Tree Root Troubles

Because of its composition, it’s difficult for trees and shrubs to grow in our southwestern soil. Tree roots will find all forms of moisture, regardless of any irrigation systems. Tree roots can create a clog or backup in sewage systems by forcing their way in, attracted by the moisture. Because a lot of trees grow profoundly during warmer months, plumbers will get many cases of invading tree roots in the late spring and summer.

Planting trees too close

Like iron claws, tree roots will dig into the soil of drain lines when they’re planted too close. They will also have no issue digging directly into sewer pipes to soak up the wastewater. This is why plumbers give warnings to landscapers and homeowners, to not plant trees in close proximity to water lines. When the roots dig in, they can cause blockage and waste from the household to start backing up.

Soft Spots and Odors

The beginning signs that a sewer line could be back up are slow drains in the house, bad odors, or a soft, moist spot in the yard. Some of the more surprising ways are when sewage comes up out of the tub or shower, or even the toilet bowl being empty. Either one is a disturbing event on its own, and rightly so.

Inspection of the Video

A plumber will bring a video inspection camera to assist in diagnosis. A video inspection camera will be used to show the precise nature of the problem. It will be used to show the location of the roots as well as any damage in the drain line. Cameras like these can provide exact detail, not only for tree root damage, but also for other plumbing problems which may exist along the length of the drain line. There are also other situations where pipe damage will resemble a tree root invasion; for instance, a collapsed pipe will have similar ‘symptoms.’ The location of the tree roots and the level of damage to the pipe will dictate the repair solution.

Repair

The pipe must be cleared out before the plumber can repair it. Most times, this can be achieved from the inside the line with a pipe liner, often regarded as a ‘trenchless pipe repair.’

Cleaning out access

When mature trees have already taken root in the landscape, or when a homeowner thinks there may be future issues, a clean out sweep can be included in the sewer line to make future cleanouts easy. It is commonly found on property that has a septic tank, which, in its very nature is a far more delicate system than those found in a city sewer system.

Sometimes, the homeowner can choose to remove the tree completely from the terrain to avoid more necessary plumbing repairs.