipes. As the blockages and overflows of the drain pipes recur regularly and the tree cutting solution is effective only in the short run and destructive in the long run, more efficient methods and technologies were needed.
The research in this direction started in 1966, when herbicide treatment was first taken into consideration as a solution for tree root infiltration. The research led at The University of California directed trials with 17 herbicides between 1967 and 1971.
The most effective combination of herbicides, which is currently used in Sanafoam Vaporooter II, was discovered in 1971, and consists of Metham Sodium and Dichlobenil. Although this mixture did soften and kill the invasive tree roots, the method of application was faulty. Initially, plugging the line was the way to introduce the herbicide mix into the problem area – an invasive and inefficient method.
The currently used method was only discovered in 1972 by Fred Horne, who suggested the foaming method, which allows maximum exposure of the root to the herbicide, thus maximum efficacy. Although the method is most aggressive with the invasive roots, it does not affect the surrounding or above-situated plants and roots. Actually, the method and ingredient recipe make a great match, which does not have negative side effects or secondary victims. The biodegradable and non-acid features of the Vaporooter make it environment-friendly.
Plus, the Vaporooter method does leave room for natural processes. After killing the roots, it allows these to naturally decay throughout a period of six months. Due to the natural decay, the clearing of the pipes is not immediate and a retreatment is recommended. Treating and retreating your pipes with the foam gives a long-term solution to a difficult problem. Vaporooter solves the tree root invasion problem, prevents future infiltrations, blockages and overflows and prolongs the life of the drain pipes.
How does Sanafoam Vaporooter II work?
Sanafoam Vaporooter II is a foaming mixture of herbicides which stops and prevents drain line stoppages produced by tree root penetration of pipes. This technology tackles the problems caused by live root infestation by attacking the roots inside the pipe.
The foam containing the combination of Metham Sodium (herbicide) and Dichlobenil (growth inhibiting agent) is introduced in the sewage pipe, so that it can have direct contact with the intrusive roots. The treatment softens and kills the live roots, leaving them to naturally disintegrate within the next six months.
If the pipe blockage is in a very advanced stage and requires the cutting of the roots, a period of at least six weeks should be left between the cutting and the Vaporooter treatment, so that roots have time to regrow.
How can tree roots destroy pipes?
The root cells, which can be microscopic in their first stages of development, look for warmth and humidity so that they can mature. In their search, they discover drain lines, which they can penetrate through extremely small openings and gradually grow inside them.
As the roots mature inside the pipes, they create blockages. One of the least efficient methods of unblocking the pipes is cutting down the roots, which actually leads to a more forceful regrowth.
How can Sanafoam Vaporooter II help save time and money?
Sanafoam Vaporooter II eradicates the roots, while inhibiting their future growth. Because Vaporooter both fixes and prevents, the costs and time spent to unblock the drain lines, make sure the live roots do not grow again and even to replace the lines, are considerably reduced.
Is Sanafoam Vaporooter II environment-friendly?
The Sanafoam Vaporooter II technology does not affect trees and plants surrounding the sewer pipe – only the roots inside or in the very near vicinity of the pipe. The trees and shrubs above the pipe, for example, are not damaged by the treatment.
Plus, the low level of toxicity, as well as the non-acidic and the biodegradable features of the Sanafoam Vaporooter II make it environment-friendly. Being registered with APVMA is a proof of the non-toxicity of the products, as this body evaluates the effect of chemicals on the environment.