How to Prevent Tree Roots from Damaging Your Sewer Line

Tree roots may seem harmless, but the result is catastrophic when they're inside the sewer lines! Buried deep inside the ground, sewer pipes carry wastewater from your home to the main sewer system. 

Unfortunately, these lines are an exceptional source of moisture and oxygen for tree roots. As a result, they grow in that direction, causing blockages, clogs, and slow drains. This is one of the most common plumbing nightmares in the U.S.! 

Ultimately, this issue can lead to spending hundreds and thousands of dollars on sewer line repairs and replacements. But here's some good news—you can prevent this problem with some easy and quick preventive measures. 

Need some tips? Well, in this blog, you'll get a complete guide on how to prevent tree root invasion in your sewer lines and what signs to look out for in order to detect problems early on.

Prevent future plumbing problems—consult with an expert today!

Problems Associated With Tree Root Invasion

Tree roots cannot penetrate solid pipe walls, but they do not need to! Every single crack, joint, or space on the pipe is an invitation for the roots to crawl in and start growing. Soon, they will cause the following troubles:  

• Roots Grow Fast and Cause Big Problems: Once inside, roots grow very fast within the pipes, creating blockages that can cause sewage backups, or the pipes may collapse after some time.  
• Health Risks from Sewage Backups: When roots infiltrate your sewer line, there may be a backup of wastewater within your home. This isn't just gross—it's dangerous! Sewage is heavily contaminated with bacteria and chemicals that are dangerous to the skin and eyes and may lead to bacterial and viral infections.  
• Costly Repairs: Left unattended, tree root invasion in sewer pipes can cause severe plumbing issues, which can cost thousands of dollars to repair.  
• Environmental Impact: Leakages resulting from root damage pollute the soil and the groundwater, have harsh environmental implications, and may violate local regulations.

How to Prevent Tree Roots From Damaging Sewer Pipes?

Tree root invasion can give you a headache and keep you busy looking for quick solutions. But with the right strategy and proper preventive measures, you can be a step ahead! So, follow the tips given below to avoid tree root damage in sewer pipes.

1. Plans for Planting Trees

• Do not plant trees or shrubs near sewer lines or septic tanks. The general distance one should keep between trees or shrubs and the sewer lines is 20-30 feet. The more depth of your pipes, the more space you will require.
• Selecting the right type of trees to plant near sewer lines is important. Select the ones that do not have invasive root systems such as willow, elm and maple. Choose trees that have slower growth rates, such as dogwoods or cherry trees.
• Roots should be monitored at regular intervals and should be trimmed whenever they come too close to the sewer line.

2. Install Physical and Chemical Barriers

• Before planting big trees, you should ensure that you have placed underground barriers using materials like metal or plastic. 
• You can pour copper sulfate chemical solution into your drains to prevent roots from growing through the pipes. However, be careful and use it in a limited amount to avoid negative environmental impacts.
• Foaming root killers are herbicides that eliminate existing roots and hinder any new ones from developing within the pipes.

3. Upgrade to Durable Piping Materials

• PVC Pipes: These pipes prevent root invasions in sewer pipes and are more durable than other materials. They are also affordable and have an easy installation process.
• Seal Connections Properly: Tight and strong adhesives and clamps must always be used on pipe joints to avoid leakages. This can prevent the entry of roots inside the pipes.

4. Fix Leaks Immediately

Slight openings can be enough to let tree roots into your sewage system. So, you should: 

• Always check your pipes frequently for any signs of wear and tear.
• Rust /color changes. 

Take immediate action if you find any leaking pipes to minimize the chances of root damage.

5. Schedule Routine Sewer Line Maintenance

• Hydro-jetting: If the roots have already penetrated the pipes slightly, use high-pressure water to remove them. Rely on a professional plumbing contractor in Reno, NV, for this service.
• Video Inspections: A small camera fitted inside your sewer can reveal cracks, leaks, or root intrusion. Keep a routine check with the help of the camera and take actions immediately if you find any tree root invasion inside the pipes.

To perform these preventive tasks, it's best to take the help of plumbing contractor services in Reno, NV. They have the appropriate tools, will follow the safety protocols and have the proper training to do the job.

Signs to Look Out for to Detect a Tree Root Invasion in Sewer Lines

Some of the signs that point out that tree roots have infiltrated your sewer lines are as follows:

• If you are experiencing slow drains, it is high time to check if tree roots have infiltrated your pipes.
• If there are strange noises that come from the toilet or the drainage system, know it can be due to sewer line blockages. 
• Sewage backups into the home will be another thing that will indicate serious sewer line problems.
• In some cases, an area in your yard may appear unusually green and spongy. This can be due to a cracked sewer line that has started leaking.
• Any foul smell from your drain or from within your backyard is a strong indicator that something is wrong.

In case of these signs, do not hesitate to seek help from a professional plumbing repair contractor from Reno, NV, to get the sewer lines checked for tree root invasion.

Takeaway

Don't let tree root intrusion in your sewer pipes ruin your plumbing system! Take precautionary steps by planting trees sensibly, installing root barriers, utilizing durable pipe materials, repairing leaks in time, etc. 

Don't take it lightly because tree root invasion can cause damage to the sewer lines, pose health risks, and lead to costly repairs. 

So, to prevent problems early on, you can also schedule routine maintenance services by calling a professional plumbing contractor in Reno, NV.

Read More About:

• How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped Out?

• Your Plumbing Inspection Checklist – What to Include
• How Do Plumbing Professionals Repair Faulty Trenchless Pipe Lining?

Need Plumbing Contractor Services in Reno, NV? Trust Easy Rooter Plumbing!

At Easy Rooter Plumbing, we offer 24/7 services to our customers to solve their plumbing issues. We have been in business for over 46 years and have built a reputation for providing top-quality service quickly. 

We offer trenchless sewer repair in Reno, too. Our plumbers are licensed and have years of experience in providing plumbing solutions. If you want a plumbing contractor, who offers residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing services, rely on us. 

We provide hydro-jetting for drains, emergency plumbing services, plumbing repairs, etc, to our customers. So, when you're in need of a plumbing repair contractor, reach out to us! Call us at (775) 331-3636 to schedule an appointment today!