Repairs to your sewer line represent a significant expense that is likely to be extremely disruptive and inconvenient. As a home or business owner, you are probably responsible for the sewer line that runs through your yard and connects to the city’s sewer main. Invasive tree roots are a common cause of sewer line repairs, so it’s useful to know a bit about the issue – there are things you can do to help you detect such problems early on or to prevent them in the first place and prevent calling an experienced Boca Raton plumber.
Trees and Their Roots
The trees that grow in and around your yard have roots that seek out water and nutrients to help them thrive. It just so happens that the wastewater that flows through your sewer pipes has everything these tree roots are looking for by way of nourishment. When a tree’s roots can’t find what they need in their direct surroundings, they send out tiny feeder roots in search of better stuff. These root systems can seemingly go on forever, and they are very tenacious. If the pipes in your sewer line have small cracks or other kinds of leaks or aren’t securely joined, moisture vapor can escape and those tree roots are likely to invade. Once tree roots enter your pipes, they’ll continue to grow and may form a root mass that can completely or partially obstruct your sewer line.
Different Kinds of Pipes
Pipes that are made of PVC are the least likely to become obstructed by tree roots. Such pipes are less likely to leak, and they have fewer joints (which are susceptible to leaking). Clay tile and terra cotta pipes, on the other hand, are much more likely to be damaged by tree roots, and concrete pipes fall somewhere in the middle of these two fabrications.
Know What to Look For
It’s good to know the warning signs when it comes to tree roots and plumbing problems. Early detection can help minimize damage and subsequent repairs. There are specific symptoms to be on the lookout for:
- Drains in your home that are chronically sluggish and that don’t respond to simple plunging
- Drains that back up or overflow
- Toilets that make gurgling sounds
- Wet or soggy patches in your yard
- Sewer smells near your house (or in your house)
Any of these can mean that you have a problem with your sewer line, whether it’s caused by tree roots or something else. Call in an experienced Boca Raton plumber as soon as you notice any of these issues. Speedy attention could save you time and expense in the long run.
An Ounce of Prevention
If you’re moving into a new home, planning your landscaping ahead of time can protect you from plumbing problems down the road. If your home is older but you’re doing landscaping, consider tree roots. Always keep large trees away from sewer lines. There is a free “Call Before You Dig” phone (811) that will help you avoid underground utilities, including electricity, water, cable, gas, and sewer lines. Further, consult with a landscaper to obtain a working knowledge of those trees that are most likely to cause plumbing problems (Willow, Magnolia, Poplar, and Birch trees to name a few).
Implementing Barriers
There are physical and chemical barriers you can implement to help protect your sewer lines from invading tree roots. A landscaper can help you with the specifics, but copper sulfate and potassium hydroxide both release slowly into the earth and can help keep roots from digging in. Further, wood or metal barriers can be buried vertically next to and about 6 to 12 inches below your pipes to help block roots from entering.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance with a skilled Boca Raton plumber can help save your pipes from expensive, inconvenient, and destructive root blockages – especially if you have an older home with large, mature trees. A dedicated plumber has the experience, knowledge, and professional tools to help monitor your sewer line and take the necessary precautions to ward off a blockage or leak. Don’t wait until you notice the signs, schedule regular maintenance with a reputable plumbing service.
If Tree Roots Are Invading Your Sewer Line, You Need an Experienced Boca Raton Plumber
A problem with your sewer line is serious, but the plumbing professionals at Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration in Boca Raton are here to help 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Many Boca Raton homeowners and most of the area’s insurance providers ask for us by name. For more information, please contact or call us at (561) 782-2779 today.
Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & RestorationPhone: (561) 782-2779
