Trees are pretty great, right? They’re big, beautiful, and they smell really nice.
But did you know that trees can also be a pain in your sewer system? That’s right. Trees have the power to break your sewer pipe, which can result in major damage and costly repairs.
In this article, we’ll look at how trees cause problems with sewer pipes and how to prevent these conditions from happening in the future. Also, when it’s time to call a professional trenchless sewer line replacement and repair service provider.
How Tree Roots Cause Sewer Line Damage?
Sometimes, when you’re at the bottom of a sewer line, you see a tree root. And sometimes, that root is so big it’s blocking your way.
The thing is, trees are actually pretty good for the environment—they help clean the air and water and keep us from having to worry about global warming. But if those roots start growing into your pipes or drains, they can cause all sorts of problems for you and your neighbors (and for the environment). And, you may need to spend thousands of dollars on trenchless sewer line replacement cost repairs.
Here are the primary ways in which roots infiltrate and affect sewer lines:
Root Penetration
The first-way tree roots cause sewer line damage is… well… penetration. That sounds painful, doesn’t it? And it’s definitely not pleasant for your plumbing system, either. Roots will burrow into the soil surrounding your pipes and create cracks or holes in the wall of your piping—and this can lead to significant leaks within your home’s plumbing system!
Physical Force
Trees and shrubs place stress on the soil around the roots, which causes them to expand outward in search of more space, resulting in a physical force that damages sewer lines and drains.
Blockages
Tree roots might potentially completely block your sewage pipes. This may result in raw sewage backing up into your home, causing major property damage such as mold development and structural damage to your home’s foundation and walls!
Joint Disruption
The joints in your sewer line are important because they allow the pipe to move freely with the ground beneath it. But when those joints get damaged—by tree roots or otherwise—they can create cracks that allow sewage to leak out into your yard or garden.
Leaks and Infiltration
When tree roots grow into your sewer line, they can cause all sorts of problems. They can block the flow of wastewater, which causes a backup and sink overflow. They can also create cracks in the pipe, causing leaks. This is especially common in older pipes that have been around for a while—the roots grow around the pipe and eventually break through it.
Signs of Root Damage on Sewer Lines
The roots of a tree are not only beautiful, but they’re also quite important. They help the tree grow by providing a way to absorb water and nutrients from the ground, and they can even help protect your home against erosion.
But when trees grow near sewer lines, they can damage those lines—and if you don’t take care of it right away, the results can be catastrophic.
Here are some signs that your sewer line has been damaged by tree roots and it’s time to look for “sewer line replacement near me”:
Slow Drains
If your drains are taking longer than usual to drain water from your sinks, tubs, or toilets, this could be a sign of root growth in your pipes. Roots can wrap around and clog up pipes over time—making it harder for water to get through them. This can lead to serious plumbing problems with backed-up sewage and flooding if left unchecked.
Gurgling Noises
If you’ve noticed strange gurgling noises coming from your pipes or drains lately, this could also be a sign that they’re clogged with roots. The sound is caused by air pockets forming in the pipes as water passes through them at high speeds, which are then released as pressure decreases when there’s no more flowing water around them anymore (and thus no longer pushing against them).
Persistent Clogs
If you have a persistent clog in your pipes, it could be due to root damage. Roots can grow through cracks in the pipe and block off the flow of water. If you notice that your toilet is clogged more than usual or that it’s taking longer than usual for your drains to clear, this could be due to root damage. And it’s time to call a professional trenchless sewer repair Columbia County service provider to unclog drains.
Foul Odors
You’ve probably heard a lot about sewer gas and how it smells, but did you know there are other indicators that your lines are not working properly? Sewer lines can emit strange odors like sweet or fruity scents, which is completely normal for a well-functioning line. However, if you catch any strange smells coming from your drains or toilets—even after they’ve been flushed—it could be an indication of root damage.
Cracks in Foundation or Walls
If you notice cracks in your foundation or walls, this could be another sign of root damage on sewer lines. The roots will grow into these cracks and eventually cause them to widen until they become large enough for water to leak through them. Damage like this can also lead to mold growth or other problems within your home’s structure.
Unexplained Greener Patches
It could be that you have a tree growing into your sewer line, or maybe the roots of another plant are working their way through cracks in your foundation or walls. But if you see mysterious green patches on your lawn or sidewalk, it might mean that some roots are working their way through nearby pipes and causing damage—and if they’re finding their way into your sewer line, they could cause major issues the future.
How to Prevent Sewer Damage?
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’ve noticed a problem with your sewer lines—say, the toilet is constantly running, or there’s a weird smell coming from the drain.
You might be wondering what’s going on and whether you have to call in a professional trenchless sewer repair Columbia, Missouri, expert to get it fixed. But wait! We’ll tell you how to fix the problem yourself—and how to avoid it in the future.
So here are some ways to protect your sewer lines from tree roots:
Use root barriers
Root barriers are thin layers of plastic placed on top of the soil surrounding your sewer lines. They’re designed to prevent tree roots from growing into the surrounding area, which helps keep them from damaging your home’s plumbing system.
Use chemicals
If you don’t have time or money for root barriers, try using chemicals instead! There are several products available that actually stun or kill tree roots—this will help keep them away from your pipes so they can’t do any damage.
Plant trees away from your sewer lines
The best way to protect your sewer lines from tree roots is to avoid planting trees near them in the first place. If you’re worried about a particular tree that’s already in your yard, consider planting a different kind of plant next to it—the roots will be less likely to grow into your sewer line if they’re fighting for space with other plants.
Regular sewer line inspections
Root intrusion is an ongoing problem, so it’s important to have someone inspect your sewer line regularly. A professional trenchless sewer Columbia expert can tell you if there are any signs of damage and what steps you need to take next.
Professional assistance
If you notice any strange smells coming from your drains or toilets, call an expert right away for sewer line repair Columbia County! The sooner you can get help from an experienced plumber in Columbia and Mid-Missouri, like Master Tech Plumbing, the better chance there is of preventing serious damage down the road. And while you’re at it? Get those trees trimmed back—they’re just asking for trouble!
Get Your Drain and Trenchless Sewer Lines Inspect By Professionals in Columbia and Mid-Missouri
Tree roots can grow through your sewer line and cause a number of problems for your home. If left untreated, the roots can eventually break through the top of the pipe and cause a leak. The leaks can cause major damage to floors, walls, and foundations, in addition to causing odors from a sewage backup into every room of your home.
It is important to remove tree roots from your sewer lines as soon as possible so they don’t cause further damage to your home.
Don’t let tree roots cause sewer damage in your home!
Call Master Tech Plumbing today to schedule an appointment with one of our professionals who can inspect and repair any damage caused by tree root intrusion into your pipes and help you with a complete repiping solution.
At Master Tech Plumbing, we know how important it is to have a properly functioning sewer system. That’s why we offer trenchless sewer repair and replacement services to Columbia and mid-Missouri residents.
We can help keep your pipelines clear of tree roots and other obstructions so that they work as efficiently as possible. We’ll inspect your drain and trenchless sewer lines to ensure they are in good shape—and if they aren’t, we’ll get them back up to standard!
Our technicians are certified and trained in trenchless technology, which means they’ll use the least invasive method possible when performing repair or replacement work on your drains. Call us today at 573-777-3660 to talk to our sewer repair and installation experts!