When Nature Invades Your Pipes: The Hidden Threat of Tree Roots in Your Home’s Sewer System

Picture this: you’re enjoying a peaceful morning when suddenly your toilet won’t flush properly, your drains are backing up, and there’s an unpleasant odor wafting from your bathroom. While these symptoms might seem like typical plumbing problems, they could indicate a more serious issue lurking beneath your property – tree roots infiltrating your sewer lines, which are one of the most common causes of sewer clogs and can spread into many different areas along your sewer pipe, degrading the overall condition and functionality of your home’s plumbing systems.

Understanding How Tree Roots Infiltrate Sewer Lines

Roots grow in sewer lines because pipes are well-ventilated and provide an excellent water source. While that’s great for plants and trees, it can have a devastating impact on a sewer system. Large trees, with their extensive root systems, are constantly seeking moisture and nutrients to sustain growth. The sewer pipes that carry wastewater from your home to the main sewer line or septic system become an unwitting source of sustenance for these roots.

In old clay sewer lines, drain sections were connected by inserting a non-bell spigot end of the pipe into the hub of the next section and filling the gap with concrete. With time, the concrete deteriorates, and roots grow through the openings and expand, damaging the piping. Roots can also grow through a partially collapsed pipe or even rotted-out cast iron. Deteriorated concrete or rotted-out cast iron is inevitable over time, allowing roots to grow through the openings.

Identifying the Warning Signs

Recognizing tree root intrusion early can save you thousands in repair costs. One of the most common signs of this issue is slow-draining water in your household drains. To test if your water draining issue results from a common clog or something more serious, try checking for draining issues at several different water fixtures. If it happens at every fixture, start investigating for other signs of tree root damage.

Additional warning signs include:

• Foul odors seeping into your home, particularly if every drain gives off an unpleasant smell, indicating your sewer line is a likely culprit
• Gurgling sounds from toilets and drains, which occur frequently when roots are present in your sewer line
• One tree growing faster than others due to feeding on excess moisture from the sewer line, or sinkholes and slight depressions in your yard

Professional Diagnostic Methods

The proper way to diagnose tree roots in sewer lines is by using a video camera inspection service. Sewer cameras help inspect the inside of underground plumbing systems without excavation. A high-resolution, waterproof camera is passed into the sewer line, allowing plumbers to thoroughly inspect the intrusion of tree roots and the damage caused.

One of the benefits of video plumbing inspections is that they allow your plumber to see the cause of the issue in real time. Rather than having to determine the problem through trial and error, a sewer video inspection will conclusively identify the cause and subsequently allow you to take the necessary steps to solve it quickly and cost-effectively.

Professional Removal Solutions

Once tree roots are confirmed in your sewer line, several professional methods can effectively address the problem:

Mechanical Root Cutting

Mechanical root cutting, also known as robotic cutting, lets a plumber use a robot with cutting arms and a camera to remove roots from a sewer line. The robot and camera are inserted into the sewer line and operated by a plumber remotely. Once inserted, the robot’s cutting arms shear through the roots to address the issue.

Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting is a powerful technique that can be used to address tree roots and other clogs in your sewer line. Sewer jetting consists of a high-pressure water pump, water tank, hose reel, and ½-inch to 1-inch sewer cleaning hose. A sewer jetter is a great tool to remove piled-up root debris that remained in the pipe after using a root cutter.

Chemical Treatments

Chemical solutions can deliver effective results, using copper sulfate to kill the roots. Another chemical commonly called foaming root killer dissolves roots in your sewer line. However, while chemical treatments will kill roots and prevent them from growing if used consistently, they won’t immediately solve the problem. First, you have to mechanically clear the blocking to ensure that chemicals can effectively flow through the sewer line.

Long-Term Solutions and Pipe Repair

For severe cases, professional services like pipe lining or pipe bursting may be necessary. Pipe lining involves installing a new pipe within the existing damaged one, creating a sealed barrier that prevents roots from entering. Pipe bursting involves breaking the old pipe and replacing it entirely. While these options are more invasive and costly, they offer a permanent solution to recurring root problems.

Prevention Strategies

Tree root removal and sewer line repair can be costly, so prevention is the best option. Effective prevention strategies include:

• Proper tree selection and placement – consider trees with shallow roots. Most fruit trees, magnolias, palmettos, and certain cedar and cypress trees pose very little threat to your pipes
• Keep trees at least 10 feet away from the sewer line, as this takes longer for the roots to reach the sewer line
• Installation of root barriers around trees when they are planted, which direct the roots to certain areas and help prevent unruly growth into your plumbing
• Regular sewer line inspections every two years, especially if you’ve had issues in the past

When to Call Professional Help

For Suffolk County homeowners dealing with tree root issues, professional intervention is often necessary. AAA Dependable cesspool is a local, full service, professional Sewer and Drain Cleaning Company, and the premier Long Island cesspool service. With over 15 years of professional drain cleaning and cesspool experience, AAA serves Suffolk County regarding various cesspool pumping needs.

When you need reliable aaa sewer and drain cleaning services, it’s crucial to choose a company with proven expertise. AAA Dependable Cesspool is located in Suffolk County and Licensed with Suffolk County Consumer Affairs, ensuring they meet local standards and regulations.

AAA Dependable Cesspool, Sewer & Drain takes care of cesspool and septic problems fast, 24 hours a day! From maintenance and drain-clearing services that prevent devastatingly expensive headaches to brand-new installations – you get a top-rated service supported by hundreds of 5-star reviews, a BBB A+ rating, and prices that can’t be beat.

The Bottom Line

Tree roots in sewer lines represent a serious threat that can lead to expensive repairs if left unchecked. With regular maintenance and effective removal methods, they can be managed or prevented altogether. Recognizing the signs of root infiltration and understanding the best treatments can help homeowners keep their sewer systems clear and functional. Whether through DIY root killers or professional intervention, addressing the issue early can save you from costly repairs.

Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a major disaster. If you’re experiencing any signs of tree root intrusion, contact a licensed professional immediately to assess your situation and recommend the most appropriate solution for your specific needs.