Can Spring Tree Growth Mean Disaster for Your Plumbing?

Are Tree Roots Hurting Your Plumbing?

Every homeowner wants a beautiful home, yard, and landscape. To that end, they may plant trees, flowers, and shrubs around the property. While this boosts curb appeal or the backyard’s appearance and provides a more relaxing environment, it could also spell disaster below ground. 

What some homeowners may not realize is that the same tree roots that allow the trees around the property to grow and thrive can also wreak havoc on the plumbing. This article will explain how tree roots can affect the plumbing, the possible consequences, and how the issues they can cause can be fixed and prevented.  

How Tree Roots Can Impact the Plumbing

As trees grow in the spring, their roots extend deeper into the soil in search of the water and nutrients they require to grow. This can lead the tree roots to the underground plumbing, especially sewer lines which contain both the water and nutrients they need. 

Tree roots can invade the underground sewer lines through cracks, and joints, or grow around the piping, eventually causing enough pressure to damage it and get inside. Once inside the pipes, the tree roots can cause a blockage or clog, which can result in additional problems for the household.

Problems From Intruding Tree Roots

The underground piping is often out of sight, out of mind, until it starts to impact the indoor plumbing. When tree roots damage or clog the sewer line, there are consequences that can alert homeowners to the problem, including slower draining throughout the house, backups, foul odors, a flooded or soggy lawn, greener and more lush areas of the yard, and more. 

If homeowners notice these issues that can point to a clogged or leaking sewer line, they should call a plumber immediately. A plumber will be able to confirm the cause of the sewer line clog or damage, whether it’s tree roots or another reason, and then perform the necessary repairs.  

Repairing and Preventing Tree Root Intrusion

Of course, it’s not all bad. Potential blockages from tree roots can be removed, and pipes can be fixed. Additionally, homeowners can help prevent this from occurring. Often, the first step in the repair process is a sewer video inspection to get a better look at the problem. Then, to unclog the line of tree roots, hydro jetting or a drain snake can be used, and any damage from the tree roots can be fixed with sewer line repair. 

Some ways to help avoid tree roots from affecting the plumbing include planting trees far enough from the underground piping, researching which trees have roots that are most likely to damage the plumbing before deciding on which to plant, or installing root barriers. A root barrier is essentially a wall that guards the underground plumbing, helping prevent tree roots from affecting it.  

About Premium Plumbing

Premium Plumbing is a commercial and residential plumbing company serving the Tampa area. They provide transparent pricing, personalized options, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them for plumbing services in Tampa, FL.

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