How to Protect Your Plumbing from Tree Roots

Tree roots can get into your plumbing in many different ways. They can grow through the toilet, drain, and garbage disposal. Tree roots can also damage your basement floor. If you live in an area with a lot of trees and rainfall, you should pay attention to the wooded areas surrounding your home. Underground roots will eventually find a way to your water lines. Mr. Rooter Plumbing has experience with sewer repair and removing tree roots. Tree roots are problematic and can wreak havoc on your sewer lines.

Remove Tree Roots From Inside Using an Auger

Tree roots can damage your plumbing and sewer pipes if they grow unchecked. The tree's roots can penetrate the walls of your home's foundation, causing cracks and leaks. Roots also can cause sewer backups, which are very expensive to repair.

You must protect your plumbing from tree roots as soon as you notice them. If you ignore them, the problem will get worse and more expensive to repair.

The best way to protect your plumbing from tree roots is by using an auger. This tool has a long handle with a sharp blade at one end that looks like a screwdriver. You can use it to remove tree roots from inside the pipe without damaging any pipes or walls in your home's foundation.

Remove Using Chemicals

Tree roots can be very difficult to remove without damaging the pipe. Plumbers often use chemicals to dissolve the root and make it easier for them to pull out. These chemicals include sodium hypochlorite, which is a liquid bleach solution. Sodium hypochlorite is most commonly used in cleaning drains but can also be used as a root killer.

The chemical will kill any roots in its path but can also damage the pipe if not used correctly. You should always wear protective gear when using this chemical because it can cause burns if it comes into contact with your skin or eyes; it should also never be used on PVC pipes because they will deteriorate when exposed to chlorine solutions.

Use a Hydro Jetter

The best way to protect your plumbing from tree roots is to use a hydro jetter that will remove the tree roots from inside the pipe without damaging the pipe itself. This is the only way to ensure that you don't cause more damage in the future by trying to fix things yourself or using chemicals that can make things worse.

A hydro jetter is a powerful tool that uses high-pressure water and air to remove tree roots from inside pipes without causing any damage to them. The water and air combination creates enough pressure to blast out any tree roots that may be causing problems with your plumbing system without causing any damage or weakening of the pipe itself.

What Else Can You Do?

If you want to protect your plumbing from tree roots, here are some things you can do:

Dig up the roots. If a tree has grown too close to your home, cut off as many branches and trunk as possible. Dig up any roots that have extended into your yard or basement.

Trim trees properly. Ensure you trim trees so they do not overhang onto your roof or sidewalk. Also, ensure that you prune them regularly, so their branches grow manageable for their trunks to support. As the branches get larger, they will create more shade and block sunlight from reaching plants below them (which are needed by the trees).

Plant trees away from buildings. You may be tempted to plant trees close to buildings because they provide shade during the summer months and beauty year-round. However, these same trees can cause significant damage when they grow older and taller than expected!

Mr. Rooter Plumbing

There are steps homeowners can take to protect their plumbing from tree roots and how to identify the signs that you have a plumbing problem due to tree roots. The real goal is preventative measures can be taken before severe damage sets in. Drain lines are more than likely the most vulnerable to tree root problems. They are easily accessible, above ground, and can be clogged with minimal root intrusion. Any time a home is being constructed, a plumber should install a "root barrier" that covers the entire length of any pipe inside the foundation. Mr. Rooter Plumbing can help you with this prevention.