What to Do About Tree Roots in Your Drain and Sewer Lines

When drain pipes become clogged, we typically assume the issue is caused by a hairball, food or general gunk build-up. These common household problems can usually be fixed with a simple, DIY solution. However, sometimes obstructions actually occur outside of the home, beneath the ground. 

Tree roots in sewer lines can be the source of severe sewer clogs. Roots grow towards water and other nutrients like oxygen. So, the moment a root senses any moisture, it gravitates to it. If there is an existing crack in the pipe, a tree root may grow through it. The root may even grow thick enough to eventually block the sewer pipe and cause serious property damage.

Over time, pipe fittings can become loose and leave room for tree roots. Clay pipes (used in homes built in the 1970s and earlier) can develop tiny cracks and fissures. Older houses also have trees that have had time to develop complicated root systems beneath the lawn.

As for newer trees, if they were planted after the sewer line was installed, the root may grow around and envelope the pipe. Eventually, the pressure from the root system may break the pipe. This is more common in regions like the southeastern U.S. where soil is expanding and contracting.

So, how do you get rid of these root systems without causing harm to the trees themselves or the environment around them? In this blog, we will discuss temporary, affordable solutions as well as permanent ways to solve your home’s root problems.

Temporary and Affordable Solutions

Cut Roots Out of the Sewer Line

A sewer rooter machine, also referred to as a rooter, is used to cut root growth out of sewer systems. The machine is attached to a cable with a special root-cutting attachment at the end. The cable is fed into the line and spins while the root cutting blades cut the roots.

While this is an affordable, viable approach, it is a temporary one. You can still have cracks in the pipe, so roots may find their way back into your sewer system after time.

Hydro-Jetting

Hydro-jetting is a non-invasive procedure and utilizes a high-pressure water jet to clear out clogs, grease, mineral buildup, debris and any other waste that may be blocking plumbing lines.

The water emitted from hydro jetting is strong, and can be enough to remove some tree root invasions from water lines. To determine whether or not hydro jetting is a solution for tree root invasions in your plumbing systems, consult a professional plumber.

Rock Salt

Rock salt is relatively safe to use in septic systems. One application should be enough to kill tree roots, but using this method consistently can poison the tree itself.

Flushing chemicals down the toilet kills the roots and gets water flowing again, but using chemicals can also kill trees and any nearby vegetation as well as harm wildlife. These products are also only temporary solutions, as tree roots will continue to grow.

Permanent Solutions

When it comes to tree roots, DIY solutions will only prevent the problem for so long. You will most likely need to find a permanent solution with the help of a plumbing professional.

The first thing we recommend at Lenox Plumbing is a camera drain inspection to inspect your sewer line. During the inspection, our technicians utilize a sewer scope, a small video camera attached to a long cable. The technician feeds the camera through the sewer line to look for breaks and blockages; the camera continues until a main sewer line or obstruction is hit.

Once the cause of the blockage is found, we can determine the best plan of action. Typical next steps for permanent solutions include:

• Pipe Repair and Replacement: Based on the extent of damage to the existing pipe, your pipes may need to be replaced. Replacing old clay pipes with more modern materials like PVC can be a great preventative measure.
• Sewer Pipe Lining: Sewer pipe lining is a minimally-invasive, trenchless repair method that creates a new pipe inside your old one. Once it’s complete, the tree roots won’t be able to get back into the pipe.

Get Your Roots Checked Out

Because tree roots can eventually break your sewer line pipes and cause expensive, extensive damage to your home, it’s best to catch the problem early. Typical warning signs of plumbing problems are:

• Gurgling sounds coming from the toilet when you flush
• Slow drains that repeatedly clog up
• Low water pressure
• Foul odors coming from your drains

Tree roots are invisible enemies when it comes to your plumbing’s health. While DIY remedies can make a great temporary root killer, sometimes professional root removal and pipe replacement is the best course of action.

If you think you might have a problem with tree roots in your sewer line, contact us today! At Lenox Plumbing, we offer a wide range of solutions to detect and solve your home’s plumbing problems. We’ll determine if roots are causing your problem, and we’ll find the best solution possible to get your plumbing running like it should.