There are not a lot of plumbing problems more annoying to homeowners than a clogged drain in Des Plaines, IL. Even more frustrating is if you have multiple clogged drains throughout the house. What does this mean?
Well, multiple backed up drains usually means there’s a problem with your sewer line—namely, a massive clog.
And the problem with a sewer line backup or clog is that it’s not easy for the average homeowner to detect. After all, the sewer line is buried beneath your property and/or your yard. It’s there for safety and functionality, of course, but this means it’s also susceptible to problems that wouldn’t impact the rest of your plumbing system—like tree root infiltration!
Can Tree Roots Really Do That Much Damage?
After all, your sewer pipes seem hard and impenetrable. And yes, for the most part, they are pretty sturdy. However, if your sewer line is older, or even just made from less durable material, then they are going to be susceptible to persistent roots. Usually, the type of plumbing that is most prone to tree root damage is clay tile or Orangeburg. However, concrete or PVC can be affected, too.
The problem is, once tree roots have made their way into your sewer line and damaged them, they create further issues. First off, the affected section of plumbing allows sewage to leak into your yard. You might notice signs such as standing water, spongy grass, and/or an unpleasant smell coming from your yard. The second issue is that roots can continue growing into the pipes as they absorb more water, causing a partial or complete blockage of your sewer line.
How to Prevent Tree Root Damage
The best way to fix a tree root problem is to prevent it from happening to begin with. Our professional plumbers can help you locate your sewer line so that you can plant trees a safe distance away. There are also some trees that are more likely to put out roots that can damage your sewer line more than others—something to be aware of and ask about when purchasing landscaping plants for your yard.
If you don’t know the age or the condition of your sewer line, our plumbers can perform what’s called a video pipe inspection to investigate your plumbing and see if it is, in fact, susceptible to damage or deterioration, and take the proper steps from there, like replacing your piping with more durable and root-resistant material.
“What if Roots Are Already In My System?”
Our plumbers have adequate tools to help with this! Most likely, we’ll use augers to break up the tree roots, and then use scour jet equipment to blast away the remaining root blockage and wash it away. Of course, if the tree roots have cracked your sewer line, further repairs may prove necessary. Fortunately, trenchless technology has allowed our plumbers to effortlessly solve these types of problems for you with minimal disruption to your property.
For expert plumbing service, installations, or maintenance contact Reliance Plumbing Sewer & Drainage, Inc. Our knowledgeable plumbers serve the North Shore and Northwest Chicago suburbs. Rely on Reliance!