If your plumbing system is affected by recurring clogs, tree roots may be the cause. Tree roots are attracted to water and nutrients. Aging sewer lines are an ideal source, so roots can grow toward, around, and into pipes and completely block them. Only an experienced plumber has the knowledge and tools to resolve the problem. We’ll explain the issue in detail and why you need a professional tree root removal service to address it.
How Tree Roots Cause Clogs
Tree roots are very strong. Drawn towards sources of moisture, they can encapsulate a pipe and put enormous amounts of pressure on it. If there’s a hole, crack, or loose connection, they’ll slowly inch their way inside. Or, they can continue growing around the pipe until it collapses. Tree roots don’t stop there; once inside, they continue to grow until they fill and block the sewage line.
Signs of Tree Root Intrusion
A blocked or collapsed sewer line can affect your entire plumbing system. If the problem isn’t addressed, roots will continue to invade the pipe. Prompt solutions can prevent further damage. Therefore, call your local plumbing contractor if you experience issues such as:
- Recurring Clogs: If sink drains and toilets clog often, it can be disruptive and frustrating. Tree roots can cause persistent issues. They catch all types of debris that pass through the drainage system. A partial blockage may allow some material through, so the problem may come and go until the line is fully blocked.
- Slow Drainage: When sinks, toilets, and showers start to drain more slowly, tree roots may be preventing water from flowing normally. Water may take longer to empty from fixtures or you may see lingering pools of water. Call a plumber to determine if tree roots are growing thicker inside the sewage line.
- Foul Odors: A blockage caused by roots can prevent waste from passing through the line. As a result, stagnant water accumulates in your plumbing, and unpleasant odors back up into your home. It can be difficult to identify their source, but a plumber has the knowledge to determine where to look.
- Gurgling Noises: A disruption in water flow can not only cause recurring clogs but also odd sounds. These include gurgling when you use drains or flush the toilet. Tree roots may have penetrated a small crack or joint and caused a partial obstruction. If the problem doesn’t go away, this is the most likely scenario.
- Sewage Backups: A severe blockage will prevent waste from ever completely draining. Instead, it’ll back up until it comes out of sinks, showers, and toilets. A water backup can cause extensive damage. Also, the waste and gases in sewage can create unsanitary conditions and health risks.
The Solution: Professional Tree Root Removal
If you suspect recurring clogs are caused by tree roots, you need a plumber. Resolving the problem requires sophisticated tools and methods. While there are DIY solutions, roots can keep growing back or the chemicals you pour down can contaminate the environment and damage pipes.
Therefore, you need an expert approach to remove tree roots. Here are some methods a plumber may use:
- Hydro Jetting: High-pressure jets of water are safe for plumbing pipes as long as they’re not too old or corroded. The force of water is often enough to break up tree roots to clear the sewage line.
- Augers: Mechanical augers may be inserted at an access point to physically break up and extract the roots. Plumbers use large, electric-powered augers that reach much farther than any consumer product. They can also use other mechanical root cutters.
- Pipe Lining: Plumbing technicians may use a synthetic resin liner that cures inside the pipe. It forms a new wall that replaces the old damaged section, avoiding trenching and extending the life of the sewage line.
Benefits of Professional Tree Root Removal
Hiring a professional to remove tree roots is the most effective long-term solution. They can use techniques that eliminate the problem and prevent future clogs. Severe damage can be prevented by digging out and cutting off the offending tree root. Professionals also have access to eco-friendly solutions rather than chemicals that can cause pipe and environmental damage. The right method can avoid future root growth around the pipe, sidewalk hazards, and foundation damage.
The Process: What to Expect
At Express Plumbing, we use a fast and effective process to address recurring clogs and clear tree roots from pipes. Every job proceeds as follows:
- Initial Assessment: First, our plumbing technicians evaluate the situation and determine the extent of the tree root intrusion. This enables us to determine the best method to resolve the problem.
- Professional Tree Root Removal: Our plumbers are skilled in using the latest augers, cutters, and rooters to break up tree roots and clear blockages. They may also use environmentally safe chemicals to dissolve roots while protecting the surrounding pipe materials and soil.
- Post-Removal Inspection: We take extra steps to ensure the process is effective and that our efforts of removing tree roots from your sewage line are successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent tree roots from causing recurring clogs?
You can reduce the risk of tree root intrusion with the following steps:
- Plant trees at least 10 feet away from sewer lines.
- Install a physical barrier to prevent root growth, such as wood planks or metal or plastic sheets.
- Use a slow-release chemical to inhibit root growth, but that won’t affect plant health.
- Have a professional remove any roots near existing sewer lines.
- Use blueprints to map your plumbing system when setting up landscaping.
Regular maintenance is also an effective way to prevent tree root intrusion. A plumber can install a root barrier, which can protect pipes and your foundation. Trimming tree roots near pipes and removing any trees too close to them also helps. Other types of plumbing maintenance, including regular drain cleaning, allow tree root problems to be spotted early.
How do I know tree roots are causing recurring clogs in my plumbing system?
Aside from the signs mentioned earlier, look for soggy spots in your yard or sinkholes. A plumber can perform a sewer pipe camera inspection, which allows them to see deep into the line and observe tree roots directly.
Will removing tree roots from my plumbing system damage my pipes or landscaping?
Non-invasive, trenchless methods such as augering, hydro jetting, and environmentally safe chemicals can address tree root intrusion without damaging your pipes or digging up your landscaping.
Contact Express Plumbing
When you have recurring clogs due to tree roots, you need an experienced plumber. At Express Plumbing, our licensed contractors use the most effective, least invasive methods to find tree roots, remove them, and prevent them from growing back. We can also use trenchless repair methods to restore a broken or collapsed sewage line. If you suspect tree root intrusion near your Boise, Caldwell, or Nampa home, call us at (208) 203-8948 today.
