Signs You Have Roots in Your Pipes — And What To Do About It

The trees in your yard are a big part of what makes your property so beautiful.

Although your trees help to improve your home’s curb appeal, they can sometimes cause problems with your sewer lines as well. This occurs when their roots grow into your sewer lines, thereby causing damage.

When tree roots start growing in your plumbing, it can lead to a range of issues, from minor clogs to severe blockages and even pipe damage. Understanding the impact of root intrusion is crucial to safeguarding your plumbing system. In this blog, we’ll delve deeper into the causes, signs, and solutions for tree roots in sewer lines, ensuring you’re equipped to tackle this challenge head-on. Let’s explore how to maintain harmony between your beautiful trees and your sewer infrastructure

Having problems with roots in your plumbing? Let Stang Plumbing & Heating provide the solution! Call us at 301-296-1462 today.

How Do Roots Get Into Sewer Lines?

It starts with warm water flowing through your pipes, which causes vapor to be released from any cracks or loose joints into the cooler soil that surrounds your pipes. This vapor contains water along with nutrients that are essential to the growth of your property’s trees. The roots of nearby trees will begin to grow toward the pipes in an attempt to reach the moisture. They’ll eventually grow into the cracks or loose joints from where the vapor was released and can fill the pipe. Not only can this cause serious blockages, but it could cause your pipe to collapse.

Signs of Roots in Your Pipes

As the property owner, you are responsible for maintaining your sewer laterals, which are the pipes that connect your home’s sewer pipes to the main sewer pipe, which is generally located in the street. The problem is that because the sewer pipes are located below ground, it can be difficult to identify any issues.

There are two main signs to look for in the case of roots growing into your pipes. The first is if your home has a slowly flowing drainage system. The second is if you hear gurgling sounds coming from your toilet bowls.

A professional will be able to identify if the growth of roots in your pipes is the problem by performing a camera inspection.

Removing Roots From Plumbing Pipes

If it’s been determined that there are roots growing inside of your sewer pipes, then a professional will be able to remove those roots using one of several methods. The following are some of the common methods for removing roots from sewer lines:

• Cutting the tree roots: The most common way of removing roots is through the use of a mechanical auger. A professional will send a powered sewer auger with a rotating spiral head through your sewer line. The spiral head works like a reciprocating saw head, which will cut the roots. However, with this method, the roots can still grow back.
• Chemical removal: To keep the tree roots from growing back, you can deposit a chemical like copper sulfate crystals right outside of your pipe. This will keep tree roots from getting into the pipes since it will kill off the root structure.
• Hydro jetter removal: A hydro jetter is a machine that uses a pump and water that can be used to flush your pipes using a chemical of some kind to kill the roots.

These are just a few ways you can remove any roots from your sewer pipes. If you notice signs of invasive roots, contact a professional right away before they do any serious damage to your pipes.

Schedule Plumbing Repairs for Tree Root Removal in Maryland

Contact Stang Plumbing & Heating for a plumbing repair estimate today. Whether you need plumbing repair or replacement for your water heater, toilet, faucet, or sink, we can help. We have an excellent reputation within the Maryland area and have earned a top rating in the Washington Consumers’ Checkbook every year since 1989. Additionally, Stang has earned a coveted “A” rating from Angi, the country’s most trusted source for contractor and service company ratings. Contact us today and find out why our customer service ratings are so high!

Worried that tree roots have damaged your home’s pipes? Don’t wait, call Stang Plumbing & Heating at 301-296-1462 or contact us online today to get your pipes repaired as soon as possible!