Spring Tree Growth Can Harm Your Plumbing

Tree Roots and Plumbing Explained

Trees bring beauty and shade to yards, but their roots can also cause costly damage to plumbing systems. In the spring, when trees are actively growing, their roots can seek out and invade underground plumbing and sewer lines in search of water and nutrients. This blog will explore how tree roots can harm the plumbing, the issues they can cause, and ways to solve and prevent these problems.

Tree Roots Intruding Into Piping 

As spring arrives and trees grow, their search for water and nutrients in the soil intensifies. Unfortunately, this growth process can sometimes lead to unintended consequences for the household and its underground plumbing. 

Tree roots, guided by their ability to sense moisture and nutrients, may be drawn to the water and nutrients present in sewer lines and other underground pipes. This can result in tree roots intruding and invading these pipes through joints or weak points, causing clogs, leaks, damage, and other issues they can cause.

Complications From Invasive Tree Roots 

Invasive tree roots can cause many plumbing problems. Not only can they cause pipe damage and leaks in the underground sewer piping that can cause issues such as a soggy or flooded lawn, foul odors, pests, and more, but they can also grow inside the line and cause a sewer line clog.  

When a clogged sewer line occurs, it can cause additional problems for the home and plumbing, such as slow drains, foul odors, backed-up drains, and more. So, if any of these complications and signs of sewer line trouble are noticed, it could be due to tree roots invading the line in search of the water and nutrients it needs to grow. 

Fixing and Preventing Tree Root Obstructions 

Invasive tree roots can cause several plumbing problems, but the good news is a plumber can solve them. Often, they will first perform a sewer video inspection to identify the cause of the issue and its severity. If tree roots are found in the line and causing a blockage, they can be cleared with drain cleaning methods like hydro jetting or using a drain snake. Once the tree roots are cleared from the line, plumbers can perform the necessary sewer line repair to fix any damage or leaks caused by the tree roots. 

Homeowners can also help prevent tree roots from entering their underground plumbing and the issues they can cause. They should avoid planting trees near the path of underground piping. If trees are already established near the lines, installing root barriers to block the roots from getting to the pipes is another way to help avoid problems caused by tree root intrusion. 

About Marc Francis Plumbing

Marc Francis Plumbing has nearly a decade of experience serving the Johnson City area. They provide 24/7 live answers, fast turnarounds, and helpful, knowledgeable technicians. Call them for plumbing services in Johnson City, TN.  

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