How to Detect and Remove Tree Roots from Your Sewer Lines

Business and homeownership can be an amazing experience. In the same light, when you own property and real estate, you quickly realize that it is your responsibility to handle any and all issues that may arise; and while a number of things can eventually go wrong on your property, dealing with intrusive tree roots can be a genuine pain in the neck. Sewer pipes that are clogged with tree roots are pesky issues that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and discouraged if not handled correctly and immediately.

If you suspect your sewer lines are clogged with tree roots, it is imperative you know your options so you can quickly and appropriately manage the situation and avoid hitting more difficult and damaging issues down the line.

Did You Know?

There are approximately 30,000 sewer line breaks and 300,000 sewer line blockages in the U.S. every year. More than 50% of all sewer blockages and backups are due to tree root invasion.

Some of the factors that contribute to this percentage include:

• Sewer line installation
• Sewer line age
• Sewer line material
• Sewer line size
• Surrounding tree species

When sewer lines are installed, the process usually involves digging a large trench, laying the pipe, and then filling the trench back up. This makes the soil around the sewer line looser than surrounding soil. Roots prefer to grow in this type of soil and will seek it out.

Additionally, tree roots are spreading in all directions, searching for water and nutrients. So, not only are they drawn to the loose soil, but they are also drawn to the water flowing through your sewer lines.

Understanding Tree Roots

In order to understand the problem of invasive tree roots, it is important to get to the real root of the problem: How do tree roots grow?

Tree roots require two primary things to grow: water and oxygen. Their actual rate of growth is dependent on the minerals within the soil, temperature, soil conditions and access to water.

While the root systems themselves are divided into permanent roots (provide stabilization and support) and small roots (absorb nutrients and water) the entirety of the root system can extend up to three or four times the height of the tree.

How fast do tree roots grow in sewer pipes?

While the actual speed at which roots can spread through your sewer pipes is hard to pinpoint, it is commonly known that they grow the most from late spring through early summer. During these transitional seasons, trees begin receiving more sun and water, sparking their growth and sending their root systems in search of life-giving nutrients.

When it comes to the interior of a sewer pipe, tree roots see this space as a fertilizer feast. Feeder roots from nearby trees can sense even the slightest opening in your sewer pipes and begin making their way internally. From there, these hair-like roots can run along the interior of your pipe and multiply, eventually blocking the pipe entirely.

How does weather impact root growth?

Dry seasons and droughts can force roots to search for life-sustaining liquid in all the wrong places. If there is nothing in the surrounding soil, the smaller tree roots will make their way into the cracks and cervices of surrounding pipes to find the necessary water and minerals to survive.

What happens when tree roots get inside sewer lines?

Once these tiny roots invade your sewer lines, they grow at a rapid pace due to the elements inside those pipes. It is common knowledge that plants and trees thrive off of fertilizer, and sewer lines provide them with a constant flow of fresh food to keep their roots expanding quickly.

Here’s How to Know If Tree Roots Have Invaded Your Sewer Lines

There are a number of key indicators that can be spotted once tree roots have infiltrated your sewer line.

Slowed Drains and Gurgling Toilets

If you begin to notice an audible gurgling noise when you flush your toilet, or your drains continue to drain slowly – even after snaking the lines – there is a strong possibility you may be dealing with invasive tree roots. The roots can severely obstruct your plumbing and cause significant damage to our home if left untreated.

Noticeably Unpleasant Odors

If tree roots have made their way into your sewer line, it is not uncommon to smell fowl or unpleasant odors around the outside of your property. If you have noticed this around the exterior of your home, it is recommended you contact a plumbing professional immediately.

Visible Sink Holes

Since the majority of damage that occurs with invasive tree roots is underground, there aren’t many visual cues to indicate that a problem even exists.

However, sink holes are a common problem that occur once roots have breached your sewer line. When the roots grow into the plumbing, they cause water to begin leaking out into the yard, creating soft spots that eventually sink down in. If you see this issue on your property, there is a strong possibility you are dealing with invasive tree roots. Opting to get a video pipe inspection if any of these issues arise can help you quickly identify if a problem exists, and if so, how severe it has grown.

Keep in Mind: Older Sewer Lines Are More Susceptible to Root Invasion

Older pipes were made of clay or cast iron – both of which are more susceptible to root invasion than newer PVC and ABS pipes. Clay pipes have joints packed with mortar, which develop cracks over time. Cast iron pipes corrode and crack over time. Tiny tree roots enter these cracks in the mortar or pipe, searching for food and water. Once inside, they continue to grow, feeding on the water and nutrients inside the pipes.

It is possible for them to grow for quite a while before you realize there’s a problem. There are stories of plumbers removing roots over 10 feet long and nearly an inch thick. Additionally, if you’re thinking of planting new trees on your property, it’s important to note that fast growing trees cause bigger problems for sewer lines.

The size and aggressive nature of some trees will determine whether or not their roots enter your home’s sewer line. Therefore, when looking at property, or when designing new landscape, it’s important to consider both what’s happening above and below ground.

How to Get Tree Roots Out of a Sewer Line

Dealing with invasive tree roots is no fun, but there are a number of effective methods to eradicate the issue and protect yourself from future problems. Some of the more common ways to get rid of tree roots include:

Chemically Destroy the Roots

Chemicals, such as copper sulfate septic treatments, are effective methods of killing off tree root structures. Due to the dangers of the chemical, it is highly recommended you contact a professional to conduct the procedure. This can ensure you deal with your roots and avoid harming yourself during the process.

Mechanically Destroy the Roots

A more straightforward method of destroying tree roots is a mechanical auger. This involves sending a powered sewer auger down your sewer line in order to cut through the intrusions and eliminate the blockage. Since this method typically leaves behind significant debris, your lines will need to be professionally flushed following the procedure.

Hydro-Jet the Roots

A hydro-jet (or water jet) uses high-powered water pressure to remove pesky tree roots within your sewer line. This unique method of addressing your intrusive root problem can prove very effective, but also costly.

Make sure to contact a plumbing professional before beginning a treatment of this nature in order to get their opinion on the best way to proceed.

Digging Up the Sewer Line

Replacing the obstructed sewer line is typically a final option due to the invasive nature and cost of the procedure. But, sometimes, the only way of dealing with a serious tree root issue is to completely remove the pipe and start fresh.

If you find yourself in the position of having to deal with a potential tree root issue, the first step is to contact a licensed plumbing professional to get their opinion on the matter. Typically, most companies offer services like video pipe inspections to visually check the sewer line to assess the severity of the existing blockage and the most appropriate steps to take to fix the situation.

Calling a trusted plumbing professional is a way to ensure you correct the issue entirely and protect yourself from future tree root issues. Expert Residential & Commercial Sewer Line Cleaning Services Near Cleveland, OH

Tree roots can become incredibly invasive and wreak havoc on your sewer lines. If left undetected and untreated, you could have a terribly messy backup on your hands. One of the best ways to avoid costly drain or sewer line repairs or backups is by periodically scheduling a drain and sewer line cleaning.

At Invisible Excavations, we help property owners restore their drain and sewer lines from a wide array of issues – including thick tree roots – in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible.

Through a quick video pipe inspection, we can see exactly where roots are obstructing your line and rapidly clear them away.