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Trees and shrubs play a significant role around us as they create pleasant surroundings, offering shade during the Aussie summer and adding vibrant colours to the landscapes in Spring.
When it comes to maintaining the health of your sewer line, tree roots pose a significant threat in causing damage.
As trees grow, their roots have the tendency to expand and intrude upon underground pipes, searching for moisture and nutrients.
As time passes, these roots can exert pressure on the pipes, leading to cracks, leaks and blockages.
If not addressed promptly, these tree roots damage ultimately result in a complete failure of your sewer line, leading to costly repairs and disruptions within your home.
Furthermore, conducting regular maintenance to detect and handle any initial indications of tree root infiltration is important.
Our skilled plumbers carry out routine inspections of your sewer lines using specialised cameras to identify potential problems before they become severe.
By performing regular maintenance, we eliminate any small tree roots that have entered your pipes, thereby avoiding additional damage and obstructions.
How Tree Roots Invade Sewer Lines
The most common way tree roots invade sewer lines is by penetrating small cracks or joints in the pipes.
These cracks or joints develop over time due to aging pipes, shifting soil, or other environmental factors.
Once a root finds its way into your pipe, it can quickly grow and multiply, seeking out the moisture and nutrients that flow through the sewer line.
As the roots continue to grow, they constrict and block the flow of wastewater, leading to backups, slow drainage, and even complete blockages.
The organic matter in the wastewater also provides a food source for the roots, encouraging their growth.
Over time, the roots can exert pressure on the pipes, causing them to crack, leak, or even collapse.
To prevent tree roots from invading your sewer lines, it's important to be proactive and take preventive measures.
Here are some steps you can take:
1 - Plant trees away from sewer lines
If you're planning to plant trees on your property, make sure to keep them a safe distance away from any sewer lines.
The recommended distance varies depending on the type of tree and the diameter of the pipe, but generally, a distance of at least 10 feet is recommended.
This will help minimise the risk of root intrusion in the future.
2 - Choose low-maintenance tree species
When selecting trees for your property, consider choosing low-maintenance species with less aggressive root systems.
Some trees, such as willows, poplars, and silver maples are known to have more invasive roots and should be avoided if you have sewer lines nearby.
4 - Schedule regular sewer line inspections
Regular inspections of your sewer lines are essential for detecting any early signs of root intrusion.
Our professional plumbers use specialised equipment such as video cameras to inspect the inside of the pipes and identify any potential issues.
If roots are found, they can be cleared using mechanical root cutters or hydro jetting.
4 - Use root barriers
Installing physical root barriers around sewer lines can help prevent tree roots from reaching the pipes.
These barriers are made of thick plastic or metal and are buried underground.
They act as a barrier, redirecting the roots away from the pipes and preventing them from causing damage.
5 - Consider chemical root treatments
Chemical root treatments are used as a preventive measure to inhibit root growth.
These treatments are applied through the sewer cleanout access points and work by killing or inhibiting the growth of roots that meet the treated area.
It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult with a professional plumber before using any chemical treatments.
Signs of Tree Root Damage
If you have trees on your property, especially near your sewer line, be vigilant and watch out for signs of tree root damage.
1 - Slow Drains - If you notice that your sinks, showers, or toilets are draining slowly, this is an indication that tree roots have infiltrated your pipes and are obstructing the flow of wastewater.
2 - Gurgling Noises - When tree roots grow inside your sewer pipes, they create blockages and restrict the proper flow of wastewater. As a result, air bubbles can get trapped in the pipes, causing gurgling or bubbling sounds when water is being drained.
If you hear these gurgling noises consistently, especially when using multiple plumbing fixtures at the same time, it's a clear indication of tree root intrusion in your sewer line.
3 - Foul Odours - The stagnant water produces unpleasant smells that can spread throughout your home or property.
If you notice foul odours that seem to be coming from your drains or sewer line, investigate the issue further to determine whether tree roots are the underlying cause.
4 - Recurring Clogs – Are your drains getting clogged frequently and even after using chemicals? It could be a sign of tree root damage. As roots continue to grow and expand inside the sewer pipes, they can catch debris, grease, and other materials, leading to recurring clogs that are difficult to clear.
Ignoring recurring clogs can result in worsening blockages and potential pipe damage, so address the issue promptly.
What should you do next?
If you suspect that your sewer lines are already compromised by tree roots, seek Howzat team’s professional assistance.
Our qualified plumber will assess the situation, determine the extent of the damage, and recommend the appropriate repairs or replacement if necessary.
Remember, early detection and proactive maintenance are key to keeping your sewer lines free from root intrusion and ensuring the proper functioning of your plumbing system.
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