What Causes Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line?

One of the most common causes of sewer line blockages is tree roots. Over time, roots from nearby trees can cause severe damage to your sewer pipes, leading to clogs, backups, and, in some cases, total system failure. Understanding why tree roots can invade your sewer line is crucial in preventing such issues from happening. In this blog post, McDonough’s Unclog Drains explains the reasons why tree roots may invade your sewer line and how to address this problem.

Natural Attraction:

Sewer pipes contain the perfect environment for the growth of tree roots. Sewer pipes are packed with moisture, oxygen, and nutrients from wastewater that make them a prime target for thirsty trees. Your sewer line also provides a steady supply of warm water, which tree roots crave when soil temperatures drop below freezing.

Warmth:

Tree roots can invade your sewer line when you have a plumbing system that’s not operating at peak efficiency. When water is too hot, it will not only increase your energy bill but also put stress on the pipes and components. This causes them to expand and contract, which weakens the structure over time.

In Search of Nutrients:

In many cases, tree roots grow into sewer lines in search of nutrients. Sewage is nutrient-rich, and trees can sense these nutrients and grow towards them naturally. Tree roots can also sneak their way into sewer pipes through small cracks or imperfections in the pipes. This can happen when the pipes are old and corroded, or if they were improperly installed. If the roots manage to get inside, they can cause serious damage to your sewer system. The good news is that there are ways to prevent this from happening.

Growing Too Close:

Perhaps the most apparent cause of tree roots in your sewer line is the proximity of the trees to your home. Trees and plants need water and oxygen, and they spread out their root systems through the soil to find these vital resources. If a tree is situated too close to your sewer lines, it can quickly invade your pipes and cause significant damage. There are a number of ways to prevent tree roots from entering your sewer line. If you have a new home or if there are no trees around, then you won’t have to worry about this problem. However, if you have existing trees on your property, then it is important to learn how to protect your plumbing system.

Addressing the Problem:

If tree roots have already infiltrated your sewer line, it’s essential to take action immediately to prevent potential damage and backups. Here are some steps you can take:

Professional Inspection: Contact your local plumbing professionals to conduct a video camera inspection that will identify the extent and location of the root intrusion. This will help you determine if the problem is confined to a specific area or if it has spread throughout your sewer line.

Extraction: If there is no damage, then professional plumbers can use a rooter machine to remove any tree roots from the pipe.

Hydro Jetting: High-pressure water jetting can blast away stubborn roots from your pipes and restore proper flow.

Chemical Treatment: Chemical treatments can kill roots and prevent future growth.

Prevention is key:

Here are some preventive measures to keep tree roots from causing issues in your sewer line:

Assess the placement of plants and trees and avoid planting them too close to your sewer lines.

Remove any trees that may cause potential damage to your plumbing systems.

Flush only toilet paper and human waste down the toilet and avoid disposing of any grease or foreign objects in the drain pipes.

At McDonough’s Unclog Drains, we specialize in clearing sewer line blockages and removing tree roots from your pipes. Our trained technicians have the knowledge and expertise to ensure the longevity of your plumbing system. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Contact us now to schedule an appointment and avoid any further potential damage to your plumbing system. McDonough’s – your trusted partners in maintaining your plumbing system!