The Southern live oaks, water oaks, and red maples are part of the charming aesthetic of Charleston, SC. But depending on how close these trees are (or any tree) to your sewer system, they could be your plumbing system's worst enemy. Have you ever heard of tree root intrusion? It's one of the most common causes of sewer line damage in Charleston, and when left to their own devices, tree roots will continue to grow and wreak havoc on your plumbing system.
Though the trees on your property may be your favorite characteristic, if the roots that lurk beneath the sod and soil grow into your sewer line, you'll not only be dealing with foul odors but a potential plumbing disaster. That's why our Charleston plumbers are here to educate you on how to detect root intrusion, its dangers, and how to prevent future intrusions.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Charleston has performed numerous repairs to sewer lines as a result of tree root intrusion, making us true experts when it comes to educating homeowners on the dangers they pose to their homes. When you're equipped with the telltale signs of a tree root intrusion, you'll be able to efficiently reach out to us for a plumbing service. So, stay with us as we go through everything Charleston homeowners need to know about root intrusion.
What is Tree Root Intrusion in Charleston, SC?
Thanks to the city's lush vegetation and subtropical climate, tree root intrusion is one of the leading causes of sewer line damage. Like all living things, roots need water to survive. In their quest to locate a water source, tree roots can find the nutrients and natural fertilizers they need in your sewer system, even if that sounds particularly nasty to humans.
Tree roots grow toward the moisture and nutrients found in sewer pipes. This process is expedited when the sewer pipes underground have cracks or fractures. Since Charleston is a historic city with many old neighborhoods, plumbers commonly find homes with clay sewer lines and aging infrastructure, which are particularly vulnerable to root intrusion.
With this open invitation for roots to enter and establish themselves, the tree roots will thrive off the continuous supply of water and nutrients. They can grow extensively as they soak up water, sometimes even reaching a length of up to 25 feet within the pipe. There are two common types of root intrusions:
- Veil intrusion: The roots either enter from the top or side of the pipe. They hang like a curtain and catch debris, causing a blockage.
- Tail intrusion: In this type of tree root intrusion, the roots grow along the length of the pipe, extending for long distances.
Root intrusion occurs when there is an open invitation for them to enter into your pipes, whether from pipe damage or luck of the draw. However, the key is to promptly remove roots from your sewer line before they can destroy and affect sewer pipes. We understand that removing tree roots from sewer lines isn't as easy as taking an afternoon off work to rid them from your sewer system.
But it is as simple as picking up the phone and calling Mr. Rooter Plumbing for sewer line repair. With our trenchless sewer repair services, we can effectively locate where and why there is root intrusion and come up with an effective solution to eliminate it. Thanks to our advanced technology, we won't even have to rip into your beautiful landscaping to perform the service.
Common Signs of Root Intrusion in Your Sewer Line
Like all forms of plumbing problems, if you're aware of the warning signs that indicate there is a root intrusion in the sewer line, you'll be able to stop a potentially brutal and costly disaster before it progresses. Let's take a look at how to identify root intrusion:
- Strange smells: Persistent sewage smells in your home are a major sign that indicates there are roots in your sewer line.
- Slow drains: If your sinks, tubs, or toilets are draining slower than usual, it could be a sign of root blockages in your pipes.
- Frequent clogs and backups: Recurring sewer backups or clogs in multiple plumbing fixtures throughout your home are another common sign of tree root intrusion.
- Gurgling noises: Your toilets and drains shouldn't gurgle during operation. However, if they are, it's a sign of root intrusion.
- Lush patches around your property: If there are unusually green or moist areas in your lawn, it could suggest there is a sewer leak due to root intrusion. This is a sign you want to take seriously, as the leaking wastewater serves as a natural fertilizer for tree roots.
- Pest infestations: Rodents and insects are naturally attracted to dirty areas that are away from traffic. If you've noticed an increase in pests, it could mean a sewage leak has occurred, tempting them to infiltrate the harmony of your home.
The Dangers of Root Intrusion in a Sewer Line
Never underestimate the damage to your home tree roots can cause. As roots grow larger, they exert pressure on your sewer pipes, causing them to crack, break, or completely collapse. With these types of tree root damages, your home becomes vulnerable to extensive leaks, sewer backups, and in the worst-case scenario, complete pipe failure. What doesn't help these situations is Charleston's frequent flooding and rainfall, which saturates the soil and encourages more aggressive root intrusion.
Now that you're equipped with the warning signs if you suspect root intrusion, it’s important to call a local plumber to perform a comprehensive sewer line repair. Your sewer line may be compromised, leading to a complete blockage and wastewater backups. Acting quickly can save you from more extensive damage and repairs down the (sewer) line!
How to Prevent Future Root Intrusions in Main Sewer Lines
Just because tree roots are a natural phenomenon doesn't mean they can't be stopped from invading your sewer system. There are a few ways to stop roots and prevent them from infiltrating your sewer line:
- Regular inspections of your sewer line through advanced sewer camera inspections and maintenance.
- Avoid planting trees near your sewage lines.
- Annual drain cleaning services where hydro jetting can effectively remove roots that have already infiltrated the sewer line.
- Replace outdated or damaged pipes with modern, root-resistance materials.
Manage and Prevent Root Intrusion to Your Charleston Sewer Line With Mr. Rooter Plumbing
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Charleston is more than familiar with the challenges Charleston property owners have to face with root intrusion. Because of this, we're dedicated to providing exceptional plumbing services to mitigate the effects of these issues and ensure the longevity of your plumbing system. If you suspect you're dealing with a root intrusion in your sewer line, contact us today to get started on your sewer line repair.
