Trees can be an excellent addition to your landscaping, providing lovely shade during the hot summer months and beautiful foliage changes throughout the year. However, trees can be a problem in your yard as they have extensive root systems that can cause issues with your sewer lines.
Why Are Roots Such a Problem?
Roots are actually one of the most potentially damaging issues for sewer systems. The sewer pipes provide a well-ventilated water source, so if a tree root can find a point of entry in even the most minor crack, it can attract moisture. Unfortunately, once the root breaches the pipe, it doesn’t stop growing. In fact, it may even experience a boost in growth as the root can now provide the tree with a rich source of nutrients.
This is particularly problematic if you have a clay sewer line. With this type of pipe, the sections of the drain were connected with a non-bell spigot being inserted into the end of the pipe, with the gap filled with concrete. Over time, the concrete deteriorates, and roots can find openings and expand any holes, further damaging the pipe.
Although the root may seal up the crack or hole in the pipe, it can affect the hydraulic capacity of the sewer system. The root can partially or completely block the pipe, affecting the sewer system’s ability to maintain the appropriate flow rate. This leads to slow-working drains, overflows, and unpleasant odors due to the standing water inside the drain lines.
If left untreated, a root intrusion could eventually cause a complete collapse of the sewer line, compromising the functionality of the sewer system. The roots outside the pipe can encapsulate the sewer line, creating pressure that can cause the system to collapse and shut down. Inside the pipe, the root system may expand to block the entire diameter of the pipe. The roots have thin strands as hairs that can delve into the pipe. These strains can provide a foundation for accumulating grease, fat, grime, and other debris.
This not only prevents water flow, but the root system pushes outwards, seeking to grow further, which can also lead to the pipe bursting.
Warning Signs You Have a Tree Root Invasion of Your Sewer Line:
Just as you see the progression of growth of a tree in your yard, the root system underground takes time to grow and expand. This means that tree root invasion problems rarely occur overnight. There are several warning signs that your sewer line may be starting to have root incursion issues, and by spotting the problem early, you will have a greater opportunity to minimize the damage. With early detection, it may be possible to address the issue with a sewer line repair rather than needing a full replacement if the problem can fully develop.
Some of the signs to look out for include:
Clogged Drains:
The most obvious sign of a sewer line issue is recurring drain clogs in various fixtures throughout your home. While it is common to have one clogged toilet or sink drain in your home at some point, if there are several clog issues, it indicates a larger problem, likely due to a problem with your sewer line.
If you have trees on or near your property, there is a good chance that a clogged sewer line is due to tree root intrusion.
Odd Noises:
If your plumbing system is operating correctly, it shouldn’t make any unusual noises, but tree roots can affect the hydraulic characteristics of the system. This means you may hear gurgling, bubbling, or other odd noises when you flush a toilet or run a sink, as air becomes trapped as the water tries to find its way through the pipes. Since the system may be running slower, you may hear these odd noises even several minutes after you’ve finished using the plumbing fixture.
Unpleasant Odors:
When roots penetrate a sewer line, unpleasant odors can escape and make their way through the ground. You could have a severe sewer line issue if you notice a rotten egg-like smell or raw sewage odors in certain areas of your yard.
Sinkholes:
If you find a sinkhole in an area of your lawn, it could be due to the sewer line collapsing from a tree root intrusion. This compromises your landscaping and is a warning sign of an advanced sewer line problem. This type of damage could also put your home’s foundation at risk, so it must be addressed immediately.
Methods to Get Rid of Roots Inside Sewer Pipes:
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to get rid of roots inside your sewer pipes. These methods include:
Mechanical Removal:
This is often the first approach of professional drain cleaning services. When the contractor has identified the root activity within the sewer line, they can use mechanical root removal tools. This may involve cutters or cable machines, but snaking the line using a root cutter is the most common method. The heads and bits of this tool are specifically designed to cut out roots, and some heads expand to adjust to the precise internal diameter of the pipe to cut the roots down inside the face of the pipe completely.
One of the reasons why this approach is best left to the professional is there are several important considerations.
- The cable size: If the proper cable size is not used, you could damage the tool or injure yourself. For example, if you use a smaller snake, it could get tangled in the roots, and you’ll end up with a cable stick in the line. The cable could then wind up or whip back, injuring yourself or someone nearby.
- Proper head size: As we just touched on, the wrong-sized head will not be able to fully clean the internal diameter of the pipe. The head size needs to be based on the diameter of the pipe. Most sewer lines are three or four inches wide, but main sewer lines can be up to six inches long.
- Proper Maintenance: Proper maintenance is crucial with all tools; if the cutting head is damaged or dull, it won’t work effectively. Additionally, if the cable is bent or kinked, it can bend up or break off due to a weakened point.
Sewer Jet:
Jetting is another standard method of root removal. It involves using a high-pressure water pump and hose. Water from a tank is forced through a 1/2-inch to 1-inch sewer cleaning hose. This creates incredible pressure to remove any accumulated root debris, mainly any remaining after the pipe has been cleared using a root cutter. A sewer jet can also efficiently clear any grease or other debris that may have adhered to the tree roots, exacerbating the blockage issues.
Chemical Treatments:
Chemicals can offer a preventative measure against recurring root problems, which are typically employed after any roots in the sewer line have been mechanically removed. The chemicals can clear and prevent root clogging problems by killing the roots and preventing their growth. This is not an immediate solution since the root mass blockage needs to be cleared first to allow the chemicals to flow effectively throughout the sewer line.
Once the sewer line is open, the chemicals can be poured into the drain. Many people add it to a toilet and flush, allowing the product to work overnight. Of course, specific products have specific user instructions. So, if you use a chemical treatment, follow the instructions carefully.
Cure in Place Pipe Linings:
Pipelining provides an alternative to digging up damaged sewer lines that severe root intrusions have compromised.
CIPP, or cured-in-place pipe, is a trenchless repair method for addressing issues with existing pipelines. The cure-in-place epoxy liner is applied inside the pipe, and once it is fully cured, it creates a lining that acts like a new pipeline. Any openings or gaps are sealed to stop leaking and prevent further intrusion from root systems.
Regular Inspection:
This method is more of a preventative measure rather than addressing a current tree root intrusion problem. If you have trees in your yard and have had issues in the past, it is a good idea to have your sewer line inspected approximately every two years. A local plumbing professional can examine the line using video camera equipment to identify potential issues before they become more severe. The company may recommend treatment measures to correct any problems depending on the inspection findings.
Tree root intrusion can be a serious problem for your sewer line, but if caught early, the issue can be addressed before it can compromise the pipe. This can not only reduce the risk of experiencing serious plumbing issues inside your home, but it can also cut down the potential cost of repairs.
