3 Ways to Control Tree Roots From Damaging Your Sewer Line
There are many benefits to having trees on your property. They look beautiful, provide shade on a hot day, and can be fun for kids to play on. One downside, however, is that the roots can wreak havoc on your sewer line pipe – leading to costly repairs and a potentially hazardous mess inside your house.
If you have trees in your front yard, this article is for you, so read on.
How trees roots can damage your sewer line
The sewer line is the pipe that runs underground and carries wastewater from your home to the municipal sewer main. If there is a tree that’s nearby the sewer line, the roots may be attracted to it for the water and nutrients inside the pipe. When the roots are able to grow into the pipe, it can cause a leak, break, or blockage. Certain materials such as clay or Orangeburg are more susceptible to root damage but it can affect all types of sewer pipes.
Ways to control root problems
The good news is that there are a few ways to prevent or deal with tree roots growing into the sewer line.
- Keep landscaping away from the sewer line. Prevention is always the best strategy, especially for new builds or homes that are doing major landscaping renovations. Make sure you know where the sewer line runs underground and plan your landscaping accordingly so there are no trees or large plants within 10 feet of the pipe.
- Root removal. If roots grow into your pipe and you start to notice problems with your sewer line, the sooner you can act the better. The pipe will need to be dug up so the roots can be physically removed. New trenchless approaches are available that create less disruption to your property.
- Above-ground extraction. Most homeowners don’t like the idea of tearing up the yard to access the sewer line. If the pipe is blocked but not severely damaged, it may be possible to clear the pipes through professional tools such as powered augers or hydro jetting.
Sewer line repair and replacement
Having a sewer line problem isn’t fun to deal with, but it shouldn’t be ignored or you could have raw sewage backing up into your home, along with other plumbing and property issues. For the best sewer line repair and replacement expertise in Lynn, MA, trust Waldman Plumbing and Heating, Inc. You can schedule an appointment by calling (781) 780-3184.