Watch Those Roots! How Tree Roots Can Damage Your Plumbing

Many homeowners enjoy having big trees in their yards. They add beauty to the landscape, increase the home’s aesthetics, and provide shade and fresh air. Yet, most people do not consider that the roots of these trees can encroach the underground sewer lines and cause severe plumbing and structural damage. Tree root invasion is among the most detrimental plumbing problems homeowners can encounter. They should immediately call a plumbing company if there are any warning signs of tree roots in their pipes. 

Why do tree roots invade pipes?

Tree roots travel long distances under the ground for water and nutrients essential for their survival. Sewer pipes contain oxygen, water, and organic waste in abundance. Any cracks, failed joints, deteriorated seals, old and weak pipes, or other damage in these lines allow fluids to leak into the soil, which draws tree roots towards them, making them an easier target of tree root invasion. The type of tree and soil and underground pipe condition determine the extent of root invasion. 

How do tree roots damage plumbing?

Big trees around a property make sewer pipes and underground water lines highly susceptible to clogs by tree roots. Once tree roots infiltrate the pipes, they continue to grow inside and block them entirely. When ignored or left unrepaired, the roots thicken and grow strong with time, putting pressure on the pipes and causing them to crack, bend, and break apart, which can cost thousands of dollars in repairs. 

Damaged sewer pipes can cause various issues with the home’s plumbing system. Homeowners should watch for the following warning signs indicating the possibility of tree root invasion:

Slow-moving drains

One of the early symptoms of tree roots entering the water lines is slow flowing drains, especially in homes with old pipes or large trees in the yard. Clogs in the sewer pipes allow wastewater to flow slowly. Call a local plumber for inspection if the toilets flush slowly, or the drains take longer than usual to empty and produce gurgling noises.

Sinkhole

Discovering a visible sinkhole in the yard may indicate severe damage caused due to the presence of tree roots inside sewer lines. Water leaking from the sewer pipes is a common cause of sinkhole formation. Stay away from the area and call a plumber as the tree root invasion also poses a threat to the health and integrity of the home’s foundation. 

Foul odor

Tree roots can cause severe blockage in the sewer pipes and lead to nasty odors (like rotten eggs) inside and outside the home.  

Back-ups

Clogged pipes can cause the drains and toilets to back up and create a mess in the house. Tree roots are a leading cause of blocked pipes and require immediate professional assistance.

Get the right help to deal with your tree roots concerns

Homeowners should not ignore any plumbing issues. The longer they ignore compromised pipes, the greater is the extent of damage, and the higher are the repair costs. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above or suspect tree roots in the sewer pipes, you should call a plumbing company without any delay. A professional plumber can thoroughly inspect the pipes to evaluate the extent of damage and find a solution. Some situations may even demand complete pipe replacement. But you won’t know until you call in the professionals.

With over 25 years of experience, American Discount Plumbing has offered expert plumbing service and repair in Phoenix Arizona and surrounding cities at affordable rates for both residential and commercial properties. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing company with thirty-five years of experience in plumbing. From a simple leak to a complete plumbing renovation, we strive to be reliable, honest, professional and all of our work is guaranteed. Call 602-883-2787 today!