How to Save Your Sewer Line from Tree Roots

Trees need plenty of nutrients, water and minerals to grow. They are always actively searching for places where they can obtain these substances in abundance, and your sewer line happens to be a perfect source. Tree roots are naturally drawn to sewer pipes. When they find a crack or leak on the drainage system, they quickly grow into the pipes to absorb nutrients, causing blockages and inhibiting the flow of waste.

Spreading roots continue to grow inside the pipes - expanding cracks, loosening joints, and eventually totally clogging or breaking open the sewer pipes. Sewer line damages can cost you thousands of dollars in repair, so it’s best that you understand and implement the following tips to prevent tree roots from hampering your drainage system.

Avoid Planting Trees Over or Near the Sewer Line

The first step in saving your sewer line from tree roots intrusion is by avoiding planting any trees over or near your underground utilities. It is the easiest and cheapest way to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place. Have your sewer lines marked before planting any new trees. You can have a professional sewer expert from ICUNJ make the markings for you. Plus, if there are trees that currently exist near the sewer’s location, remove them to avert potential issues in the future.

Avoid Planting Trees That Are Aggressive in Spreading Roots

Some trees have a very aggressive tree root system and tend to be the biggest offenders of sewer line systems. A few of them include cypress, gum, maples, elms and walnut trees. These trees are highly active in spreading out their roots and are most likely to wreak havoc on your drainage system if planted too close to it. But if you really want to plant them, place them at least 50 feet from the sewer line.

Create a Barrier Between Your Trees and The Sewer Line

This is another preventative method to keep any invasive tree roots away from your sewer line. There are different ways to create an effective barrier including using slow-release chemical solutions designed to inhibit the growth of roots within the vicinity of the sewer line. These chemical solutions are poured into the toilet and help in minimizing the possibility of tree roots penetrating the sewer pipes through cracks and crevices.

You can also use mechanical barriers such as burying metal and wooden barricades vertically along the sewer line to prevent any roots from reaching the drainage pipes.

Schedule Regular Professional Sewer Line Inspections and Cleaning

Sewer line inspections are vital in identifying any possibility of root intrusion into your drainage system. A professional will not only help in cleaning your system but also show you the state of your sewer line interiors. They will also inform you whether there is any looming danger in your system that requires urgent repair or replacement to avoid costly damages in the future.

Replace Old Pipes Before Problems Occur

If your sewer line pipes are old and worn out, consider replacing them. Old pipes are prone to leakages and cracks – factors that contribute massively in drawing tree roots to a sewer line.

Control the tree roots mechanically

If the tree roots have already penetrated your sewer line in a manageable way, a professional can save your drainage system from damage by removing them mechanically. Experts use a variety of tools to control the growth of tree roots into your pipes while cleaning them at the same time.

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