Tree Roots Are a Threat to Sewer Lines—Here’s Why

While trees provide shade, warmth, and beauty for your home, they can cause a lot of trouble for your sewer lines. Their roots continuously grow underground in search of water and nutrients, which can be found in your pipelines. LeadingEdge Plumbing & Rooter, your top source of quality sewer repair services in Northridge, CA, discusses further below.

How Tree Roots Damage Your Sewer Lines

Tree roots can penetrate even the tiniest crack or gap on your sewer lines. Once they find their way in, they expand until they completely block your pipes. Dirt, grease, and other debris can also latch on tree roots, worsening the problem. Since water can’t flow properly, it adds extra strain on your pipes, causing them to leak, backup, or worse, collapse. You may need to replace sewer line to avoid further damage.

Cast iron and clay pipes with mortar-filled joints are the most susceptible to tree roots because they deteriorate faster than other materials. Nonetheless, any pipe can still be a victim of tree root intrusion once they sustain damage.

Warning Signs of Tree Root Intrusion

The good news is there are telltale signs that imply tree root intrusion, so you can seek sewer pipe line repair immediately before it’s too late. Watch out for the following:

• Clogged drains – If clogs keep on recurring on your drains and plungers can’t do the trick, the tree roots in your sewer line may be causing the problem.
• Sewer backups – This implies there’s a blockage in your sewer lines that require immediate attention.
• Foul smell – When sewage can’t drain properly, it will start emitting unpleasant odors. This can make your home inhabitable.

At LeadingEdge Plumbing & Rooter, we can help you get ahead of tree root intrusion. We’ll perform an in-depth inspection and determine whether a sewer line replacement or repair is in order. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.