There are a couple reasons your plumbing system’s sewer line is buried under your yard. For instance, it’s more attractive this way! However, it’s also for safety and functionality on your property. But this means that not only is your sewer line out of sight (and therefore hard to spot problems with right away) but it’s also prone to problems like tree roots searching for a water source.
Sewer line damage is a major plumbing problem, and trees are an unfortunate culprit. You may be surprised at how common it is for tree roots to cause sewer line damage and clogs. Unfortunately, they crave water, so even the smallest leak within your sewer line can attract these roots. They’re not the only threat to your sewer line, but they are worth being aware of.
Whether you suspect you have sewer line damage or what to learn more about your risks, you can contact a professional Des Plaines, IL plumber from our team for further assistance. In the meantime, read on to learn more about the dangers of tree roots.
The Damaging Effects of Tree Roots
Your sewer pipes may seem very hard, sturdy, and indestructible and for the most part, they are. But if your sewer line is older, or even just made from less durable material, then it’s going to be prone to persistent tree roots. Usually, the piping most impacted by this problem is clay tile or Orangeburg. But even concrete or PVC can suffer.
Once tree roots have made their way into or through your sewer line, and damaged it, they create two problems. First, the impacted portion of your piping enables sewage to leak out into your yard (you might notice standing water, spongy grass, and/or an unpleasant smell coming from said yard). Second, the roots can continue growing up into the pipes as they absorb more and more water, causing a partial or complete sewer line blockage.
Can Tree Root Damage Be Prevented?
Yes! This is the best way to fix any tree root problem-by preventing it from happening in the first place. Our plumbing professionals will help you determine where exactly your sewer line is, so you can plan trees a safe distance away. There are trees that are more likely to put out roots that can damage your sewer line more than others. Though not all grow in our region, here’s a guide of what trees may cause issues.
What if Roots Are Already in My Sewer Line?
In addition to performing video pipe inspection services to make sure that tree roots are in fact what your sewer line is suffering from, we have a range of other professional-grade tools to help us resolve this issue for you. Most likely, we’ll use augers to break up the tree roots, and scour jet equipment to blast the remaining root blockage apart and wash it away.
Of course, if tree roots have infiltrated and cracked through the sewer line, then further repairs will be needed. Whatever your plumbing problem is, though, one thing is for sure. You can count on our staff to get the job done right the first time, and get your plumbing system back in working order ASAP!
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!