The sewer line is the nucleus of your home’s drainage system. As the final destination for all the wastewater generated in your house, it is central to the function of your plumbing, says Ravago Management. Trees, on the other hand, play a role in your well-being and contribute to the market value of your property.
That is why it is a problem when the trees on your property collide with your sewer system. Tree roots and sewer lines do not always coexist well in the same space. Tree roots can shift or penetrate the sewer line, damaging it in the process and interfering with its function.
That is one of the major causes of sewer line problems in homes. What should you know about the relationship between tree roots and sewer lines? In this post, we will answer all the essential questions and provide useful guidance on protecting your sewer line from tree roots.
Tree roots and your sewer line
Tree roots can impede the function and stability of a sewer line by shifting or invading it. Tree roots are naturally drawn to the moisture and nutrients inside the sewer line. If there is a crack or opening in the line, tree roots will exploit it to penetrate the pipe.
If tree roots penetrate your sewer line, they will become a source of endless drainage issues in your home. Tree roots will slow the flow of water through the line, increase the rate of buildup inside the line, and eventually block the sewer line completely.
If your sewer line has been invaded by tree roots, these are some of the signs you will see: slow drains, drain clogs that refuse to go away, strange noises from your drains, sewage odors inside the house, overflowing toilets or floor drains, and sewage backing up into the house.
5 common Myths about tree roots and sewer lines
- All tree roots will damage your sewer lines
Not true. Only trees with invasive root systems, such as willows and poplars, pose a threat to your sewer lines. It is okay to plant trees with less aggressive root systems.
- Tree roots intentionally seek out the sewer line
That is not true. Tree roots do not maliciously target your sewer line. They opportunistically seek out water and nutrients wherever they can find them.
- Tree roots die when the tree is cut down
That is not always true. Tree roots do not die as soon as the tree is cut down. The roots can remain for many years and even regenerate a new stem.
- You do not have to remove the roots after cutting the tree
Even after you cut a tree and its roots die, the dead roots inside the sewer line will continue to cause problems.
- Chemicals are the best way to remove tree roots
Not true. Although these chemicals can kill the tree roots, it doesn’t mean they are the best or safest solution. They can damage your yard’s ecosystem.
How to prevent or fix tree root invasion of a sewer line
- Cut down the trees
This only works if the trees are on your property, not your neighbor’s property. Moreover, since you still have the tree roots, this option cannot stand alone. Remember that cutting trees will impact the value of your property.
- Treat the sewer line with tree root poison
You can kill tree roots with specialized poisons: foaming root killers, and copper sulfate. Foaming root killers will kill the tree roots inside the sewer line. Copper sulfate kills tree roots in the soil around the sewer line. These chemicals harm the environment.
- Replace old and damaged pipes with PVC
Plastic pipes are impervious to tree root invasions unless the roots exploit the pipe joints. The best safeguard against this is to install the longest continuous piece of pipe from your house to the street. This strategy has long-term success, but it is costly.
- Seal old pipes with an impervious lining
Sealing old pipes with new sewer lining gives them the strength of PVC pipes but without the cost of installing plastic piping. Because you don’t need to dig up the existing sewer line, this method is cheaper and faster. Pipe relining is a permanent solution.
- Use hydro jetting to get rid of tree roots
Hydro jetting your sewer line will get rid of tree roots inside it. If you adopt a professional hydro jetting service as part of your sewer line maintenance plan and do it once or twice a year, you can stop tree roots from gaining a foothold inside the sewer line.
- Install tree root barriers
These are barricades that are installed inside the soil to redirect tree roots away from your sewer line. They come in various depths (12-18 inches, 24-36 inches, and 36-48 inches) for different types of trees and shrubs.
In conclusion, periodic sewer line inspections also help to preempt and prevent tree root invasion of your sewer line. You need a licensed and experienced plumber who can assess the sewer line to spot the warning signs of tree root invasion and other issues.