Trees are a wonderful addition to any home’s landscaping – they are attractive, provide shade and protection from the elements, and even filter water, minimise erosion, and reduce greenhouse gases! However, despite all of these advantages, there is one drawback: tree roots can penetrate sewer lines and cause blockages. Problems with your plumbing can lead to basic concerns, which in turn lead to more costs for repairs. To avoid burdening yourself, you need to know how to block tree roots from entering sewer systems.
Determine the location of the sewer line using sewer camera
Using a sewer camera to look at the inside of your sewer pipe is the fastest way to find out if tree roots have made their way into your sewer system.
Using a sewer camera to inspect the sewer line can provide you with peace of mind and alert you to any problems. If roots have infiltrated your sewer line, you’ll be able to see them grow inside the pipe in real time, allowing you to plan ahead and avoid further damage.
The Effects of Tree Root Sewer line Infiltration
If you have plants in your yard, they can grow because your sewer line has the right ingredients for them to thrive. Roots grow toward the pipe when there is a crack or leak in it. When they get bigger, they will burst through the sewer line, which will stop the flow of waste and debris. If you don’t fix the problem, the roots will make clogs and leaks that are hard to get rid of. Infiltration and the buildup of debris can weaken pipe joints, which can lead to costly repairs. Leaks in the sewer line can flood parts of your home with waste water, which could be harmful to your health.
The tree roots can still get into sewer lines even if there aren’t any leaks. Even if there is a crack, they can still get in. It’s more likely for tree roots to get into old pipes, like the Orangeburg piping. Water can get into the pipes in Orangeburg, which makes it easier for roots to burst through and get into the pipes.
Warning Signs for Sewer Lines
Tree roots in sewer lines can be costly and cause extensive damage. However, there are a few things you can keep an eye out for in order to prevent yourself from getting into trouble.
- Slow Drains.
- Toilets and floor drains are making gurgling noises.
- recurring unexplained clogs
- Your lawn has soggy indented patches of grass.
- unpleasant odour
Root intrusion signs in your sewage line
Skilled plumbers use sophisticated tools to detect clogs and leaks, but signs of infiltration can still be detected. When you suspect there is a problem, it is best to consult a certified plumber for immediate repairs.
If you have root infiltration in your sewer line, wastewater can back up into your sink and bathtub. One or two cases of clogging do not always indicate root infiltration. However, if you have frequent blockages, it is often a sign of underlying drainage issues. Slow drains are another common symptom, where the water in the sink takes a long time to drain. When you have slow drains, you may also hear gurgling noises from the toilet.
You may also notice a bad odour in your home. Because of the blockage, water stagnates and bacteria thrive in the sewer. A strange odour is a sure sign that your drain problems have progressed. There is a high possibility that contamination will spread into your home. Sewer blockages can have an impact on your plumbing. Water pressure can be reduced due to clogs and leaks. Flooding from frequent leaks may cause the foundation to sink. All of the water you waste can raise your monthly water bill.
Preventing Tree Root Invasion with Landscape Planning
The possibility of tree root invasion can be minimised by making careful landscaping decisions. Planting trees and bushes with non-invasive roots is one option. The roots of some trees, such as the Japanese maple, the Cornus mas, and the acacia, develop gradually over time. As an alternative to this, trees like sycamore and silver maple have fast-growing and aggressive roots. In addition to damaging sewer systems, they can cause damage to driveways, pavement, and even foundations.
Impact Of Sewer Line Barriers On Tree Roots
Another option is to install barriers in your sewer line to keep rootlets from bursting through. The barrier’s aim is to divert the root away from the pipe.
The Use of Chemical Barriers in Sewer Lines
You can use a variety of methods to keep roots from infiltrating sewer lines. Copper sulphate and potassium hydroxide, which are commonly used in residential settings, are examples of slow-release chemicals. Root growth can be prevented by using these growth inhibitors around your sewer lines.
You can use chemical inhibitors to stop roots from growing. Before they lose their potency, formulations can be effective. Reapplication is required on a regular basis to guarantee that no infiltration occurs after the chemical ingredients have broken down. Root inhibitors can also be solid barriers or screens. Putting up barriers entails excavating 18 to 24 inch ditches around the trees and filling them with wood or metal pieces.
The Use of Physical Barriers in Sewer Lines
In addition, instead of using chemicals, you create a physical barrier to keep tree roots from reaching your pipes by burying wood or metal barriers. To prevent roots from entering your sewer line, bury them between 6 inches and a foot deeper than your pipes and run them vertically along the sewer line.
Maintain a Routine Inspection Schedule for Your Sewer Line
One of the possible causes of the sewer backups and sewer blockages you’ve been having is a tree root invasion. The only way to know for sure is to have an inspection done, so do that. A 5-inch concrete slab and soil can hide your sewer line, but that’s not always the case.
There are tools that plumbers have that help them look for leaks in places where you can’t get to. When your plumber does an inspection, he or she will put a special camera with flexible tubing down the main sewer line to see what’s inside. The minimally invasive method can give valuable information about the condition of the pipe without having to dig trenches.
Finding and Fixing a Tree Root Invasion In Your Sewer
Is mechanical drill effective?
Once you’ve determined that tree roots have infiltrated your sewer line, there are several options for repairing it. A mechanical drill can be used by plumbers to break up the blockage. The main disadvantage is that the roots can regrow, but it is a temporary and cost-effective solution that can clear the clog.
Are chemical formulations effective?
Chemical formulations are sometimes used by homeowners to break down clogging. However, such formulations are ineffective against tree root invasions and other difficult clogs. It can also cause pipe damage, increasing the rate of wear and tear and eventually causing leaks.
Hydro jetting
Professional plumbers also recommend hydro jetting as a method. It entails forcing high-pressure water through the pipes. It is a non-invasive, low-cost, and risk-free process for your sewer line. Hydro jetting has the ability to break down debris and tree roots without causing chemical damage to the pipes.
If the invasion of the tree roots is serious, our skilled plumbers can offer various non-invasive, cutting-edge procedures. There is no need to dig up your lawn with trenchless technology. You may relax in the knowledge that your patio and yard will remain untouched.
Certified professional plumbers are equipped with the necessary equipment and experience to resolve plumbing issues. They have the experience necessary to identify any problems with other components of your plumbing. Your plumber may have suggestions for repairing your sewer line.
even through sewer lines are hidden from view, you should be cautious for signs of blockage. Drainage backups can impact negatively on your plumbing system and contaminate other areas of your home. Prompt repairs are crucial to avoiding issues and preserving your home’s health and comfort.