Tree roots are drawn to water sources underground, making sewer lines an irresistible target. Even the tiniest crack or loose joint in a pipe can release moisture and nutrients that attract roots like a magnet. Over time, these roots can invade your pipes, expanding and causing blockages, leaks, or even complete pipe collapses.
If you suspect that your sewer system is being compromised by tree roots, this guide will help you take action to protect your home.
How Do Tree Roots Grow Into Sewer Lines?
Trees naturally grow their roots toward moisture, nutrients, and oxygen in the soil. If your sewer line has small leaks or weak joints, it creates an environment rich in all three, drawing roots toward it. Once roots find a crack or joint in the pipe, they begin to infiltrate. They can wiggle through the smallest gaps and expand within the pipe.
Inside the sewer line, roots thrive on the water and organic waste flowing through the pipes and grow rapidly, forming dense root balls. With time, the pressure from root growth can lead to cracks, leaks, or even the collapse of the sewer line. This may eventually require extensive repairs, such as a sewer line replacement, to resolve the issue.
Signs of Tree Root Damage in Your Sewer Line
Tree root damage doesn’t always make itself obvious right away, but there are several telltale signs you can look out for:
- Slow Drains: If multiple drains in your home are running slowly, it could mean your main sewer line is clogged by tree roots.
- Frequent Clogs: A home with tree root damage often experiences recurring clogs, especially in toilets or lower-level drains.
- Unpleasant Odors: Cracks or breaks in sewer pipes caused by tree roots may release foul odors into your yard or home.
- Soggy Patches in the Yard: Wet or unusually lush patches of grass can indicate a leak in your sewer line caused by invasive roots.
- Gurgling Sounds: Strange gurgling or bubbling sounds from your drains might signal a blockage or damage in your sewer line.
- Sewage Backups: One of the most severe signs of tree roots growing into sewer lines is sewage backing up into your home.
How to Prevent Tree Roots From Growing Into Your Underground Pipes
The best way to tackle tree root damage is to stop it from happening in the first place. Here’s how to protect your pipes from root intrusion:
Be Mindful of Tree Placement
When planting trees, consider the location of your sewer line. Avoid planting trees with aggressive root systems near underground pipes. Tree species to avoid in this case are willows, maples, and oaks. Opt for smaller, less aggressive species if planting near your home.
Replace Old Pipes
Older sewer pipes, such as cast iron or clay pipes, are particularly vulnerable to tree root intrusion because they are more likely to develop cracks and leaks. Replacing outdated pipes with modern materials, such as PVC or HDPE, can provide a long-term solution to prevent tree roots from penetrating your sewer line.
While replacing your pipes may seem like a significant investment, it can save you money in the long run by reducing the risk of extensive damage and costly repairs.
Schedule Routine Inspections & Maintenance
Regular inspections are crucial for catching potential issues before they escalate. A professional plumber can inspect the inside of your sewer line and identify any early signs of damage, such as small cracks that could leave your piping vulnerable to roots.
Periodic maintenance, such as hydro-jetting, can also help clear debris and keep your pipes in top condition. By addressing minor problems early, you can stop tree roots from taking hold and avoid more extensive damage to your sewage system.
Call a TKO Professional for Sewer Line Problems
When your sewer lines clog or malfunction, tree roots are a common cause but not the only possibility. Before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to have your sewer line inspected by a professional plumber.
At TKO Plumbing Services, we use advanced tools, such as sewer cameras, to accurately identify the source of the problem. If the issue isn’t tree roots, we can provide hydro-jetting services to clear debris, grease, and other blockages from your pipes.
If roots are the cause of the damage, our team can carefully remove the tree roots and repair the pipe or perform a sewer line replacement if necessary. No matter the solution, we’ll work carefully to minimize the impact on your landscaping while bringing your sewer system back to working order.
Contact us today to schedule a sewer camera inspection or learn more about how we can help you avoid tree roots growing into your system and causing an array of issues.
