Trees love moisture and can increase into buried pipes. Once they invade your sewer line, they cause clogs that lead to sloshy, smelly lawn patches and backup sewage into your house. Fortunately, you can prevent this by taking proactive steps. One should strive for prevention rather than cure.
Replacement
If tree roots clog a sewer line, it can lead to raw sewage backflow into your home. It is a significant health hazard and should be addressed as soon as you notice any signs of trouble. Early symptoms include slow-draining water and gurgling sounds when you flush the toilet. Calling a plumber at this stage can prevent a more severe problem from developing. As roots search for moisture, they seek out any cracks or breaks in the pipes. It’s common in older pipes. These lines are often made of corroded steel and other materials that are vulnerable to infiltration by tree roots. Once the roots penetrate the pipe, they proliferate until a clog forms.
The earliest signs of a clog from tree roots in the sewer line include slow-flowing drains and gurgling noises when you flush the toilet. These early warning signs should be addressed immediately before the issue worsens. The most effective way to stop tree root infiltration is to replace the damaged sewer line. It is a costly project, but it can help prevent future problems and protect your home from the potential for flooding and other issues. If you have an old house with deteriorating pipes, the sewer line repair cost may be worth it to prevent future problems and save money in the long run.
Preventative Measures
A homeowner can take several preventative measures to minimize the risk of tree roots penetrating their sewer line. The first is to ensure that the location of a new or existing tree is far enough away from your sewage and water lines. The next is to create a physical barrier like wood or metal. Another option is to use a slow-release chemical solution that inhibits or discourages root growth. It is particularly effective when the root mass is negligible. The last preventative measure is to have your pipes inspected regularly with a camera by a trained plumbing professional.
Thirsty tree roots seek out any crack or break in a pipe and can grow into the piping in search of water and nutrients. When they invade a sewer line, they can cause clogs, resulting in expensive and messy repairs.
The telltale signs of a root problem include gurgling toilets and floor drains that drain slowly or not at all. These problems will only worsen if left untreated. The good news is that a plumber can address the problem once identified and get things running correctly again. This situation is an example of when prevention is more important than treatment. For this reason, homeowners should look for telltale warning signs and call a plumber immediately when they notice them.
Repairing Damage
Sewer lines attract the water, oxygen, and nutrients tree roots are hungry for. When a pipe cracks or leaks, the roots creep inside and cause a clog that interferes with your home’s drainage system, often leading to sewage backup. The good news is that there are several repair options to address the problem and prevent it from occurring again. The first option to consider is mechanically removing the roots. A professional plumber will send a drill designed to chop away the roots and allow the rest of the pipes to drain freely. However, it is a temporary solution, and the roots will likely grow back.
Another repair option involves using a chemical treatment to kill the roots. It involves sending a poison formulated to kill the problem roots, not the whole tree. It is a temporary solution, as the roots will grow again once exposed to sunlight, but it can provide relief until you can schedule a more permanent repair. Finally, you can have the line relined with an internal plastic pipe. It is expensive but will prevent root intrusion and keep your drains flowing smoothly.
Chemical Treatments
Tree roots penetrate the tiniest cracks in your sewer line pipe, looking for water and oxygen. Once inside the pipes, they can absorb wastewater and cause clogs, leading to severe problems for your home and property. If you think tree roots are invading your sewer line, it’s time to call a plumber. The earliest sign is that your drains slow down and the toilets gurgle when you flush. Eventually, the clogs can get so bad that they prevent water from flowing through the entire line. When you hire a plumber, they will use a camera inspection to determine where the problem lies and the best course of action. Some plumbers may suggest using a chemical treatment to kill the roots and restore flow, while others recommend more permanent measures like root removal or pipe replacement.
Unlike chemical treatments, which offer short-term fixes, more permanent options are guaranteed to solve the problem for good. They’re also less disruptive to your landscaping and home since they won’t involve digging up your entire yard or street. Professional plumbers are equipped with the know-how, equipment, and abilities needed to carry out these tasks safely and by all relevant environmental and safety laws. Furthermore, their experience will enable them to determine which approach is most appropriate for your particular circumstances.