Trees can change the look of any landscape, especially if they're well maintained. However, they'll quickly become a problem once their roots begin spreading to your home's foundation and sewer lines.
If left unchecked, the tree roots can damage your sewer line system. You can avoid this by looking for these signs of tree root infiltration in your plumbing.
Serious Clogs
Some clogs are easy to fix by using a plunger or auger. However, if you can't unclog your toilet or plumbing lines regardless of how hard you try, it's time to call in the experts. The clogs could be a sign of root infiltration, and the only sure way to tell is by hiring a plumber.
The plumber will examine your sewer lines and determine whether it's a regular clog or root infiltration. If it's the latter, you'll need sewer line repairs, hydro-jetting, or mechanical root cutting.
Lush Green Patches
If you water your lawn consistently, you expect that the grass will grow uniformly. Occasionally, you'll have a few areas that are healthier than others but not too noticeable. However, when you begin noticing lush green patches along the sewer line, it means you have a leak.
If you have trees in the vicinity, the leak could be associated with tree root infiltration. The roots have broken into your sewer lines, thus releasing fertilizer into your lawn. You can confirm by checking your home's blueprint. If the lush green patches are in line with sewer pipes, you'll need sewer line repairs to fix the leaks and deal with the roots.
Soft Sinkholes
Have you noticed soft wet spots on your lawn? It could be that you're watering certain areas more than others or that your sewer pipes are damaged by roots. If it's the latter, you may notice that some of the wet areas will collapse if you step on them. This means that the roots have infiltrated and collapsed your sewer pipes.
How Do You Deal with Root Infiltration?
If you suspect your tree roots have infiltrated your sewer pipes, contact a plumber immediately. You need the damage fixed before it becomes extensive. The plumber will need to perform sewer line repairs or replace certain pipes.
Alternatively, you can deal with the root problem by digging and removing the roots. You can also use copper sulfate to inhibit root growth around your sewer pipes. This makes it easier for the plumber to remove the roots in your sewer pipes through hydro-jetting.
Share30 November 2021
As you read the articles on this website, you will notice two things. First, they are all about septic services in some ways. Second, some go deep — and others are full of more surface-level facts. This is kind of like your septic system itself! The tank is buried deep, but the drain field is more superficial. You don't have to be an expert on septic systems, but as someone who owns one, you should at least know how to tell when something is wrong with yours so you can call for service. You'll get that level of understanding from this blog — and probably more!
