Root Removal: Here’s What Roots in Sewer Lines Cause in Your Detroit Home

As you walk around the city streets of Detroit, you can't help but take in the majesty of all the native growing trees. The red maple trees and their stark magenta against the concrete of the city are a sight you look forward to every time you go for a walk. Seeing the white pines powdered in newly fallen snow is something a true Michigander relishes. The Kentucky coffee trees are something you and your neighbors particularly enjoyed planting in your backyard. These trees in your backyard have really matured over the years, and sometimes, you like to picture what the roots are, deep in the earth. However, lately, you've been experiencing issues with your plumbing system, and you're not sure why.

You've likely typed into the search engine: “Why do I have slow drains?,” “Why are my toilets flushing improperly?” or “Why am I getting recurring clogged toilets and low water pressure?”

The search results all point to an issue you didn't even know existed: tree roots in your sewer lines. Tree root intrusions in your sewer line are a serious plumbing hazard that requires immediate, professional attention. When you are dealing with these issues, you need a professional Detroit plumber to perform root removal. Otherwise, the underground root systems will wreak havoc on your plumbing system.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Detroit will educate homeowners on the dangerous effects of roots in sewer lines, and why it is important to have a professional plumber perform a root removal service. While mature trees on your property are a sight to behold (and, most often, harmless), bothersome tree roots in sewer lines are a different story entirely and require root removal. Stay tuned as we unravel the dangers of root growth in your underground pipes and learn how the professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Detroit will deliver an effective solution for root removal.

Why You Need Root Removal: Effects of Roots in Sewer Lines

Tree roots are long, and they extend deep beneath the soil. In order to survive and establish into a mature tree, they pull natural ingredients from the earth like soil, minerals, and water. Larger roots require more resources, and in their search, they will infiltrate your sewer lines. Tree roots like the minerals and nutrients in wastewater, and especially the moisture in your sewer pipes. Once entered, the roots in sewer lines will rapidly grow and embed themselves within your sewer pipes. That's why Detroit homeowners experience slow drains, clogged pipes, and clogged toilets. Prompt root removal is paramount.

Trees are natural organisms, and they're also survivors. In search of water sources, they will spread and extend to any source they can find—including your sewer lateral. When there are cracks or leaks in your sewer lateral, water trickles into the soil surrounding your entire sewer lines. This will send a signal to the tree's root system that a source of water has been detected. Even the smallest of cracks in your sewer lines are reason enough for a tree root infiltration. The roots in your sewer line will begin to establish in pipe lining, and as the roots mature, any loose joints in the underground pipes will pull apart, making tree root removal from a professional plumber necessary. If you want to avoid costly repairs and a wide variety of plumbing woes, reach out to Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Detroit for effective root removal.

Warning Signs of Tree Root in Sewer Line: Detroit

Certain pipes are more prone to tree root damage. There are three particular piping materials susceptible, such as:

• Cast Iron Pipes: If your home was built before the 1980s, you most likely have cast iron pipes. These pipes were installed directly below the basement slab.
• PVC Pipes: For homes built after the 1970s, it is likely that polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes were installed. PVC pipes are the most popular plumbing pipes used for both residential and commercial properties.
• Clay Pipes: Tree roots are more susceptible to entering into clay pipes when they have shattered. Clay is not a durable material, and for this reason, clay pipes are not recommended anymore when buildings are undergoing construction.

However, let's just say that trees are non-discriminatory. No matter what pipe material it is, if there is an insecurity in the pipe's integrity, the tree roots will follow natural instinct and go to where that water source is. Roots in sewer lines are not always easy to witness; they are underground, after all! So what homeowners in Detroit need to pay attention to are the common signs of tree root infiltrations— above ground. And as soon as you're experiencing even just one of them, get in touch with our licensed plumbers to perform a plumbing inspection, and depending on what they find, perform a tree root removal. Let's take a look at some of the most common signs that bothersome tree roots have decided to call your sewer pipes the ideal environment for their growth:

• Toilets Will Not Flush Properly: A toilet usually flushes normally. Or it should, anyway. If your toilet makes strange noises every time you flush, and your toilet plunging skills aren't making the gurgling noise disappear, you have a clogged drain pipe, and it could very well point to roots in your sewer lines. Contact our professional plumbers for tree root removal.
• Water Pooling: When the roots have been growing in your sewer lateral for a while, you most likely have a broken pipe rather than a leaky pipe. If you look out on your lawn and notice a piece that looks greener and spongy compared to the rest of your lawn, this could be a reason to call us for root removal.
• An Increase In Water Bills: Sudden increase in your water bills? Your sewer pipes are most likely leaking, which reduces the energy efficiency of your plumbing, causing that spike in your water bills. Roots in sewer lines will cause leaks and give more reason for bothersome tree root intrusions.
• Slow Drains, Low Water Pressure, and Clogged Toilets: Now imagine this: It's a long day, and all simultaneously, you have problems with your sewer drains, your toilets, and now, even your water pressure. This is one of the most telltale signs that you have roots in your sewer lines. This is also one of the biggest reasons for homeowners to contact our certified plumbers for root removal. If tree root intrusions have invaded your main sewer line, each of your plumbing fixtures will show signs of a clog.

If you're experiencing any of the above signs, it is important that you reach out to Mr. Rooter Plumbing for a lasting solution for root removal. While you may think that some tree maintenance, like chopping it down into a tree stump, should do the trick, it won't. Tree roots are deep underground, and require professional plumbing technology to locate them and then effectively implement root removal techniques. While there are chemical solutions like root killers that you can purchase, they only temporarily kill roots, not remove them. Root killers are chemical solutions to eliminate root clogs in your plumbing system, and they are powerful products that will expand when combined with water. Copper sulfate was a popular tool for root removal back in its day, but it's extremely toxic to pets and can even damage your pipes. Our plumbers never, ever recommend purchasing this product.

Our Methods for Root Removal

For an effective root removal, it is always best to leave it to a professional plumbing company. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Detroit, we take root removal very seriously. We have specialized technology designed to kill and even prevent roots in sewer lines from returning. Detroit homeowners should know that this will not affect the tree. The tree that has been growing for years in your backyard will not collapse or even die. Our plumbers understand that your trees contribute to the curb appeal of your home and many family memories—we'll even go as far to say family 'roots'—are associated with the trees on your property, so our team will follow the correct safety precautions for root removal. Our methods are non invasive, and unlike chemical methods, even environmentally friendly. When you contact us for root removal, our team will perform:

• Sewer Camera Inspections: With our sewer camera video technology, our plumbers will be able to identify any blockages or tree root intrusions in your sewer lines without extensive digging! By pinpointing the precise location of the roots in sewer lines, our team can come up with a targeted removal plan that will preserve the integrity of your yard.
• HydroScrub^® Jetting: After the sewer video inspection, the next step in the process of root removal is our HydroScrub^® Jetting. These high-pressurized jets have enough power to cut through tree root intrusions. If you've ever had a drain cleaning with us before, you know how effective HydroScrub Jetting is for your drains! You'll have clean drains and effective root removal!
• Rotating Jets To Clear Clogs: In addition to HydroScrub Jetting, our team will use rotating jets that will provide an extra level of power to tackle all those stubborn clogs you have been dealing with. These rotating jets will effectively break apart remaining debris and roots and will ensure a long-lasting solution for your home's plumbing system. This is a powerful, effective step for root removal.
• Sewer Line Repair (If Necessary): If during the sewer camera inspection, our plumbers see there is extensive damage to your sewer line, we will recommend a sewer line repair. We employ trenchless methods for sewer line repair. Both pipe lining and pipe bursting are non-invasive methods for sewer line repair, so you won't have to worry about any damage to your landscaping.

With Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Detroit, tree root removal is simple. With our advanced plumbing techniques and technology, our team will remove roots in your sewer lines, without having to dig large trenches in your yards. For effective root removal, go to the right 'root' with Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Our plumbing professionals will get to the 'root' cause of your sewer issues every time!

Root Removal Made Easy with Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Detroit—Call Today

As beautiful and as necessary as trees are for our environment, our yards, and our well-being, it's the roots homeowners should particularly be wary of. Now, just because there may be roots in your sewer lines, that doesn't mean you have to perform an entire tree removal. We understand how valuable your trees are, and complete tree removal would be a sad thing to witness. Instead, contact our exceptional customer service team, and schedule an appointment for root removal. If you're suspecting roots in sewer lines, it's better to act sooner rather than later. Our team will be happy to perform a plumbing inspection and find the root cause and reasons for tree root removal. Okay, that's enough with the root jokes—for now! Whether you’re in Detroit or the nearby areas of Ann Arbor, Chesterfield, or Livonia, our local pros have you covered.