As a homeowner, you likely take pride in your landscaping. You may have even planted a tree or two in your yard. But what you may not realise is that those very trees could be damaging your home’s plumbing. Roots from trees and other plants can wreak havoc on sewer lines and water pipes, causing them to break or become blocked.
If you’re wondering whether tree roots can break water pipes, how much it costs to remove tree roots from pipes, or how fast they can grow back after being removed, read on for more information.
What are the consequences of tree roots in drainage pipes?
Tree roots in sewer lines can cause blockages that lead to sewage backups in your home, and water pipes that are damaged by tree roots can lead to costly leaks. In extreme cases, ruptured water pipes can even result in flooding.
How can I prevent tree roots from damaging my sewer pipes?
1. Know where your sewer line and water pipes are located
Make sure you know where these vital components of your home are located before planting any trees or other plants. If you do have trees or other plants near these areas, be sure to monitor them closely for any signs of damage.
2. Plant trees at a safe distance from sewer lines and water pipes
Ideally, you should plant trees at least 10 feet away from any sewer lines or water pipes. This will help reduce the chance of the roots growing into and damaging these vital components of your home’s plumbing system.
3. Use tree root barriers to protect sewer lines and water pipes
Root barriers are physical barriers that prevent tree roots from growing into sewer lines and water pipes. They are typically made of metal or plastic, and can be installed by a professional plumber.
4. Regularly inspect trees and other plants for signs of damage
Be on the lookout for cracks or breaks in the bark of trees or other plants near sewer lines and water pipes. These could be indicators that the roots have begun to grow into these vital components of your home’s plumbing system. If you see any signs of damage, contact a professional plumber right away so they can install a root barrier to protect your plumbing system from further damage.
It might be time to call a reliable professional plumber
By taking these simple precautions outlined above, you can protect your home’s plumbing system from tree roots and the damage they can cause. However, if you’ve noticed that you already have a problem with tree roots finding their way into your drainage pipes and other plumbing components, don’t hesitate to call Plumbform.
With years of expertise in sewer and drainage plumbing, hot water service, roofing/guttering, gas plumbing and all your other plumbing needs, we’ll make quick work of repairing your plumbing and addressing your tree roots problem.
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