- Summer seems like a time for trees dropping leaves when it gets really hot. Some may even die and fall off, but some trees have a knack for surviving the scorching heat of summer when they have enough access to water and nutrients. That can be bad news for homeowners with damaged sewer lines. Increased temperature, plus leakings and gaps can mean that tree roots are going to be attracted to your sewer lines even more, and it’s in danger of completely failing.
- Let’s find out how these roots can harm your sewer lines and what can you do when that happens. We’ll also give you ideas of trees to avoid growing on your property.
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Roots that Poses Threats to Sewer Lines
- Feeder roots – are thin, almost invisible hair-like roots that grow from the anchor roots. Despite their size, they make up a large part of the trees root system in the surface area and can expand in all directions in search of nutrients and water. Once they sense the presence of moisture in the sewer, they can penetrate it through tiny openings such as cracks or gaps between pipe connections.
Secondary roots – are larger, thicker roots that can follow a sewer pipe for many feet exploiting each opportunity to penetrate cracks and loose pipe joints. If they enter sewer pipes, they can exert enough pressure to scatter pipe joints or even brutally break pipes.
The Worst Trees for Your Sewer Line
- Large, fast-growing trees caused the most sewer and drain pipes problem. These trees and shrubs are aggressive in their quest for finding water and nutrients and will grow where necessary. They grow with extreme pressure which is where they start to cause problems for your drain pipes and sewerage system. Here are the trees and shrubs you should avoid growing near your sewer lines.
- • Willow shrubs such as Japanese willow shrubs and weeping willow trees.
- • Elm trees
- • Poplar trees are like the Lombardy poplar tree.
- • Tulip trees
- • Beech trees
- • Aspen trees
- • Ash trees
- • Most maple trees
Why Roots Like Growing Inside and Around the Sewer Line?
- Trees heavily rely on their roots to provide water and nutrients that keep them alive, and your sewer pipes are a perfect hydroponic environment where tree roots can get it. As trees mature, the root systems become quite complicated, and more aggressive, spanning in large areas.
- Studies suggest that roots can sense where the water is flowing. The warm water inside the sewer line causes moisture to flee to the cold soil surrounding the pipe. Tree roots are particularly attracted to the moisture leaving the pipe. They track the moisture’s trail, which usually ends up in loose joints, cracks and holes in the sewer line.
- If you live in an area without a lot of nature, roots might even pry at greater depths to seek water and nutrition until they will reach your pipes. Some roots even have a knack at following building sewers even beyond the tree’s drip line to the main sewer line. If your pipes have any sort of external damage, grotesque roots can easily find this damage and make the problem even worse.
Signs of Tree Root Penetration
- • Unexpected soft spots and sinkholes in your yard
- • Stranges sounds and stinks coming from your indoor plumbing
- • Patches of flourishing greenery in the yard – suggest below-ground moisture
- • A sudden increase in your water or utility bills even without anything changed in your water activities at home
- • Low water pressure
What Tree Root Could Be Doing in Your Sewer Line
- Trees keep the sun’s brutal rays from heating the walls and roof of your home, but they’re also a threat to what lies underneath your home. When feeder roots penetrate the sewer line through loose joints and cracks, they can quickly grow into a viscous clump that obstructs the flow of water and waste. You may start to experience different choked line issues like gurgling noises coming from your toilet when it’s flushed and your drains refusing to drain the water.
- If you have an old house with sprawling trees around, you have a bigger problem. Old houses usually have old plumbing that is highly susceptible to root invasion, especially where pipes join together. Pipe connections tend to come loose with time. If the root invasion becomes severe enough, it can make the pipe reach its point of collapse. At that point, the only solution is to replace that section of pipe if sewer pipe relining won’t fix it.
How to Prevent Roots from Wrecking Havoc in Your Home
- Stay ahead of any root intrusion – The best defence is having a perfect offence. You can tap with an arborist for growth barriers. They are wall-like structures placed around the tree roots to redirect their growth away from your sewer. You can also work with a landscape specialist to promote firmer, stronger soil. Roots depend on loose soil for growth. When soil is dense, the harder it is for them to travel through and penetrate your sewer line. If you already have the trees listed above on your property or plan to plant them in the future, be mindful of the location you’re growing them. Schedule regular inspections to stay ahead of any tree root threats and changes in the condition of your pipelines. Doing so will prevent future sewer problems that can call for costly repair.
- Let the sewer pipe relining fix the problem – If you suspect tree roots are to be blamed for your sewage backup, low water pressure, and sluggish drainage, you need to call the sewer pipe relining Sydney experts already. Like our team, sewer relining contractors can investigate issues with your sewer. We can perform the necessary repair to clear tree roots and restore the pipe’s capacity to efficiently drain the water without causing further damage. Sewer pipe relining cost is cheaper than when you wait for tree roots to completely make your pipes fail and at that point, the only way to restore it is pipe replacement – both costly and invasive.
What should you do?
With the summer setting in, we can only hope that trees become completely inactive so your sewer is not at threat for root intrusion, but that’s completely an illusion. Tree roots do find ways to survive the heat, even if it means crawling and digging deeper to find your sewer. When those high temperatures start to hit, don’t take chances by just neglecting the trees around your property. Keep sewers flowing and clear of roots by calling Revolution Pipe Relining, your sewer pipe relining in Sydney partner. We can help you determine the best steps to take moving forward.
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