Nothing is more irritating than a drain that continues to back up. The plumber comes out to clear the drain only to have the same problem a couple of months later. When tree roots invade your drain, they will continue to return until the source of the issue gets resolved. Some products on the market claim to kill the roots in your sewer main, but don’t be fooled. While it may slow the process from reoccurring, they will return. Hydro Jetting can also clear the roots from your drain, leaving your drain sparkling clean, but it still will not stop roots from returning to feast on the raw sewage in your sewer line. Some heavy-duty snakes can power through tree roots, but this is the least effective way of removing them because they’re never completely eliminated.
Make Intelligent Landscaping Decisions
The best way to avoid tree roots from penetrating your sewer main is to keep trees from being planted in the areas where it will affect your plumbing system. Make intelligent landscaping decisions by first knowing where your pipes are located underground in your yard. You can also make a well-informed decision on the placement of different species of plants and trees, ones that are friendly to your underground plumbing. The trees below are often the culprit of sewer line damage:
- Willows
- Birch trees
- Aspen trees
- Oak and fig trees
- Maple trees
- Elm trees
- Sycamore trees
While these trees could cause major damage to your sewer line, they are not out of the scope of planting them in your landscaping. Landscape contractors can give you insights as to which trees will work best in your yard. They also have knowledge of root length in relationship to your pipes. Everything will hedge on knowing where your underground pipes are located.
Friendly Landscaping Will Keep Tree Roots From Invading Your Pipes
There are those trees that pose little or no threat to your underground plumbing:
- Many fruit tree species
- Magnolias
- Mediterranean fan palms
- Sabal palmetto
- Wafer ash
- Certain cypress and cedars
While these trees pose little to no risk to your sewer line, it’s still good to know where your underground plumbing lies. Every homeowner should have basic knowledge of their plumbing system. They should know the following:
- Where their sewer line cleanouts located
- How to shut off the water to your home
- Where your underground gas line lies
- Where your underground plumbing system runs
We’ve all heard the saying, “Knowledge is power,” that holds true for your plumbing system in your home. Basic knowledge of your plumbing can go a long way.
The Solution To A Tree Root Invasion
The best way to resolve the problem is to remove the tree and make sure the tree is dead and no longer producing roots. While this will stop roots from growing in your sewer line, making the necessary repairs is still a priority, especially if your line is cracked or broken. In this case, a trenchless sewer line may be a permanent option for your sewer main repair. A trenchless sewer line can last forty years or longer. The installation process requires going through your old sewer line. The damage to your landscaping is very minimal, and the cost much less than a new sewer line.
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