How Tree Roots Can Wreck Your Sewer Line

Did you know that trees can damage your sewer line? Tree roots can infiltrate your sewer line, causing cracks and impeding sewage flow. How does this happen? Tree roots seek sources of moisture and nutrients to survive, so they will naturally gravitate to sewer lines. While the tree roots themselves won’t break the line, they can creep into existing cracks and openings.

Unfortunately, there aren’t any DIY solutions (unless the tree is a sapling), so you will need an experienced plumber to fix the problem.

Here are some signs that you have a sewer line blockage:

Slow-moving Sink and Shower Drains

If your drains are slow to drain, it may signal a blocked sewer line.

Bubbling or Gurgling Sounds

Hearing strange noises from the drains and pipes is never a good sign and could indicate a blockage in the line.

Unpleasant Odors

If wastewater can’t flow freely through your sewer pipe, then the water will back up, resulting in a foul odor.

Clogged Toilets

If your toilet isn’t flushing completely or not at all, you could have a blocked sewer line. Toilet paper and other waste can get entangled in tree roots and form a clog.

Sinkholes and Soft Spots in Your Yard

If you notice areas in your yard that are soft, mushy, or depressed, they are a warning of a pending sinkhole. In those cases, you will need to contact a plumber ASAP before the entire line and yard collapse. Also, if you notice patches in your yard that are more green than usual, it could be a sign that the grass and plants are receiving extra nutrients and moisture from a leaking pipe.

Clearing Tree Roots from Your Plumbing

There are several methods for removing tree roots from your sewer line, but first, the plumber will need to conduct a sewer line camera inspection by inserting and guiding a tiny camera through your sewer line to detect the location and type of blockage. If a tree root is the culprit, there are several solutions. The plumber can run a drain snake with a cutting blade through the line to cut away the tree roots, or, for thicker roots, the same method can be used with a heavy-duty steel cable and cutting head. Hydrojetting is another option where extremely high-pressure water is blasted through the line to remove the tree roots. Finally, and in the worst-case scenario, your yard may need a complete a plumbing excavation to remove the tree roots and replace the sewer line.

Call Atlas Butler For Tree Root Problems

If you suspect you have a blocked sewer line, call Atlas Butler at 1-800-FURNACE. We’ll send one of our experienced plumbers to your home to conduct a sewer line camera inspection. Our phone is answered 24/7 by a live person, and we also provide emergency service. Atlas Butler has proudly served Central Ohio for more than 100 years.