There are many advantages to having trees in your yard. Relaxing shade or watching birds, or playing in a playground are only some of the possibilities that spring to your mind. But, trees also carry a risk that many homeowners fail to think about – root intrusion into your sewer lines.
The roots of trees are drawn to the sewer line underground to get water, nutrients, and oxygen, resulting in obstructions in the pipes. The most common methods to deal with tree roots in the sewer line include using a drill, chemical application, hydro-jetting, and digging the roots.
What Causes Roots to Be So Damaging to Your Plumbing
Tree roots are skilled and can find a small gap in the pipe or push through old fragile material, causing an internal obstruction. Pipes made from PVC and other plastics can withstand tree root damage better than earlier materials, like clay or Orangeburg.
A blockage caused by tree roots inside the sewerage line could cause slow or gurgling drainage inside the house. If the obstruction gets severe enough, it may result in sewage waste backing into the home, resulting in a considerable mess, expensive cleanup, and health risks.
Tree Root Protection for Your Sewer Line
There are many ways to control or keep root growth from entering your plumbing.
- Cut Roots Using a Drill. A mechanical auger is a highly robust variant of the drain snake that you can use to clear simple drain blockages. In this scenario, the drill gets fitted with a sharp, rotating head that eats away at tree roots when moving across the sewerage line. This technique allows the pipe’s open, but it won’t offer a lasting solution.
- Cleanse the Pipe Using Hydro-Jetting. The hydro jetting method is comparable to the auger technique, but it uses a high-pressured hose instead of a mechanical head. Sometimes, hydro jetting could be more effective when dealing with the thick or hard-to-reach roots. The water jet will also cleanse the pipe’s walls by blasting away any accumulation or blockage that might slow down the sewer line.
- Use a Root-Killing Solution. If you wish to preserve the tree but get rid of certain roots near the sewer line, chemical products are made specifically for this use. For instance, copper sulfate crystals may get utilized to flush the product into the toilet. The chemical moves through the plumbing until it gets to the line for sewerage. Chemical kills root systems in the pipe and creates a barrier to the soil surrounding. Like all harsh chemicals, it’s crucial to be cautious and adhere to all directions when using the root killer.
- Repair the Sewage Pipe and Remove the Roots. If none of these strategies work, some homeowners choose to take down the tree and the roots to avoid plumbing problems in the future.
If you’re currently having issues with a blocked or damaged sewerage line, excavating the pipe and removing the roots could be necessary. Hire a skilled plumber to analyze the condition and make an informed recommendation. There are trenchless pipe and repair solutions that won’t cause any disruption to your home.
Sewer Line Repair and Replacement in the Ottawa Area
If you’re concerned about the intrusion of roots into the sewer lines, get in touch with our experts from Ottawa Plumbing Service. We’ll examine your home and plumbing to give you the most effective and efficient solution. To schedule an appointment, call us at (613) 317-1682 and email at info@ottawaplumbingservice.com.
