It is quite simple how tree roots can penetrate sewer lines.
Water roots and oxygen can be found in the smallest cracks of your sewer pipe. Sewer line pipes are a great source of nutrients and water because they carry a lot of water.
This is good news for the tree but not for the pipe.
Any crack, regardless of how small, will result in roots expanding to fill the pipe and cause more damage.
You may notice a slow draining water supply or a gurgling sound during a flush. This is an early sign that the problem is serious. These are signs that tree roots may be clogging your sewer pipe.
How do roots get into the sewer line?
A tree with construction equipment leaning on it to clear roots from the sewer.
Roots seek water and oxygen, as we have already mentioned. Water can flow out of a sewer pipe that has a crack. The leak attracts roots to the area looking for water. The crack is then opened and roots begin to grow through it for water and nutrients.
Also, a loose joint can be a good vantage point for roots that sense moisture and penetrate your sewer pipe.
These roots could come from a tree in your yard, or any other area around your home. Trees within 20 meters of the sewer pipe are prime suspects.
Older houses may have weak sewer lines. Many older homes have sewer lines that are either concrete or clay pipes.
After a decade, these pipes can become weak.
This category includes houses built after 1980. Some of the pipes that were available at the time are not approved by the U.S. Building Codes.
Sewer Line Pipe Roots Warning Signs
If water drains slowly, it could be a sign that there are tree roots in the sewer line pipe. You might even hear a gurgling sound when you flush.
You are now seeing early warning signs.
When water backs up after you flush, it is a matter for immediate attention. It is important to call a plumber immediately.
The best time to call the plumber is when water drains slowly. Slow draining is an indication that there is something blocking your pipes.
You can hear the sound of your toilet gurgling when water is slowly moving through it. This is caused by air bubbles that form as they move through the drain.
These signs can quickly become more serious if you ignore them. Tree roots can expand and fill your sewer pipe when they enter it. The pipe can burst if it is subject to too much pressure from the tree roots. This will cause costly repairs that you cannot avoid.
You may notice a sinkhole in the vicinity of your home if your sewer pipes burst. Sinkholes are caused by water-eroding soil. Sinkholes can cause damage to your foundation. This is a sign that you shouldn’t ignore.
The area around the sinkhole emitted a foul odor.
These are all warning signs that your sewer line needs to be repaired.
What causes tree roots to damaged sewer line pipes?
Roots are attracted to water that comes out of a crack in a sewer pipe or a loose joint. The pipe is a reservoir of water, oxygen, as well as enough nutrients to support roots. You would expect it to move closer toward the source in order to obtain enough.
Roots expand slowly to fill the pipe as they penetrate. When roots reach the pipe, water, excrement, and toilet paper get stuck. If they get to that point, the pipe becomes blocked and your toilet is rendered useless.
Breakage can also be caused by tree roots in the sewer line pipe. Tree roots can cause pipe damage by absorbing too many nutrients. The pipe could burst if this happens.
How to Root Your Sewer Line Pipes
Here are some things to do if you begin to notice the signs of tree roots in your pipe.
1. Contact a professional
It is hard to beat hiring a professional to fix something as complicated as a blocked sewer pipe. This saves you a lot of stress and helps you solve the problem.
To find out the exact location of the root problem, a plumber can inspect the sewer and make a report to the authorities.
You only need to find a plumber who is experienced in dealing with root-infested sewer lines.
2. Use rock salt
Rock salt is a popular option for removing tree roots from your sewer line pipe. Rock salt absorbs water from roots. They die when they lose water.
Rock salt can be purchased at your local grocery store or online.
Start with about 2 lbs of rock salt, and then empty the remaining half of the pound into your toilet. To get the salt out, flush your toilet as many times as necessary. Continue this process until you have 2 pounds of rock salt.
It should be left for 12 hours. While you are gone, do not flush it or run any water through it.
The clog should be gone by the time you get back. If it isn’t, contact a plumber. You might not realize the extent of the problem.
3. Foaming Root Killers
Foaming Root Killer is effective against root growth in sewer lines. Foaming Root Killer not only eliminates the roots in your pipes, but it also protects against future problems.
Root killer foams react with water. The powder should be poured into the toilet.
Dichlobenil is released into the pipe and heads directly to the root growth.
This can be done once per month to prevent root growth from your sewer line in the future.
4. Try Copper Sulfate
Copper Sulfate can also be used to kill roots in sewer lines. It can be purchased at your local hardware shop.
You can pour half a cup of the liquid down the toilet, and flush it as many times as necessary. Take your pets and children with you and leave the house for a while.
Copper Sulfate can be toxic and is banned in certain areas. It can cause death in pets if it comes into contact.
To find out if the item is permitted, you can consult your local laws.
Is Tree Root Killer Effective?
Tree root killers work. They are able to effectively kill roots from your sewer pipe. They can’t fix the damage caused by the invading roots.
A crack that was small before could become large enough to cause visible leaks. Water can escape from the toilet into the soil and cause erosion around your home if there are significant leaks.
An erosion event can cause a sinkhole, which can damage the foundation of your home.
How to avoid tree roots getting into the sewer line
Tree roots are sensitive and will gravitate towards moisture. Here are some things you can do to keep tree roots from your sewer lines pipes:
1. Replace old pipes
Because of their unique architecture and hardwood floors, old houses are beautiful. Their plumbing is, however, old. It is impossible to trust pipes from 40, 50, and 60 years ago. Over the years, heavy usage, elements, as well as microorganisms, have caused damage to these pipes.
It could be used to replace the pipes. As sewer line pipes, steel or plastic would be very good choices. Plastic pipes are resistant to corrosion and don’t have seams.
2. You should check your drains often
Regular inspections can save you time and money. You can detect any unusual growth in your sewer-line pipes by inspecting them once a year or every six months.
Sewer inspection cameras are used by professional plumbers. This camera can reach into the sewer lines to inspect for obstructions.
3. Learn about the Landscape of Your House
Everyone should plant a tree at least once in their lives. It is vital for the health of our planet. But, planting the wrong tree can lead to serious problems.
A sewer line pipe that is less than 20 meters from a tree planting site can be in danger. Tree roots can reach deep into the soil to search for nutrients and water.
To find out where your utility lines are, call 811 before you dig. This information will help you determine the best place to plant your tree.
Is Homeowner Insurance able to cover tree roots in my sewer line?
Homeowner insurance does not cover tree roots that are found in sewer lines. If water leaks from a leaking sewer pipe, homeowner insurance may cover the damage to your home. Because the water escaping from your home caused damage.
Homeowner insurance generally does not cover repairs or maintenance, such as water backing up in your bathroom due to clogs in the sewer line.
You can review your insurance policy to find out what coverage is available. You may be covered by your insurance policy for repairs such as these. As an option, some insurers provide sewer and water backup coverage. This coverage is affordable and you might want to think about it.
This post was written by Joey Denick. Joey is the Owner and Operator of Clog Kings. At Clog Kings, LLC, we pride ourselves on our dedication and efficiency. We know you don’t have time to waste. That’s why we work fast to get your home or commercial building back up and running in no time. If you are looking for the Best Plumbers in Tampa then look no further because we got you covered!