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You are in Phoenix. We also have a Tucson site.

You are in Phoenix. We also have a Tucson site.

Solutions for Removing Tree Roots in Drain Pipes


Dealing with tree roots in drain pipes? You need swift, effective solutions. This guide cuts straight to the chase, offering actionable strategies to remove tree roots and prevent future intrusions. Protect your pipes and pocket with our expert insights.

Key Takeaways

  • Tree roots are attracted to the moisture and nutrients in sewer lines, can cause blockages and significant plumbing damage if they infiltrate pipes.

  • Signs of tree root invasion include slow drainage, gurgling toilets, recurrent clogs, and sinkholes, which if ignored, can lead to severe blockages and plumbing issues.

  • Professional rooter services like mechanical augers and hydro jetting are effective for removing tree roots in pipes, while preventive measures such as annual plumbing inspections, proper landscaping, and pipe upgrades are crucial for long-term maintenance.

Understanding Tree Roots in Drain Pipes

Tree roots are naturally drawn to water sources and find the moisture and nourishment in your sewer line particularly appealing. Even minimal fissures within your plumbing can be exploited by these roots as they seek hydration and nutrients, allowing them entry into the pipes.

Once inside your drain pipes, tree roots begin to cause trouble. They obstruct wastewater flow, trap grease along with other debris resulting in persistent clogs and backups within your plumbing system. What begins as a small issue caused by invasive tree roots can rapidly intensify, leading to substantial damage.

If such intrusion continues unchecked, it could severely compromise not only individual pipelines but also the main sewer line of your home’s sewage disposal infrastructure—potentially causing significant property damage or even precipitating a complete breakdown of the entire sewer system. Repairing or replacing compromised sewers due to invasive root growth may come with daunting expenses that could significantly impact one’s financial resources.

Identifying Signs of Tree Root Invasion

How can you tell if your beautiful trees’ roots are gradually becoming a plumbing nightmare? Though subtle, the signs are noticeable. Have you noticed that the water in your sinks or bathtubs drains slower than usual? Or perhaps you hear gurgling sounds from your toilet after you flush? These are early indicators of tree root damage within your sewer pipes.

At other times, the signs become more prominent and alarming. Frequent recurrence of clogs, sinkholes in your yard, toilet backups, and sewer smells suggest serious blockage and potential sewage leaks caused by tree roots. Ignoring these signs can lead to severe blockages as tree roots exploit even the smallest of fractures in your drain pipes, resulting in significant plumbing damage.

Rooter Services and Drain Clearing Solutions

Should you recognize any of the aforementioned indicators, remain calm. Expert rooter services and drain clearing methods are available to safely extract tree roots from your sewer lines without inflicting additional harm.

These approaches include using mechanical augers and hydro jetting, both of which will be elaborated upon in the following sections.

Mechanical Augers

When it comes to extracting tree roots from sewer lines, a mechanical auger can be an extremely effective instrument. This tool, wielded by professionals who are skilled in its operation, features a spiraling head that rotates to slice through the invasive roots within your pipes without inflicting additional harm.

Here’s what happens during mechanical augering:

  • A rotating cable is fitted with a blade specifically designed for cutting roots

  • It then proceeds to carve up the offending tree roots clogging your sewer

  • The process demands expert handling to ensure that your pipes are cleared effectively and safely

Owing primarily to concerns about safety and its specialized function, you’re unlikely to find mechanical augers on sale at local hardware stores as they aren’t suited for casual do-it-yourself home improvement projects.

Hydro Jetting

Another effective method to clear tree roots and debris from your drain line is hydro jetting. It uses a specialized nozzle to deliver pressurized water that breaks up roots and clears the blockage, pumping 17 to 18 gallons of water per minute into your drain pipes.

Hydro jetting offers several benefits.

  • Removes existing roots

  • Cleans the insides of pipes

  • Prevents further root intrusion

  • Restores optimal flow to your sewer line

Hydro jetting should be done by professionals to ensure it is done correctly and safely, without causing any damage to your pipes.

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Embracing the wisdom of the saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is crucial when it comes to stopping tree roots from encroaching on sewer lines. Annual inspections of your sewer line, strategic landscaping design, and updating pipes can be instrumental in preventing root invasion from trees and ensuring a well-functioning plumbing system.

Annual Plumbing Inspection

An annual check-up of your plumbing system is essential to catch early warning signs of tree roots making their way into your drain pipes. It can identify abnormal growth patterns or blockages, which are potential indicators of issues with tree roots, necessitating regular inspections.

An annual plumbing inspection typically involves:

  • Conducting a sewer camera inspection to identify any damage or blockages in your pipes

  • Identifying issues like tree root intrusion during these inspections

  • Preventing major plumbing problems

  • Saving on repair costs

Proper Landscaping Planning

Thoughtful landscaping planning significantly minimizes the risk of root intrusion in your sewer pipes. Selecting slower-growing, small trees and shrubs near your sewer lines is a strategic approach. Trees with invasive root systems, such as:

  • sycamore

  • willow

  • oak

  • maple

  • elm

  • aspen

  • birch

To prevent root intrusion, it is important to avoid tree roots. Avoiding areas near sewer lines is critical when designing a landscape or planting new trees. Additionally, the installation of root barriers can provide long-term protection for drain pipes by restricting root growth and minimizing potential damage to underground utilities.

Pipe Replacement and Upgrades

To prevent tree roots from invading your sewer lines and extend the longevity of your plumbing system, replace old pipes with durable materials. Switching to PVC pipes for sewer line replacement can provide a durable, low-maintenance solution that effectively resists tree root growth and intrusion.

Over time, replacing vulnerable pipes like cast iron or clay with more durable materials like plastic can be cost-effective due to reduced maintenance and risk of root intrusion. Additionally, pipe lining with composite resins can create a watertight and root-resistant barrier within existing pipes, often installed without the need for extensive digging.

Parker & Sons: Your Trusted Partner in Plumbing Repairs

Choose Parker & Sons for expert tree root pipe repairs. Our team of licensed, Trust Certified® technicians specializes in swiftly and effectively resolving tree root intrusions in your drain pipes. With our advanced techniques and equipment, we ensure thorough removal of tree roots and prevent future intrusions, safeguarding the integrity of your plumbing system.

Trust Parker & Sons for prompt and reliable service 24/7, without additional charges for nights, weekends, or holidays. Rest assured with our extensive warranties and benefit from our 100% money-back and satisfaction guarantees. Experience the Parker & Sons difference today, where customer satisfaction is our top priority. Call us today to schedule an appointment and witness first hand our dedication to customer service!

Summary

We’ve covered a lot of ground in this blog post. We’ve learned that tree roots can cause significant damage to your plumbing system if left unchecked. We’ve discovered the signs of tree root invasion and explored professional rooter services and drain clearing solutions. We’ve also touched upon preventative measures, including annual plumbing inspections, proper landscaping planning, and pipe replacement and upgrades.

Remember, prevention is key, and early detection can save you from considerable repair costs. But if you find yourself facing a tree root invasion, don’t hesitate to call in the pros. And when it comes to professional, reliable, and trustworthy plumbing services, Parker & Sons is your go-to partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How serious is roots in sewer line?

Tree roots infiltrating the sewer line can result in costly consequences, including backflow of sewage into the home, reduced efficiency in drain operation, offensive smells, and harmful overflows that necessitate expensive fixes.

This is a grave concern as it can profoundly affect how well the entire sewer system operates.

Are roots in sewer line common?

Yes, tree roots breaking into sewer lines is a fairly common issue that can be a nightmare to solve. It’s more common than you might think.

How do you unblock a drain full of roots?

A plumber has the option to employ a hydro-jet, which is connected to a hose, for blasting through roots that have clogged up a drain. This method utilizes high-pressure water streams to disintegrate the roots and wash them away from the pipe.

Although this process can be quite untidy, it proves to be an efficient way of eliminating tough blockages.

Why do tree roots invade drain pipes?

Roots from trees are drawn to the moisture and nutrients abundant within drain pipes, leading them to infiltrate these conduits through even the smallest of fissures.

How can I prevent tree root invasion in my drain pipes?

In order to protect your drain pipes from being penetrated by tree roots, it’s advisable to engage in routine plumbing checks every year. Strategic landscaping and updating or replacing vulnerable pipes can safeguard against root intrusion.

Preventive measures are essential for preventing expensive maintenance down the line.

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