Tree root intrusion into sewer lines is one of the most destructive plumbing problems homeowners face. Bienvenu Brothers has been fighting it in Metairie for 89+ years. As a BBB A+ Rated 4th generation family business, we provide sewer root treatment, tree root removal, foaming root killer treatment, preventative root control, root blockage maintenance, root intrusion treatment, sewer line root clearing, and chemical root treatment. We are 100% recommended on Facebook, Loved Locally on Nextdoor, and honored as an Angi Super Service Award winner. Fully licensed (LMP#7214WSPS) with flexible same-day and 24/7 emergency availability. Stop root damage before it worsens. Contact Bienvenu Brothers or call (504) 835-7783 today.

Root Destroyer Treatments Service in Metairie and New Orleans LA

If your drain is experiencing constant clogging, you may need a professional root destroyer treatment. Root destroyer treatments are a powerful and efficient way to remove root growth, hair, food waste, and other organic matter from your drain. Root issues are a common problem in the plumbing industry, and Bienvenu Brothers has extensive experience in ridding homes and businesses of pesky roots. When there isn’t enough moisture in the soil, roots will search for other sources, such as sewers and drains. Plant roots can be incredibly and unexpectedly strong, and they can penetrate and destroy plumbing if not properly addressed.

I highly recommend Bienvenu for ALL your plumbing needs

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“We were in a pinch when our kitchen sink stopped up on a Saturday evening of a HOLIDAY WEEKEND with several out of town guests staying with us. We needed to get the kitchen sink unclogged as soon as possible so I called Bienvenu Brothers Plumbing and they went above and beyond what I expected. They arrived on time, were professional and courteous, answered all of our questions, and most importantly got our sink working again! I highly recommend Bienvenu for ALL your plumbing needs!”
- Rozane Keppner
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What Can Roots Do?

If you suspect you have roots in your pipes, drain, or sewer system, you will want to call a professional plumber for root destroyer treatments. Without proper attention, roots can cause a multitude of issues, including:

  • Damaging piping, leading to contamination of water sources into your home or business
  • Dying and decomposing roots causing a build-up of toxic and dangerous combustible gas
  • Significant and costly pipe damage, leading to leaks and water damage
Expert Tips
- Vint Bienvenu Jr.
When dealing with root destroyer treatments, it's important to remember that prevention is key. Regularly inspect your plumbing system for any signs of root intrusion, such as slow drains or foul odors. Consider planting trees and shrubs away from your sewer lines to minimize the risk of root damage. If you notice any issues, don't hesitate to contact a professional root destroyer service in Metairie, LA. They have the expertise and tools to effectively eliminate root problems and ensure the smooth functioning of your plumbing system.
- Vint Bienvenu Jr.

If you believe you may have an invasive root issue in your plumbing, don’t wait to call Bienvenu Brothers for help. Our root destroyer treatments can quickly and effectively target roots and organic matter, leaving your drains clear and working properly.

How do roots grow in sewer pipes?

A mature tree can add a lot of aesthetically pleasing features to your yard, along with a nice bit of shade for those warm summer months. However, their roots have been known to cause extensive damage to underground sewer pipes. These roots grow through the walls of the pipe, piercing the metal as if it were nothing but paper. When a root grows into the sewer pipe, it can cause blockages and backups. Depending on where the tree is located and where the pipes have been installed, it would not be difficult for the tree to begin growing down our out into the pipes themselves.
You must be careful and speak with an expert technician before installing pipes or planting a new tree where pipes are located.  This is, unfortunately, one of the most expensive sewer maintenance and repair jobs encountered by customers. On private property, the homeowner is responsible for paying for the damages to the pipes.

How Root Destroyer Treatment Works

While our root destroyer treatments seem like magic, they actually consist of a simple process. The root destroyer treatment releases a chemical that is absorbed by the invading root. The agent in the chemical kills the root and prevents it from growing back again. Root destroyer is safe to use around trees, shrubs, and other vegetation that you may have in your yard or on your property. It only impacts the root of the plant that is invading the pipe, leaving the rest of the plant untouched.

If you are in need of root destroyer treatments, contact Bienvenu Brothers today. Call (504) 835-7783 to schedule your appointment with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

A root destroyer treatment is a chemical foaming agent flushed into a sewer line to kill tree roots that have infiltrated through pipe joints and cracks. The foam fills the pipe and coats the root material, killing the roots at the point of intrusion. The dead roots then dry out and are flushed away over time with normal sewer use.
Signs include recurring sewer backups or slow drains, gurgling sounds from toilets and drains, multiple drains backing up at the same time, and sewer odors. The definitive diagnosis is a video camera inspection, which shows root intrusion directly. Bienvenu Brothers performs camera inspections before recommending root destroyer treatments.
Yes. Professional-grade root destroyer treatments used by Bienvenu Brothers are formulated to kill roots without damaging pipe materials including PVC, cast iron, clay, and ABS. The active ingredient targets root tissue specifically and does not affect the pipe walls when applied correctly.
Mechanical root cutting removes existing root mass physically using a cutting head on a sewer snake. Root destroyer treatments chemically kill the roots at the point of entry and inhibit regrowth. Both approaches are effective and often used together — mechanical clearing followed by chemical treatment — for the most thorough result.
The application itself takes approximately one to two hours. The chemical then works over several weeks as the foam contacts and kills root material throughout the treated section. Full results are typically seen within 30 to 60 days as dead roots flush out with normal sewer use.
For sewer lines with confirmed root intrusion, Bienvenu Brothers recommends annual root destroyer treatments as part of a preventive maintenance program. This keeps root growth under control without requiring frequent mechanical clearing or pipe replacement.
No. Professional root destroyer treatments target only the roots inside the pipe at the point of contact. The treatment does not travel up through the root system to affect the tree above ground. The tree will remain healthy while the intrusive roots inside the pipe are eliminated.
Yes. Bienvenu Brothers often recommends root destroyer treatment as a follow-up to mechanical drain cleaning when roots are found during a sewer service call. Mechanical clearing removes the existing blockage; root destroyer prevents rapid regrowth.
Yes. The greater New Orleans area has a dense tree canopy of mature oaks, pines, and other large trees whose root systems actively seek moisture and nutrients in sewer lines. Louisiana's clay soils also hold water near the sewer line longer, creating ideal root attraction conditions. Root intrusion is one of the most common sewer problems we address.
Root destroyer is appropriate when roots have infiltrated through joints but the pipe structure is otherwise intact. If the camera inspection shows significant pipe cracking, collapse, or root mass that has deformed the pipe, repair or replacement is needed. Bienvenu Brothers makes this determination based on the camera findings.
Root destroyer foam is applied through a cleanout or toilet to reach the main sewer line. Bienvenu Brothers selects the appropriate access point to ensure the treatment reaches the affected section of pipe. A cleanout provides the most direct access.
Yes. Managing root intrusion with regular treatments prevents roots from expanding cracks in already-compromised pipe, slowing structural deterioration. While it is not a substitute for pipe repair when structural damage exists, it effectively extends the service life of pipes with minor joint infiltration.
The most common active ingredient in professional root destroyer products is dichlobenil or metam sodium, herbicidal compounds that are effective against root tissue and approved for sewer line use. Bienvenu Brothers uses professional-grade formulations applied in appropriate concentrations for safe and effective results.
Roots can regrow from the same entry points over time as the tree continues to grow. Annual treatment prevents regrowth from reaching blocking levels. A camera inspection after treatment and annually thereafter helps monitor root activity and adjust the treatment schedule.
Yes. Bienvenu Brothers uses video camera inspection to confirm root intrusion and assess its severity before recommending root destroyer treatment. This ensures the treatment is appropriate for the specific situation and that structural pipe issues are not missed.
Professional root destroyer treatments applied in correct concentrations are generally safe for septic systems as the active ingredients break down before reaching the septic tank in most cases. Bienvenu Brothers advises on application method and timing for homes with septic systems.
The foaming action of the treatment expands to fill the full pipe diameter as it travels through the line, ensuring contact with roots at every joint and crack along the treated section rather than just flowing past them along the pipe bottom.
Yes. Commercial sewer lines with root intrusion benefit from the same root destroyer program as residential lines. Bienvenu Brothers provides commercial root destroyer treatments throughout the Metairie and New Orleans area.
Root destroyer treatment pricing depends on the line length and access method. Bienvenu Brothers provides transparent pricing before the service. When combined with camera inspection and drain cleaning, the full root management service is discussed as a package.
Yes. Root destroyer eliminates root tissue inside the pipe, while Bio-Clean enzyme treatment manages organic waste buildup. The two treatments address different types of sewer line problems and work well together as part of a comprehensive sewer maintenance program.
Untreated root intrusion continues to grow as the tree grows. Minor joint infiltration becomes a root mass that restricts flow, eventually causing complete stoppages. Expanding roots also widen cracks in the pipe, eventually causing structural pipe failure that requires excavation and replacement rather than simple maintenance.
For properties with large trees near the sewer line where repeat treatment is expected, Bienvenu Brothers notes the line path and affected sections during the camera inspection. This helps plan future treatments and monitors intrusion progression over time.
A single treatment clears existing root material. To prevent regrowth from reaching blocking levels, an annual maintenance program is recommended. Bienvenu Brothers sets up treatment schedules for homeowners with confirmed root intrusion to stay ahead of the problem.
New Orleans' famous live oaks have extensive, shallow root systems that aggressively seek moisture. Sewer lines within 50 feet of a large oak are at meaningful risk of root intrusion, particularly in older clay or cast iron pipe with open joints. Bienvenu Brothers has 89 years of experience managing root intrusion from this region's specific tree species.
Yes. Bienvenu Brothers serves Metairie, Jefferson, Kenner, River Ridge, Harahan, New Orleans, and all surrounding communities for root destroyer treatments and sewer maintenance services.
Yes. Hydro jetting provides the most thorough mechanical root removal, and root destroyer treatment applied afterward inhibits regrowth. This combination is Bienvenu Brothers recommended approach for sewer lines with significant root intrusion.
Annual root destroyer treatments, avoiding planting large trees near the sewer line, installing root barriers if replanting near the line, and video camera inspection every two to three years are the most effective prevention strategies. Bienvenu Brothers provides all of these services.
Root regrowth depends on the tree species, root system size, and the condition of the pipe joints. Annual treatments applied before roots reach blocking size prevent the recurrence of stoppages. A camera inspection annually helps monitor regrowth and adjust treatment timing.
Retail root killer products are lower-concentration formulations that provide limited results for active root intrusion inside a sewer line. Professional-grade root destroyer treatments applied by Bienvenu Brothers use higher-concentration foaming agents that reach root tissue throughout the pipe diameter. For confirmed sewer root intrusion, professional application is substantially more effective.
We are a BBB A+ rated, 4th generation family-owned plumbing company serving Louisiana since 1937. We confirm root intrusion with camera inspection before treating, apply professional-grade foaming root destroyer to the correct sections, and set up annual maintenance programs to keep your sewer line clear long-term. Our licensed team (LMP#7214WSPS) knows Louisiana's soil and tree conditions better than anyone.

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