Did you know that the trees in your yard may be the cause of your slow-draining pipes? Tree roots can grow directly into your plumbing, damaging the pipes and stopping water from flowing as it should.
Explore the symptoms of tree roots in the sewer line, why this happens, and what to do about frequently clogged toilets and gurgling or bad-smelling drains. From safe and effective hydrojetting services and camera inspections to full sewer line replacements, the local California plumbers at PDS Plumbing & Air will handle the issue using the most effective and modern pipe repair and replacement solutions available.
How Do Tree Roots Get Into Your Sewer Line?
Sewer lines carry water, oxygen, and nutrients, all of which are essential for a plant’s survival. Tree roots naturally seek out these resources and will find even the smallest crack or entryway. Once they’ve gotten in, they slowly expand, filling and exerting pressure on the pipes until they’re blocked by the roots or become damaged, crack, and collapse.
In California, tree root issues account for up to 50% of all sewer backups and overflows, making them one of the top reasons locals opt for hydrojetting for their drains. Some of the plants most likely to grow tree roots in the sewer line are bamboo, Chinese elms, poplars, maples, palm trees, and willows, but any tree (and some shrubs) will gravitate toward a rich supply of water and nutrients.
While older pipes offer easy access for these plants, even newer PVC pipes can allow tree roots to get in, especially around unsealed joints.
Key Symptoms of Tree Roots in Sewer Line
How do you know if you have tree roots in your sewer line? Scheduling a professional sewer camera inspection with PDS allows us to get a clear view of what’s happening in your pipes. Once we’ve determined the cause, we’ll let you know the best repair or replacement options available.
If you’re experiencing one or more of these issues, tree roots may be the cause.
Slow drains or frequent backups and blockages
Tree root blockages in the drains stop the water from flowing away from your home. Slow drains, toilet backups, frequent clogs, or blockages in two or more drains at the same time are signs of an issue with the sewer line.
Gurgling sounds in the pipes
Gurgling sounds happen when air gets trapped inside a pipe and bubbles are released. Tree roots trap air, creating pockets that cause bubbling or gurgling sounds in pipes, drains, or toilets. A plumbing inspection will determine the best course of action to fix this problem.
Lush green spots, damp areas, or sinkholes on your property
When tree roots damage the pipes, they allow sewage to escape, resulting in brightly colored green patches, wet spots, quick-growing plants, and sinkholes. Traditional or trenchless repairs or replacements are often necessary in this case.
Sewage smells in your drains or your yard
Sewer problems often smell foul because contaminated wastewater doesn’t drain away properly. Tree roots can cause wastewater to back up into your home or into the yard, where it pools and smells. Sewage smells on your property are a sign you need to call a plumber right away.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Tree Roots in Plumbing Lines
Your sewer lines are buried underground, so when your water is flowing properly, it may be tempting to ignore the problem. However, tree roots grow quickly, especially when they’ve found a good source of moisture and nutrients. The longer they’re allowed to grow into your plumbing, the more significant the damage, and the more costly the repair.
When the roots break the pipes, the resulting water or sewage leaks can raise your water bills and damage your yard and home. If sewage is involved, it’ll smell bad and possibly lead to health concerns due to contamination from harmful bacteria.
At PDS, we understand that serious plumbing issues can be stressful. We offer fast, expert solutions, with financing available to qualifying customers, so you can get the work done now with affordable payment options that fit within your budget.
How Professionals Remove Tree Roots From Sewer Lines
At PDS, we’ll do all we can to make the tree root removal process cost-effective and stress-free, with minimal digging on your property.
Step 1: Comprehensive plumbing inspection
We use a safe, high-tech camera on a flexible line, which allows us to see exactly how deep your sewer line is, where the blockage is located, and what’s causing it.
Step 2: Pipe cleaning, relining, repair, or replacement
When you have tree roots in the sewer, removal may only take a one-day hydrojetting service, but it could also be a major repair job. Depending on the severity of the issue and the layout of your plumbing, we may recommend:
- Cleaning: We use tools such as a mechanical auger or hydrojetting equipment to clear tree roots from the system. Even if repair or replacement is necessary, a thorough cleaning may be required first to provide us with better access and visibility.
- Trenchless repair: We reline the pipe or use a pipe bursting technique to fix or replace your plumbing with minimal disturbance to your yard, landscaping, or driveway.
- Traditional pipe replacement: Sometimes it’s necessary to completely dig up the problem area, remove the pipes (and roots), and replace them. We’ll go over all your options and their pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision before we move forward.
Step 3: Preventive maintenance
We schedule ongoing preventative maintenance services with clients upon request. If you join our Patriot Plan, you’ll receive a free sewer camera inspection, an annual plumbing inspection, leak assessments, water pressure checks, and more. Keeping your sewer lines clean helps your water flow better and gives you peace of mind, knowing everything is working as it should.
How To Prevent Future Root Intrusions
Prevention is key to avoiding recurring issues with tree roots. Here are some of the best ways to stop root intrusions from happening again:
- Avoid planting trees and shrubs near your sewer lines, especially those with aggressive root systems.
- Use root barriers to block plant roots from growing toward your pipes.
- Move your sewer lines away from well-established trees with extensive root systems.
- Get regular pipe inspections and maintenance servicing.
Contact PDS for All Your Plumbing Needs
PDS Plumbing & Air is your go-to choice for reliable plumbing services, including sewer line issues caused by tree root intrusion. Our offices are located in Clovis, Signal Hill, and Murrieta, allowing us to quickly serve residences throughout Central and Southern California, as well as the Inland Empire area.
Contact us today to schedule your sewer line assessment, book plumbing repairs, or speak with one of our expert plumbers.
