Preventing Tree Roots from Causing Damage to Pipes

Large, mature trees are a wonderful feature on a property. They provide shade, beauty, and endless entertainment. Sadly, they can also wreak havoc on your plumbing system.

Tree roots naturally seek out water sources, nutrients and oxygen, and find them in abundance in your sewer lines. How do they find them? Warm water seeps out of the sewer pipes through small cracks or loose joints, causing it to moisten the soil. The roots are drawn to the warmth; grow toward it, and ultimately through the opening to reach the nutrients and moisture inside the pipes. Once a tree root has penetrated a pipe, it will continue to grow. Eventually, it will fill the pipe completely, blocking the flow and preventing anything from making its way through it, including water, tissue paper, and other waste.

The first sign of trouble is often gurgling noises coming from your toilet, and a slow flow of the drains. These are both good indicators you have something preventing your pipes from flowing easily. Don’t ignore them. If left untreated, the problem could cause a total blockage of your sewer line, and collapse your pipes.

While we could recommend you avoid planting trees near your waterlines, we know most mature trees on your property might have been planted long before you arrived. When strategic landscaping is not an option, the best prevention is regular maintenance.

To prevent major repairs, it’s wise to schedule regular cleanings of your sewer lateral pipe. One of the skilled professionals at Raider Rooter can perform a video inspection of your sewer line. Call us at 866.6RAIDER with any questions you might have regarding tree roots in your sewer line, or any other plumbing system needs. With years of experience servicing Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade, our goal is to provide quality service at affordable prices.