Roots in your sewer line? What do you do about it? Tree roots in sewer lines are more common than you think. Older homes with mature trees and clay or cast-iron pipes are the most vulnerable. Left untreated, roots can cause blockages, backups, and seriously damage your pipes.
Tree roots invade sewer lines. Let’s find out why, what signs to watch for, and how trenchless technology can help solve your problem.
Why Tree Roots Invade Sewer Lines
Tree roots are always looking for sources of water. Sewer pipes carry wastewater, which is everything tree roots want: warmth, water, and nutrients.
How does it happen? Here’s an overview:
- Small Cracks or Loose Joints: Clay and cast iron pipes develop gaps that allow roots to enter.
- Porous Materials: Clay pipes are not as solid, which makes them more vulnerable to infiltration.
- Rapid Growth Inside the Line: Once they infiltrate your pipe, roots catch grease and debris until the pipe is blocked completely.
Although it’s more common in older homes, tree root intrusion can happen to anyone’s pipes. Be mindful and look out for signs of intrusion.
Signs of Roots in Your Sewer Line
How do you know if tree roots are causing your plumbing problems? Look out for the following:
- Slow Drains: When multiple fixtures, not just one sink or toilet, are having issues, be cautious.
- Recurring Clogs: If clogs keep happening despite snaking, tree roots may be the culprit.
- Gurgling Noises: Strange sounds coming from toilets or drains can be a warning sign.
- Unpleasant Odors: If you’re experiencing strange smells in your yard or basement, you should investigate.
- Soggy Patches or Sinkholes: Look for these near the sewer line path, as they often indicate tree root intrusion.
Not sure if tree roots are the problem? Schedule a professional inspection to find out.
Solutions for Roots in Your Sewer Line
Before you take action, confirm the problem. A professional pipe work contractor in Calgary can do so with a camera inspection. A sewer camera inspection will show you exactly what’s inside your pipes.
Depending on the severity of the issue, the best solutions include the following:
- Hydro-Jetting: High-pressure water blasts roots and debris away, restoring pipe function.
- Root Cutting Tools: Trenchless cutters can slice through rotors inside the pipe.
- Chemical Root Treatments: Safe, targeted products can discourage regrowth following removal.
These methods effectively solve the problem at hand. However, if the pipe is damaged, further repairs are usually required.
Repair Options for Root-Damaged Pipes
If the roots have damaged your sewer line, trenchless sewer repairs are your best option. Consider the following:
- CIPP Relining (Cured-In-Place Pipe): This effectively creates a “pipe within a pipe,” permanently sealing out any roots.
- Pipe Bursting: A new pipe is pulled through the old one, shattering the damaged line as it’s replaced.
- Full Sewer Line Replacement: If the sewer has completely collapsed or is severely misaligned, it may warrant a full replacement.
Trenchless technology is changing the game. These methods are less disruptive, faster, and more affordable than traditional excavation.
Ways to Prevent Roots from Coming Back
After clearing out your line, it’s important to prevent the roots from coming back. Here are our recommendations:
- Regular Camera Inspections: Catch roots before they block your line completely.
- Trenchless Relining: Permanently seals cracks and joints where roots tend to enter.
- Root Barriers: Install these blockers between trees and sewer lines to keep roots away.
- Smarter Landscaping: Avoid planting trees with aggressive root systems near sewer lines.
By following these strategies, you can keep your sewer lines root-free for years to come.
Clear Roots Out of Your Sewer Lines
What do you do about roots in your sewer line? Act sooner rather than later. Roots don’t get up and walk away. Ignoring the problem only leads to backups and collapsed pipes. Mr. Trenchless has solutions to remove roots from your sewer lines. With our modern trenchless solutions, you don’t have to choose between protecting your pipes and messing up your yard.
What are you waiting for? Contact us today before the roots get out of control!
