How to Prevent Tree Roots From Destroying Your Sewer Line

Naturally, trees and shrubs grow toward sewer lines. The reason pipes are filled with a source of the water, nutrients, and oxygen that roots crave. And when a root finds a leak, it will very quickly grow into the pipe. Over time this growth will inhibit the flow of waste, causing blockages, broken pipes, and other serious headaches for homeowners.

Also, sewage leaks are unsanitary and lead to many health problems, and repairing the expensive damage caused by the roots can cost thousands of dollars. That being said, you can avoid costly repair bills by taking a few precautionary measures when planting shrubs/trees and maintaining pipes.

Locating Your Sewer Lines

Barriers Between Trees and Sewer Lines

There are several types of barriers are available to control root growth into sewer lines. You can also spread slow-release chemicals, such as copper sulfate and potassium hydroxide, which are commonly used in residential yards. Use these growth inhibitors near the sewer line to prevent root growth in the area. Another technique is to use metal or wood barriers buried 6″ to 12″ inches deeper than the pipe and running alongside next to sewer lines will also stop roots from getting near pipes.

Trees and Shrubs Selection

It pays to be smart about how you plan to landscape. It is the best way to avoid problems and expensive repair bills. You’ll want to limit the number of plants you place close to sewer lines. If you do plant large trees, plant them far enough away from sewer lines so the roots are not within reach of the pipes. If you do decide to plant near sewer lines, make sure you select slow-growing species with a small root ball.

Signs of a Clogged Drain

Unfortunately, main drain clogs do happen. For less common clogs, there are easy solutions to clear a drain that most homeowners can use. But if your drains seem to clog frequently, it may be a sign of a bigger problem in your main drain. Root damage to sewer lines can lead to repetitive clogs, and overflowing, and slow-flowing drains, sometimes accompanied by a gurgling noise from the toilet and other drains.

Inspection and Drain Clearing

If you are unfortunate and have recurring drain clogs, they are difficult to clear and emit gurgling noises, call South End Plumbing to have the drain and sewer lines inspected.

Our technicians can inspect your drainpipes by running a camera probe through them to locate damaged areas and even record the video. Once the inspection is done, the plumber will make recommendations. For those areas with major tree-root damage, the lines may need to be dug up and replaced.

You can avoid major sewer repairs, clean sewer lines regularly, and inspect the structure of the pipes. Regular maintenance and clearing of the lines prevent root growth inside the pipes. Main sewer line maintenance involves threading a cable through the sewer pipe that cuts through any clogs or tree roots and cleans the sewer pipe to the inner walls.

South End Plumbing specializes in Sewer Jetting, so remember, we are just a click away. We also specialize in leak detection – give us a call! South End Plumbing is one of the only companies that will give you a free estimate. Call us at 704-919-1722 or fill out the form online to schedule a visit.