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Tree Roots in Sewer Lines – Signs and Prevention
October 11,2023

Tree Roots in Sewer Lines – Signs and Prevention

It’s not uncommon for tree roots to break through sewer lines in search of water. Tree roots have a natural inclination to grow toward moisture and nutrients in the soil. Unfortunately, when the roots find their way into sewer lines, they begin growing inside the pipes. If you’ve been experiencing issues like backed-up plumbing fixtures and slow-draining fixtures, you could potentially have tree roots growing in your sewer lines. It’s advisable to schedule trenchless sewer line repair as soon as possible to prevent further issues.

In this blog post, Mr. Rooter Plumbing shares the common signs you have tree roots in sewer lines and what you can do to prevent them from causing havoc in your plumbing.

Signs Of Tree Roots In The Sewer Line

  • Slow Emptying Drains

If your sinks, toilets, or showers are draining more slowly than usual, it could indicate a partial blockage caused by tree roots.

  • Backed-Up Sewer

A sewer backup is a strong indicator of root intrusion. It may lead to sewage backing up into drains or toilets in your home. Once the blockage is bad enough, the wastewater will have nowhere to go but back into your plumbing fixtures.

  • Puddles And Sinkholes

If you notice stinky puddles or a sinkhole in your yard, grab that phone and dial a professional plumbing service. From our extensive experience handling sewer line issues, we’d bet a lot of money that the culprit is intruding tree roots. Once tree roots find their way into sewer lines, the leaking wastewater saturates the surrounding soil around the problem area, and eventually the soil sinks in, causing a sinkhole.

  • Green Patches Of Grass On Your Lawn

Surprisingly, tree roots in sewer lines can promote lush, green patches of grass in your lawn due to the added nutrients from the sewage.

  • Blocked Sewer Line

A completely blocked sewer line can result from extensive root intrusion, causing a complete halt in wastewater flow. A completely blocked sewer line can quickly become a plumbing disaster. It requires professional intervention, hence the importance of calling a trusted plumber on time.

  • Gross Smells Around Your Property

Foul odors around your property can be a telltale sign, as tree roots can damage pipes, allowing sewage to leak and emit unpleasant smells.

If you think you have tree roots in your sewer line, contact a plumbing service that specializes in sewer repair to schedule a consultation.

Prevention

Preventing tree roots from obstructing sewer lines requires proactive measures. Here are some tips to prevent tree root intrusion:

  • Careful tree placement

When planting trees on your property, be mindful of their proximity to sewer lines. Avoid planting large trees with aggressive root systems too close to your pipes.

  • Choose non-invasive trees

Opt for tree species known for non-invasive root systems. Trees like dogwoods, redbuds, or fruit trees typically have less aggressive roots. You can seek professional advice from an arborist.

  • Schedule regular plumbing maintenance

Implement a routine plumbing maintenance schedule. Professional plumbers can inspect your pipes, detect early signs of root intrusion, and take preventive measures before it becomes a major issue.

Don’t Ignore a Sewer Line Problem! Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Sewer Repair

Do not let those pesky tree roots cause a plumbing disaster in your home; call the professional plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing for trenchless sewer line repair in Gloucester. Our plumbers will perform a comprehensive inspection to determine the extent of the damage and perform the necessary repairs.