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Are Tree Roots Interfering with your Plumbing System?

Tree roots can become a real problem for homeowners, especially when it comes to their impact on plumbing systems. They can cause blockages and damage to pipes, resulting in costly repairs. There’s good news, though, and that’s there are a few preventative things you can do to avoid tree roots from interfering with your plumbing system.

How do tree roots grow, and why do they affect plumbing systems?

Tree roots are one of the most common sources of plumbing problems. As trees grow, their roots spread out in search of water and nutrients and can cause significant damage to underground pipes as they do so.

In this article, we’ll explore how tree roots grow and why they can pose such a problem for plumbing systems.

Tree roots can impact drainage pipes

The roots of trees can affect your drainage pipes in several ways, and so it’s wise to know how they grow and what can be done to prevent them from causing problems. As the roots extend, they break through the soil and can infringe on your pipe system.

This can cause the pipes to break, damaging the drainage system of your home and resulting in leaks. Damaged pipes can be expensive to fix, especially if the problem is extensive. Prevention is always better than repair, but if you suspect tree root damage act swiftly to make sure the situation doesn’t get worse.

Tree roots can damage the foundation of a building or a home

Of course, tree roots are essential for the growth and good health of a tree, but that doesn’t mean they don’t pose a potential problem for the structures around them. Tree roots can grow much deeper than the visible portion of the tree, and as they grow, they can push up against or even break the foundations of a building. 

If tree roots are left to grow under a home’s foundation, there’s a good chance they’ll compromise the structural integrity and that’s when huge repair bills come in.

The best way to prevent problems with tree roots and your plumbing system is to have your home’s plumbing inspected regularly by a professional plumber and if repairs are needed, it’s important the work is done by someone qualified and licensed.

What can happen to my plumbing if tree roots affect it?

Tree roots in your plumbing system can be a nightmare. They can cause major damage to pipes as well as blockages, which can lead to water damage and flooding. Here are some of the potential issues caused by tree roots encroaching on your plumbing system:

  • damaged pipes, sinks and drains
  • leaks which can lead to further damage to your system and property
  • sewer line blockages which can be inconvenient and impact your family's health

If left unchecked, tree roots can cause major damage to your plumbing and pipes, and so to avoid issues, it’s important to have your tree’s roots inspected on a regular basis. If any early damage is found, swift action can be taken to prevent further problems, but early intervention can also help to prolong the life of your tree.,

How can I identify if my plumbing problems are caused by tree root damage?

Fortunately, there are a few ways you can tell if your plumbing problems are caused by tree roots.

When tree roots have grown into your pipes or drains, you can expect to start experiencing some plumbing problems. The best way to know whether these are caused by tree root damage is to look for signs of root intrusion. You might notice your drains backing up, or maybe hear gurgling or crackling sounds from your pipes. In either case, you should call us to inspect your pipes and drains for signs of tree root damage.

Trees can cause the pipes to crack, or leave an opening for roots to enter

When you have tree roots growing into your plumbing system or pipes, you’ll begin to notice your water usage increases, and at times, you may even experience leaks. A good way to check for this is to look at the pipes leading to the outside of your house, and if you see that they are cracked or loose, then you should contact a plumber to see if the problem is caused by roots.

How do I prevent tree roots from growing through my pipes?

Tree roots are naturally attracted to the water and nutrients found in underground pipes, and can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to stop tree roots from growing through your pipes.

The best thing to do is to have your pipes regularly inspected by a professional. We’ll be able to see if there are any issues and able to determine what the best course of action is. We can also recommend specific products and strategies to help prevent tree roots from growing into your pipes, which as a preventative measure can save you a lot of time and money.

Why is a professional plumber needed to remove tree roots from my plumbing system?

Tree roots are one of the most common causes of plumbing problems. If left unchecked, tree roots can cause pipe blockages, leading to water damage and costly repairs. While some homeowners may try to remove tree roots from their plumbing system on their own, this can be a difficult and dangerous task. It’s certainly not advisable to DIY this.

What should I do now?

Tree root problems can be one of the most difficult plumbing issues to deal with. They can cause costly damage to your plumbing system and it can be difficult to identify until the damage has been done. If you have trees near your home, it is important to be proactive in protecting your plumbing system from potential tree root issues.

Here are some suggested courses of action:

Call a professional to inspect your plumbing system and find out how to best protect your plumbing from tree root problems in the future. By taking this step, you can help prevent damage to your home and prevent future plumbing issues. If you have any questions about how to keep your plumbing system safe and working properly, contact us, we’re always happy to help.

If your plumbing system is already prone to tree root problems, it’s important to check your system regularly. If you notice that your sinks are taking longer to drain, there isn’t enough water pressure, or you notice any leaks, you should call us right away.

Regularly inspect your exterior drainage pipes.

Tree roots can cause extensive damage to your plumbing system if they aren’t properly taken care of. It is important to be aware of the signs of tree root interference so that you can take the necessary steps to prevent further damage. 

Always call Eco Earth Plumbing if you suspect tree root damage, as we have the expertise to identify and remove the roots without causing further damage. With a combination of preventive measures and regular inspections, we can help ensure that your plumbing system remains safe from tree root interference in the future.