Trees are good for the environment, but at what cost? Too often, tree growth comes at the expense of your drainage lines. As the tree grows, its roots reach out for water and nourishment. This will undoubtedly bring tree roots into touch with drains, and the latter will ultimately come out on top. In their never-ending hunt for nutrition, tree roots can twist and shatter your drainage pipes.
Even a little break or leak in your pipes may attract encroaching roots, and a tree root can spread into your pipes and cause severe damage in less than two years. However, it is advisable not to wait so long before addressing the issue since the longer you wait, the more damage occurs and the more expensive it is to fix.
What happens underground is frequently out of sight and out of mind. It is invisible, and the warning indications are so subtle that many people are unaware that something is wrong. If tree root infiltration is not addressed in the short term, it can become a severe and costly long-term problem.
Why Tree Roots Are a Plumbers Nightmare
When tree roots get into your pipes, they can grow and create clumps large enough to block them. You have two ways to resolve this issue permanently:
- Option one: to replace and reline the pipes.
- Option two: delete the problematic tree entirely.
Why Are Tree-Damaged Pipes a Common Household Problem?
It is usual for trees to seek out fertile soil places. The liquid in your pipes is a fantastic fertilizer, and tree roots will aggressively seek it out. Even the tiniest opening enables moisture to escape and attracts tree roots. This issue is most frequent during the summer when the weather is hot, and the soil is dry. In the summer, tree roots become more active as they seek water and nutrients.
Roots in Pipes: 8 Signs to Watch Out For
Your plumbing system is made up of interconnecting pipes that are connected to plumbing fixtures in your home. When roots get into pipes, they spread and thicken to the point where they produce serious clogs that no plunger or drain cleaner can cure.
Keep an eye out for any changes in your home’s plumbing system; detecting a problem early will save you money on costly plumbing problems later.
According to A Better Plumber, the following are common signs that you may have a fundamental problem in your sewage line:
1. Sinks and showers drain slowly
When water takes longer to flow from your sinks and shower drains, you most likely have a clog, and the slower the drainage, the more serious the obstruction.
2. Noises such as gurgling or bubbling
Anyone can enjoy the sound of a free-flowing drain. A gurgling sound when flushing the toilet or emptying the sink suggests that water is trying to move through the pipes due to a clog.
3. Backup Toilets on a Schedule
In search of water and nutrition, tree roots may grow into your pipes, harming and obstructing them. A clogged or broken drain can produce a backup in your toilet, resulting in a terrible stench and an uncomfortable sewage mess.
If not addressed promptly, a clogged pipe will trap toilet paper and other debris, exacerbating an already difficult situation.
When waste builds up in your pipes, foul odors will begin to radiate from your drains and permeate throughout the home. These unpleasant odors contribute to undesirable living circumstances.
A clog in your drain pipe can cause a decrease in water pressure, resulting in slow and weak water flow. When the water flow in your home becomes sluggish and weak, it causes a slew of issues, including reducing your shower and washing time and making other water-related household duties more difficult.
Your water bill will undoubtedly rise if tree roots invade your plumbing, producing leaks and clogs. Water is no longer a cheap, readily available commodity; your plumbing system must be kept in peak shape to reduce water waste.
If the grass, trees, and shrubs in your yard are exceptionally green, this indicates that they are getting a lot of nutrients, and the most likely source of these nutrients is your pipes. Green patches in your yard are frequently an indication of structurally weakened pipes.
Soft areas or sinkholes in your yard are a classic sign of pipe damage. If you notice sinkholes in your garden, the most likely culprit is a broken pipe. Tree roots frequently cause substantial damage to your pipes; if this occurs, contact an expert quickly to minimize more harm.
How to Remove Invasive Tree Roots from Your Pipes
When you believe anything is wrong underneath, the best solution is to hire a skilled plumber who can check the pipes using a sewer camera. If the expert determines that tree roots invading the pipes are the source of the damage, you have numerous options.
Chemicals that kill roots
These chemicals destroy the roots, preventing them from growing and inflicting more damage to your pipes.
Poisoning and Removal of Trees
Another alternative is hiring specialists who may poison the tree or remove it entirely. In either case, this will prevent the tree from causing more harm to your pipes.
Pipe Relining and Repair
Your pipes may be repaired and relined by a team of experienced plumbers. Professional plumbers have the supplies, tools, and equipment needed to repair broken plumbing and reline your pipes while keeping trees out of the way.
Key Takeaway
There are many signs that indicate when a tree root has infiltrated your pipes. It is important to look out for these to ensure that they don’t grow and block them. With regular inspections and maintenance, conducted by a team of professional plumbers, it’s a sure bet that your plumbing system will be free from blockages and in tip-top shape.
