By Mashum Mollah
Many homes have trees in their yards. In fact, the trees often have sentimental associations as they have been there for years. Trees may have been climbed by parents and children, giving them spaces to play and create fond memories.
Trees can also look beautiful and give valuable shade. However, there are times when you need to be wary of the stunning tree in your garden. For example, trees with large limbs will expand across your boundary. You will need to keep them trimmed in order to avoid annoying your neighbors or damaging their property.
In fact, this can be a serious concern in bad weather when trees are likely to suffer limb loss and damage other people’s houses.
The other issue that is often overlooked is the damage that tree roots can do to pipes. If you think this is an issue you are going to need to contact a reputable plumber Sydney.
Identifying A Tree Root Issue
Tree roots in pipes will cause a blockage. The first sign that you have an issue is when your sinks and other appliances start to drain slowly. If it is just one appliance, then it is an issue with the specific drain. But if all your appliances are affected then the issue is in your main sewer line.
The easiest way to find a clog is to use a sewer camera. This inserts into the pipes and shows you what is inside them; it will quickly locate any clog. However, if you have trees in your garden and you know where the sewer pipes go, then you can establish whether tree roots are the issue.
In general, the tree’s roots are the same diameter as its leaves. If the branches are covering the area where the sewer pipe runs there is a good chance the roots are in your pipes and causing the blockage.
How do Tree Roots get Into Pipes?
Trees need water and a variety of nutrients to survive, in the same way that all plants do. Unfortunately, your sewer pipe contains water and nutrients, making it the perfect option for a tree that wants to flourish.
Roots generally start slim and get thicker. This makes it easy for a tree root to slide through a crack in your sewer pipe and then grow inside the pipe. However, even if there is not a crack, the roots grow around the pipe until they are placed under enough pressure that it cracks and lets the roots in.
They then grow inside the pipe and clog it.
Preventing & Dealing with the Issue
Wondering how to prevent tree roots from getting into your pipes? We can help you out! Because there are preventative measures that can help you protect your pipes better.
It may seem like a daunting task, but it’s possible to avoid these issues and deal with them if they occur!
Prevention Better than Cure
The easiest way to solve any problem is to prevent it in the first place. If you know that your home’s septic lines run close to trees, monitor the situation before it gets out of hand. One sure way to keep roots out of your system is by placing barriers around your pipes.
You can construct them from metal, concrete, or even chemicals that discourage root growth in that particular direction.
Although this may sound like something only a professional could do, many plumbers actually specialize in this area of expertise.
At the end of the day, putting up a block here and there saves money on avoiding large pipe repair or replacement jobs down the line.
Check on Them Regularly
Another way to avoid the above problems is regular maintenance. You should have your pipes inspected every few years (especially if you have large, mature trees in your yard) by a professional.
They will put a camera in your pipes and notice any problems before they become too severe. This’ll save you so much money and stress down the road!
When the Damage is Done
But say the damage is already done… now what? If tree roots are inside of your pipes, time to call in the professionals.
They’ll probably recommend using a hydro jet to blast the roots out. The high-pressure water will remove the blockage without harming your pipes. Problem solved!
Extensive Damage
If the damage is more extensive, you may need to dig up the damaged area and replace it entirely.
Yes, that’s a lot of work, but it’s better than living with a backed-up sewer line.
Fortunately, most plumbers today use trenchless technology to repair or replace damaged sections of pipe without having to dig a big trench in your yard.
What About the Waste?
So, what should you do about those roots?
After repairing the pipe, you still need to trim or cut back the roots, so they won’t infiltrate the sewer line again.
In some cases, where a tree poses continuing problems because its roots keep getting into your plumbing, you may have to remove that tree altogether.
A Little Carefulness Goes a Long Way!
So, what’s the bottom line? Be aware of your trees and you’re plumbing. Stopping a problem before it starts is always easier (and more cost-effective) than cleaning up after a blockage
If you notice slow drains, multiple appliances clogging, or water pooling in your yard, contact an experienced plumber without delay.
You can have beautiful trees and functional plumbing with just a little effort! After all, you need both to enjoy your property to the fullest.
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