Is Your Growing Garden Hurting Your Plumbing?
Is the yard starting to bloom as spring weather arrives? The colors from growing flowers and trees can be beautiful, but some not-so-pretty things can happen to the underground plumbing system. As trees grow and strengthen in the spring, their roots grow underground, occasionally finding their way into sewer and water lines. April showers may bring May flowers, but new plant growth can cause underground plumbing issues. Keep reading to learn what problems trees in the yard can cause to the plumbing system.
Intruding Tree Roots
Seeing trees grow big and strong in the yard can be reassuring for the landscaping, but it can signal to have the plumbing system checked. Tree roots can be problematic when they intrude on underground plumbing systems. As the trees grow in the spring and their root systems expand, they search for water and nutrients in the soil.
Unfortunately, this could lead them directly to the home’s underground piping. Once tree roots get inside pipes, they can cause damage by blocking and clogging or breaking and cracking the lines, resulting in costly repairs. It’s essential to take steps to protect the plumbing system from root intrusion to avoid this issue and the effects it can cause.
Problems From Intruding Tree Roots
Tree roots that invade pipes can cause several issues. When the roots penetrate the sewer line, they can block the flow of water or sewage, creating slow drainage and eventually leading to backups. In addition to slowing down the plumbing system, tree root intrusions can damage pipes by causing them to break or crack, leading to costly repairs or even replacement of the lines.
Leaks can occur when tree roots pierce through a pipe or joint, allowing water to escape from the plumbing system. Poor water pressure from plumbing fixtures can also occur if the leak is in a water line. Furthermore, if tree roots enter sewer lines, they can also cause foul odors in the area around the affected pipes. Quickly dealing with intruding tree roots is vital for homeowners to ensure their plumbing system remains functional and that property damage does not occur.
Solutions and Prevention for Root Obstruction
Plumbers can use hydro jetting to remove blockages from tree root intrusions. Hydro jetting is a drain cleaning technique that uses high-pressure water streams to clear clogs, including tree roots that have invaded pipes. After the blockage is removed, plumbers can repair any leaks or damage caused by the roots. Plumbers have many specialized tools to locate leaks or damage in the pipes, including acoustic leak detectors and video inspection equipment. This equipment will allow plumbers to locate and repair the pipe more effectively with minimal disruption to the surroundings.
Homeowners can also take steps to prevent tree root intrusions from occurring. Installing root barriers around pipes and sewer lines can effectively keep roots away from pipes. They act as a physical barrier to keep the tree roots away from pipes. Additionally, homeowners should avoid planting trees near underground piping and look into which trees have roots that are less likely to damage pipes to reduce the risk of root intrusion. Scheduling routine drain cleaning services and plumbing inspections can also help catch issues from tree roots early before they further damage the plumbing system.
About Neighborhood Plumbing & Drain
Neighborhood Plumbing & Drain is a local plumbing company serving Lakeway, TX, and the surrounding areas since 2008. They provide solid communication, the latest technology, and prompt arrival. Call them today for water and sewer line repair services in Lakeway, TX.