How Tree Roots Can Damage Your Sewer Line and How to Prevent It

When people think of potential plumbing issues, tree roots are typically not the first culprit that comes to mind. However, for homeowners in Glen Burnie with trees on or near their property, roots infiltrating the sewer lines can be a very real, expensive, and frustrating problem.

Trees naturally seek out moisture and nutrients, and your sewer line offers both in abundance. Unfortunately, this means the roots can cause blockages, breaks, and serious damage to your sewer system over time.

Alpha Plumbing has seen firsthand how tree roots can cause major plumbing headaches for homeowners in and around Glen Burnie. Learn how tree roots infiltrate sewer lines, the damage they can cause, and the steps you can take to prevent and address these issues.

How Tree Roots Infiltrate Sewer Lines

Tree roots are constantly growing and expanding in search of water and nutrients. Once roots find a moisture source, they begin to grow toward it. If there are any small cracks, joints, or weak points in the sewer line, the roots will exploit them, gradually infiltrating the pipe.

Once inside the pipe, the roots continue to grow, thriving in the nutrient-rich environment of your sewer line. Over time, the roots grow larger and stronger, creating a thick web of roots that can cause slow drainage, backups, and, eventually, complete clogs. The pressure from growing roots can also cause the pipe to crack, break, or collapse.

Older homes with clay, concrete, or cast-iron sewer pipes are especially susceptible to this problem, as these materials are prone to cracks and leaks as they age. However, even newer homes with PVC pipes are not completely immune to root infiltration if the pipes are not properly installed or have existing weaknesses.

Signs and Damage of Roots in Sewer Line

The presence of tree roots in your sewer line can lead to several issues, some of which may be minor inconveniences at first but can escalate into major problems if not addressed by a plumbing professional.

One of the earliest signs of tree roots in your sewer line is slow drainage in your sinks, tubs, or toilets. This occurs as the roots grow inside the pipes and partially obstruct the flow of wastewater.

If the roots cause a full blockage, sewage will have nowhere to go but back up through your drains. Not only is this messy and unpleasant, but it can also pose health risks due to the bacteria and contaminants present in the wastewater.

If the pipe collapses due to root intrusion, it can disrupt the entire sewer system and may require costly excavation and replacement. A broken sewer line can also lead to sewage leaks into the surrounding soil, potentially contaminating the groundwater and nearby water sources. This can harm the environment and create further health hazards.

How To Prevent Tree Roots from Damaging Your Sewer Line

While it can be difficult to control tree root growth, let alone identify their location underground, several steps can be taken to minimize the risk of damage.

Here are some preventive measures Alpha Plumbing recommends to protect your sewer line:

• Plant Trees Away from Sewer Lines: If you’re planting new trees on your Glen Burnie property, you’ll want to avoid areas near your sewer lines. Not sure where these run? Alpha Plumbing can help identify where to avoid digging—or planting. Also, choose tree species with less aggressive root systems to minimize the risk to your plumbing.

• Use Root Barriers: Root barriers are physical barriers that can be installed between trees and sewer lines. They should be installed before roots grow too close to pipes. This should help to prevent the roots from infiltrating the pipes by redirecting their growth downward or away from the plumbing.
  
  
• Annual Sewer Line Inspections: One of the best ways to prevent tree root damage is by scheduling annual sewer line inspections. Our Alpha Plumbing plumbers use video cameras to inspect the interior of your pipes, allowing them to detect any signs of root intrusion before it becomes a major problem. By catching the issue early, you can save yourself from more extensive and costly repairs down the road.
  
  
• Chemical Root Killers: Some Glen Burnie homeowners use chemical root killers, which can be flushed down the toilet to prevent roots from growing in the sewer line. These chemicals can kill small root intrusions before they have a chance to grow larger. However, this is only a temporary solution, and it’s not a replacement for regular maintenance and inspections.

Repairing Sewer of Tree Root Damage

If you suspect tree roots have infiltrated your sewer line, it is important to address the problem as soon as possible. Ignoring the issue can lead to more extensive damage and costly repairs.

At the first sign of slow drains, gurgling toilets, or sewage backups, contact a licensed plumber with Alpha Plumbing to assess the situation. Our team uses specialized equipment to diagnose the issue and determine whether tree roots are the cause.

Corrective options will likely include:

Hydro Jetting: One method used to remove tree roots from sewer lines is hydro jetting. This process involves using high-pressure water to blast the roots out of the pipe, clearing the blockage without causing additional damage to the pipe.

Sewer Line Repair: If the roots have caused mild to moderate damage to your sewer line, repairs may be possible.

Sewer Line Replacement: When the pipe collapses or suffers severe damage, replacement may be the only option. Trenchless methods can often minimize disruption to your property.

Trenchless Sewer Line Repair

If your sewer line has already been damaged by tree roots, trenchless sewer line repair methods can be a less invasive option. Instead of digging up your yard, trenchless technology allows Alpha Plumbing plumbers to repair or replace your sewer line through a few small access points.

Our experts begin the process by digging two small holes—one where the waterline begins and another where it ends. A new pipe is then placed into the existing pipe, and a special tool helps burst the old pipe so it can be completely replaced by the new pipe.

This can save you time, money, and the hassle of landscaping repairs.

Financing Sewer Damage Remediation

Root intrusion can cause significant damage to sewer lines, which means costly repairs. Fortunately, Alpha Plumbing offers homeowners financing options to help make sewer repair more affordable.

With financing, you can address the problem immediately without sacrificing the full cost upfront. Repairing sewer lines after root intrusion is crucial to prevent further damage, backups, and potentially hazardous situations.

Glen Burnie Sewer Line Services

Tree roots can wreak havoc on your sewer line if left unchecked, leading to costly repairs and potential damage to your Glen Burnie property. However, with proper preventive measures, such as planting trees away from sewer lines, using root barriers, and scheduling regular inspections, you can minimize the risk of tree root infiltration.

If you suspect tree roots have already invaded your sewer pipes, don’t wait to call a professional plumber. Alpha Plumbing will help you address your root-related plumbing issues and ensure your sewer system stays in top condition.

Our services encompass sewer line inspection, repair, and replacement—with trenchless options—whatever your tree root problem requires for resolution. We can also assist with other aspects of your home plumbing system, from water leaks to water heaters. Call us for any plumbing need at 443-228-3790 or request service online.