A cracked or damaged sewer line is one of the most expensive problems homeowners face. What’s worse, these problems often arise at the most inconvenient times. One of the most common causes of sewer line issues? Pesky tree roots.
If you suspect tree roots are causing problems with your sewer system, a tree root sewer inspection is the first step to figuring out the source of your plumbing issues. But let’s take a look at how roots cause sewer line problems and how you can tackle them before they escalate.
Table of Contents:
- How Do Tree Roots Invade Sewer Lines?
- Why is a Tree Root Sewer Inspection Necessary?
- Understanding the Costs of Dealing With Tree Roots in Sewer Lines
- Choosing the Right Tree Root Removal Solution
- FAQs about tree root sewer inspection
- Conclusion
How Do Tree Roots Invade Sewer Lines?
Tree roots may look sturdy and strong, but they’re surprisingly delicate. Tree roots have fine feeder roots constantly stretching out in search of water and nutrients to support the larger structure. It’s only natural that tree roots grow toward sewer lines.
Even a small crack or leaky pipe joint can provide all the moisture a tree needs. Plus, sewer water offers additional nutrients, creating a sort of fertilizer feast for roots. As those small roots grow bigger inside the pipe, they can block water flow and eventually even crack open the pipe entirely.
Common Signs of Tree Root Invasion
Since this plumbing damage occurs underground, you might not notice the issue until it’s already a serious problem. Luckily, there are a few warning signs you can look out for. If you notice soft spots in your yard, that could be another indication that there’s an issue.
These can include:
- Gurgling sounds coming from toilets or drains, especially when using water in other areas of the house.
- Slow drains throughout your home, not just in one sink or tub.
- Sewage backups, with wastewater overflowing into toilets, sinks, or bathtubs.
- Unpleasant sewage-like odors coming from drains or the yard, particularly in areas above the sewer line.
- Lush green patches of grass in an otherwise dry or consistent lawn, indicating extra water from a leaky sewer pipe.
- Sinkholes or indentations in the yard, where leaky water has caused the soil to erode and collapse.
- Rapid growth in one tree compared to other trees on your property.
If you see any of these signs, don’t wait to take action. Delaying can lead to severe damage that’s more expensive and disruptive to fix. Calling a trusted plumber for a tree root sewer inspection is crucial to finding out what’s going on.
Why is a Tree Root Sewer Inspection Necessary?
Some people try to solve sewer issues themselves, often by pouring drain cleaner down their pipes. While chemical drain cleaner can temporarily fix a slow drain from grease and hair clogs, it won’t get rid of tree roots. Using rock salt to get rid of the problem on your own could damage your pipes and surrounding soil as well.
Tree root sewer inspection involves using a small, waterproof camera inspection attached to a flexible cable. A plumber will feed the camera down a sewer clean-out access point. This allows them to see the inside of your sewer pipes on a monitor and determine the cause of any blockages or damage. You’ll know exactly what you’re dealing with and avoid using solutions that aren’t going to work.
Benefits of a Tree Root Sewer Inspection
There are several reasons why opting for a professional tree root sewer inspection is worth the peace of mind:
- Accurate Diagnosis: State-of-the-art technology allows for a clear view of the sewer pipe’s condition. This allows the plumber to accurately pinpoint the location and severity of the root infiltration, any cracks or damage in the pipe, and other potential issues such as grease buildup or pipe misalignment.
- Effective Solution: When you know the exact cause of the problem, you can find the best way to address it. The inspection helps determine which methods are most likely to work for your situation, whether that’s clearing out the roots or opting for a more permanent pipe repair or replacement.
- Cost Savings: Addressing problems early on can help you avoid bigger headaches later. Tree root sewer inspections can reveal minor issues that can be easily fixed. It can help you avoid needing major, costly repairs in the future.
- Preventive Measures: During an inspection, a plumber might spot things that could make root intrusion more likely in the future. You can take prevention measures, like removing or relocating problematic trees or making sure leaky plumbing fixtures are fixed. This keeps roots from sneaking back into your sewer system.
Understanding the Costs of Dealing With Tree Roots in Sewer Lines
Dealing with sewer line problems can be expensive. You might be surprised to learn how much costs can vary depending on your location, the severity of the issue, the length of the sewer line needing repair or replacement, and labor costs. If you have an older home and have large trees around your property, it’s time to have your sewer line checked out.
While costs for each option can add up, avoiding early repairs can make future expenses much, much bigger. For example, if root intrusion causes significant damage to your sewer line and you need a full replacement, you could be looking at costs in the $5000 to $25,000 range, and perhaps even more. It’s smarter to act sooner. Get that tree root sewer inspection.
Pro Tip
Before any digging has begun, remember to call Arizona 811 to make sure you do not unknowingly damage any other unmarked utilities. Also, check with your insurance company about what your homeowner’s insurance policy covers. You could save money in the long run.
Choosing the Right Tree Root Removal Solution
After a professional conducts your tree root sewer inspection, you’ll have a better idea of what options you have. You and your plumber can decide what method is right for your situation. If you have small roots in your sewer lines, drain snaking might get the job done for now. However, snaking usually doesn’t destroy the roots. They might grow right back into the pipe, especially if your line is cracked or damaged.
For a more comprehensive cleaning, you might consider hydro jetting. The powerful force of water not only clears out roots but also scrubs pipe walls and gets rid of grease buildup that can attract more roots. This can be a good option for a longer-term solution.
But what about more extensive root growth or damage to your pipes? Pipe lining and pipe bursting are trenchless solutions that might help. Pipe lining creates a new, durable inner layer for your existing pipe to prevent leaks and seal out root intrusions. If the pipe is too damaged, bursting is an option that uses a new pipe to break up the old one while also installing itself. This offers an alternative to digging up your entire yard for traditional sewer line replacement.
If all else fails, traditional sewer line replacement is the last resort, but it’s a more significant investment. Talking to your plumber is the best way to choose what works best for you.
Consider Choosing Sewer-Friendly Trees
Dealing with tree root issues is a big enough hassle, so it’s better to avoid the issue entirely. Tree roots can grow up to one foot per day when given the chance. This means even young, small trees might pose a risk to your sewer line if their roots reach your pipe. Knowing which trees have more aggressive root systems can make all the difference.
Planting sewer-friendly trees and choosing smaller trees with slow-growing roots is the way to go. Doing this is also an easy way to minimize the risks in the future. Consider consulting with a reputable tree care service or a landscaping professional who has experience with local tree species.
Before planting any new trees on your property, knowing where your sewer lines are located can save you trouble down the road. Looking for the round sewer clean-out caps is a helpful way to get a visual sense of the path your sewer line takes from your house out to the street. These caps are generally located next to the home and then again closer to the street or your septic tank.
FAQs about tree root sewer inspection
How serious are tree roots in a sewer line?
Tree roots in sewer lines can be very serious. Roots naturally grow toward sources of water. Your local sewer lines are a tempting water source for these thirsty trees. Tree root damage can wreak havoc on a home’s plumbing system. Tree root invasion can range from minor blockages causing slow drainage to complete sewer pipe collapses that stop all flow. As tree roots continue to grow, they exert pressure on the pipe, causing leaks or eventually bursting the pipe. This will require expensive repair and may involve digging up parts of your property, causing landscaping disruptions.
How do you get rid of tree roots in sewer pipes?
This depends on the severity of the issue. Sometimes, plumbers can temporarily remove them with a drain snake. But if roots are growing aggressively or your sewer line is cracked, other options like hydro jetting, pipe lining, or pipe bursting may be recommended for longer-lasting results. These involve cutting roots or creating a stronger pipe barrier. Severe root intrusion leading to pipe damage might require full pipe replacement.
What is the best chemical for killing tree roots in the sewer line?
There are various chemical root killers, such as copper sulfate, but their effectiveness and safety can vary depending on the tree species, the severity of the root invasion, and local regulations. It’s better to seek a plumber’s guidance to make sure you don’t inadvertently worsen pipe damage by using a harsh or inappropriate chemical. Moreover, repeated reliance on chemicals isn’t a long-term fix because roots will often regrow if you don’t address the underlying issue attracting them to your sewer pipes.
How long does it take for tree roots to grow back in the sewer line?
There is no single answer, as it depends on factors like the tree species, the availability of moisture, and the size of the remaining root fragments. But be aware, tree roots can grow quickly. It’s likely you’ll need repeat removal efforts if you don’t solve the problem causing them to invade your sewer pipes.
Conclusion
If you notice any of the red flags mentioned earlier in your home, schedule a tree root sewer camera inspection ASAP to stop plumbing troubles in their tracks. Water Pros Plumbing can take care of the entire process, from the inspection to recommending and completing the necessary repairs. Tackling those sneaky roots sooner than later is your key to avoiding unnecessary expenses, and possibly even worse disasters down the road. And when it comes to planning landscaping and choosing your favorite trees? Consider sticking with sewer-safe options. This is one smart step to minimize the need for any future tree root sewer inspection adventures.
