Trees provide shade, a home for wildlife, natural beauty, and of course, ever-important oxygen. Yet tree roots Plumbing can wreak havoc on the various pipes that run beneath or near a home, resulting in sinkholes on the property, gurgling toilets, and slow-moving drains. How do you know if tree roots have invaded your home’s plumbing lines, and what to do about them? Read on to learn more.
Why Do Tree Roots Invade Sewer Lines?
Tree roots grow into plumbing and sewer lines in search for moisture and oxygen, penetrating the tiniest of cracks to tap into the nutrients within those lines that help the roots to expand and fill the pipe. On a property with many trees, especially those that are large or mature, this could present a serious problem. The slightest infiltration can lead to a significant and damaging blockage putting a home’s plumbing system and even structural integrity at risk.
Tell-Tale Signs
Suspect that tree roots have taken up residence in one or more plumbing or drain lines on your property? Look for these signs:
- Presence of soft or saturated spots or even sinkholes in the yard.
- One tree growing unusually faster or appearing healthier than the others.
- Multiple slow moving drains even though no clogs appear to be present or after using a drain cleaner.
- Multiple gurgling toilets in the house.
When to Call a Professional
You may be tempted to save a few hard-earned dollars and reach for one of the many root-killing solutions available in most home improvement stores. Yet doing so may not entirely rid the water or sewer line of tree roots nor will you know the extent of the damage done to that line. In fact, you could end up doing more harm than good. A professional plumber will not only have the skill and experience to identify the problem, but also the tools and equipment necessary to thoroughly rid the line of tree roots for good and repair any damage. If the roots have grown into a sewer main, check with your municipality as they may be responsible for the cost of repairs.
Prevent Tree Roots From Coming Back
Now that one of our licensed and experienced plumber has rid you of the problem, you can rest easy, right? Not so fast. You see, it’s important to stay ahead of tree roots and catch problems before they arise and lead to costly damage. You can accomplish just that with an annual plumbing inspection from Eagle Service Company during which a specialized camera is sent through your homes’ pipes and drain lines to ensure they are clear of roots and identify any areas of concern. Plus, we’ll provide you with useful tips and tricks for keeping your plumbing system in tip-top shape.
No matter how simple or complex of a job it might be, we’re ready to help get your drains back in proper working order. Contact us today to request service and a custom drain proposal.
