Signs Tree Roots Are Ruining Your Sewer Lines

 

Damage Caused by Tree Roots

Tree roots can cause a variety of damage to your home’s sewer line. While their presence is natural and often beneficial to your landscape, they can be invasive when they start to grow unchecked in your pipes. Tree roots tend to be attracted to the moisture leaking from your pipes and if left unchecked, they will eventually invade them and break them down.

The range of damage that can be caused by tree roots includes obstruction of the line, cracked pipes, joints in the lines that are pushed apart, and damaged or blocked drains. Eventually, tree roots can penetrate the pipes and cause them to burst open and cause the line to become unusable.

Tree Root Invasion

Tree roots usually enter the sewer line through structural cracks in the pipe or joints. The roots can easily pierce soft plastic pipes, as well as joints that have become dysfunctional over time. As tree roots grow, they can cause significant damage to the pipe walls, ultimately weakening the structure and leading to pipe failure.

Furthermore, tree roots can clog the pipes and create blockages. This can lead to slow draining of sewage, backups, and possible flooding of the area. If there are multiple roots entering the pipe, these blockages can worsen and eventually cause the pipe to burst.

Finally, tree roots can cause erosion of the soil surrounding the pipe, which can further weaken the structure and cause long-term damage. In some cases, they can even punch through solid concrete or clay pipes and wreak havoc inside the line.

Sewer Line Repair

The most effective way to prevent and deal with tree root damage to your sewer line is to have periodic inspections and maintenance of your lines. If you suspect that your lines are starting to become infiltrated by tree roots, it’s important to call a plumber or sewer specialist as soon as possible. They’ll be able to diagnose and repair the problem right away.

There are a few signs that you can look for to determine whether or not tree roots have started to invade your sewer lines. Clogs or backups that won’t clear, the presence of strange roots emerging from the pipes, and slow drainage are just a few of the signs that you may be dealing with a tree root problem. If you suspect that your lines are compromised, fast and immediate action should be taken.

If a tree root problem is confirmed, the plumber or sewer specialist will be able to recommend solutions to repair or replace the damaged sewer lines. Depending on the severity, the line may need to be portions of it may need to be dug up and replaced. Alternatively, a professional may be able to clear out the lines using high-pressure jetting solutions or other trenchless repairs.

Homeowners should also look to remove trees that are close to their sewer lines as a preventative measure. Removing trees and their root network will help keep them from entering the line in the first place, reducing the need for costly repair jobs.

Overall, it is important for homeowners to be aware of the signs that tree roots are causing damage to their sewer lines. If left unchecked, tree roots can cause considerable damage and have costly impacts on home owners. Quick action is necessary to diagnose and resolve tree root problems in order to maintain healthy and functioning sewer lines.