Having large trees outside your house increases the value of your home and makes it look more beautiful and inviting. The problem is that tree roots are quite invasive and can damage your driveway, sidewalks and even your home foundation. Especially problematic is that the roots can get inside the sewer line outside your house or even exert enough pressure that the pipe breaks.
How Tree Roots Can Damage a Home Sewer Line
Tree roots can be sneaky saboteurs of your sewer lines. These thirsty guys grow long and wide searching for water and nutrients. If they find a tiny crack in your sewer line, they’ll happily squeeze in. The waste inside the pipe is a feast for the roots, and they’ll grow bigger and faster. As they continue to grow, they will clog the entire pipe. On top of that, these growing roots can also break the pipe and cause leaks.
When there are tree roots in a sewer line, they will almost always lead to eventual clogging. That’s because toilet paper, solid waste and any other solid materials can easily get trapped in the roots so that a blockage begins to form. The blockage will then continually get bigger until it completely blocks the pipe, at which time you’ll end up with sewage beginning to back up inside your home.
Rooting or hydro-jetting a sewer line is effective for eliminating the roots and unclogging the pipe. Rooting uses an auger or blade that is fed down through the sewer line and will cut through smaller roots as it spins. Hydro-jetting is usually the best choice if larger roots are present since the blast of water that the machine sprays is extremely powerful and will slice right through the roots. Cleaning the sewer line and getting rid of the roots overcomes any issues so that your plumbing and sewer again work properly. The only issue is that more roots will eventually get into the pipe unless you either repair the damage or replace the line.
How to Overcome Sewer Issues Caused by Tree Roots
If you already have a large, mature tree in your yard, it can be difficult to keep tree roots out of your sewer line. This is especially true if you have an old clay, cast iron or cement sewer line. These types of sewer lines are especially prone to tree root intrusion since the joints that connect the different sections of pipe aren’t always tight. The best solution is to replace it with a new PVC sewer line through either pipe bursting or traditional trenching. PVC pipes experience far fewer issues with tree roots since all the joints and pipes are tightly glued together, which means there aren’t any gaps that roots can get in through.
If the tree root issues aren’t as severe and most of the sewer line is still in decent condition, another effective option for fixing any holes in the pipe and keeping roots out is pipe lining. This process involves pulling a special liner into the damaged section of the sewer line where roots are getting in. The liner is first completely soaked with a special epoxy resin that becomes incredibly strong and hard when it dries and cures. After the line is in place, a rubber bladder is used to inflate it so that it gets pressed against the inside of the sewer line. Hot water and, sometimes, UV light are then used to cure the epoxy so that it completely adheres to the sewer line and fills in any holes, gaps and cracks in the pipe.
Before pipe lining can be performed, you obviously first need to have all the roots removed. This works to clean the inside of the pipe to ensure that the liner will fully stick to it. It’s also necessary to use a sewer camera to inspect the pipe beforehand since pipe lining won’t work if there is major damage.
How to Prevent Tree Roots From Getting in Your Sewer Line
One straightforward way to prevent issues with tree root intrusion from arising in the future is to be careful about what type of tree you choose if you want to plant a new tree in your yard. Choosing any type of tree that doesn’t get exceptionally large or opting for bushes and shrubs is the best option. Any type of tree that grows bigger and faster or has a more invasive root system will be much more likely to cause problems down the road as it gets older. Some species that you’re best to avoid include oak, aspen, poplar, beech, elm, willow and mulberry. Apple, plum, crabapple and certain other fruit trees are usually an excellent choice since they have much less invasive root systems.
One useful option, if you already have a large tree and lots of roots in your yard, is to install tree root barriers around the sewer line. These barriers are heavy-duty sheets that are specifically designed to redirect roots away from sewer lines and foundations by making them grow downward so that they can’t cause damage.
There are also various chemicals available that inhibit tree root growth. Applying a chemical treatment to the soil all around your sewer line won’t get rid of any roots that are already there. However, it will deter additional roots from growing in the area if you apply it regularly. This is a good idea if you want to plant any faster-growing or deeper-rooted trees in your yard. The chemicals also won’t harm your trees since they don’t kill the roots. Instead, they just change the pH of the soil so that roots avoid the area and will grow elsewhere in search of water.
How Regular Cleaning and Inspections Can Prevent Plumbing and Sewer Issues
The best way to prevent clogs and other issues is by having a plumbing company inspect and clean your drains and sewer line regularly. Camera inspections can identify issues with tree root intrusion or blockages before they create more serious problems. The camera will also reveal any damage, which can allow you to get your sewer line repaired before roots start growing inside it. Regular drain and sewer cleaning will also get rid of anything that is stuck inside the pipes so that they are less likely to clog in the future. Sewer cleaning and inspections are especially important since they can help prevent significant issues that could force you to replace your sewer line.
Matheson Heating Air Plumbing has been serving home and business owners in Commerce and throughout Southeastern Michigan since 1946. We offer expert plumbing and sewer repair and installation services, and you can also count on us for your comfort and indoor air quality needs. Whether you need to have your sewer line inspected or schedule any other service, contact our team today.