How Do Roots Get Into Sewer Pipes?

Tree roots shouldn’t put your plumbing on hold. Call Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. at 440-557-4605 for fast and efficient services!

Constant clogs and bad smells can make it seem like you can never fix your plumbing. However, the culprit may not be a hair clog or pipe corrosion but root infiltrations in your piping system. How do roots get into sewer pipes, and why do they try?

Wickliffe’s reliable sewer repair technicians at Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. have some ideas based on their 60 years of cumulative experience. You can rely on us to dutifully search for solutions that suit your plumbing needs. Read more to learn how plumbers discover and deal with tree root infiltrations.

Why Tree Roots Seek Sewer Pipes

Trees grow and thrive based on several factors, including water, oxygen, and sunlight. While the leaves take care of the sunlight needs, the roots search for minerals and water sources. As it turns out, sewer lines are a great source of water for trees. 

Roots have a specialized drive to find water regardless of human conventions and intervention. Trees do not maliciously ruin sewer lines. The sensors in the roots simply think the water looks great. 

Moreover, what seems disgusting to humans may help plants grow stronger and vibrantly. Sewage can include a lot of nasty additives, including toilet residue or food scraps. These elements contain a lot of potential minerals that the tree can utilize. 

After all, fertilizer often includes decaying plant matter, animal manure, and other unpleasant objects that trees love. Since the sewer line contains water and is a good source of potential plant nutrients, tree roots may gravitate toward it.

Signs the Trees Have Found Your Pipes

You may see a few warning signs that roots have found and made themselves at home in your sewer line:

• Sinkholes in your yard: When roots infiltrate a water line, it causes leaks that require in-depth sewer line repairs. The leaking water soaks the soil and can cause it to loosen, leading to sinkholes.
• Blocked and overflowing sewers: Tree roots seek out water religiously and can cause a complete blockage in pipes once they find what they need. This blockage can cause sinks, toilets, and showers to back up with dirt-filled water.
• Greener trees: As you have had consistent plumbing issues, have you noticed any trees growing greener than the others? While the enhanced tree growth may seem lovely, it could be a sign the roots have found your sewer line. While the tree can spend more energy growing, it’s best if that doesn’t happen at the expense of your plumbing.
• Unappealing smells: Any obstruction to your sewage line can cause backups and unpleasant scents in your home. However, the smell is a sign you have a blockage in your system. Then, you can leave it to us to find the actual cause, which may be the tree roots in your yard.

How We Identify Pipeline Tree Roots

Sometimes, it may not be easy to answer “How do roots get into sewer pipes?” and related questions. In those cases, we also look into local details. For example, sewer lines near areas with previously known root problems may have the same issue. 

Additionally, we may suspect root problems if you haven’t had your system serviced in a while. The joint connections in your sewage system wear down over time, which can cause leaks that attract roots.

In some cases, if the structural damage is hard to notice, we may also use CCTV crawlers, lateral launch systems, or push cameras. We usually use launches and push cameras in smaller pipes, reserving crawlers for larger systems. From there, we can efficiently diagnose root problems in your sewage system.

The Do’s and Don'ts of Sewer Tree Root Treatment

If you see signs that may point to tree roots in your sewer line, always call plumbing experts for a thorough plumbing diagnosis. We have the tools and equipment necessary to inspect your pipes and find the true cause. In doing this, we can save you time, money, and energy on trying potentially faulty DIY plumbing tips.

If you do have tree roots clogging your sewage, we don’t recommend trying to fix the problem yourself. A professional plumber will likely need to replace a part of your sewage line. Doing so requires approval from local authorities, knowledge about the local plumbing system, and more.

Calling a professional keeps your plumbing solutions legal and often speeds up the piping process. Depending on the severity of the sewage break, it can take up to a week with professional tools. Trying to do it yourself could take several additional weeks, more money, and more energy.

We highly recommend avoiding chemical drain cleaners for root-infested pipes. While the chemicals may damage the tree roots, they can also erode your pipes, causing a more substantial leak and pollution problem.

Ways You Can Avoid Tree Root Infiltrations

Prevention tends to be the best option when avoiding having tree roots in your sewage line. You can do this in a few ways that shouldn’t disrupt your daily life:

• Avoid planting trees near your sewage line.
• Replace cement, clay, or cast iron pipes with PVC.
• Use composite resins to reline older pipe systems.
• Replace broken pipes quickly to avoid inviting tree roots.
• Practice good plumbing care habits to prevent pipe breaks.
• Utilize landscaping barriers to keep trees and their roots away from your pipes.
• Consider annual plumbing inspections to identify potential leaks and root infiltrations.

Call Us to Resolve Plumbing Systems with Tree Roots

How do roots get into sewer pipes? They follow water leaks and pipe breaks, then make your plumbing their new home. However, Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co.’s professional plumbing services can quickly address and resolve any sewer problems.

We offer 24/7 emergency services in and around Wickliffe, OH, so you can call us any time you have plumbing issues. For top-quality customer services and a free quote, call Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. at 440-557-4605 today!