When tree or weed roots enter sewer pipes, they grow exponentially. Within just weeks, invasive roots can block sewer pipes completely. Worse still, as they expand, they create additional cracks. These openings allow moisture out and attract more roots. Invasive tree roots can cause whole-house backups and flood yards with pathogenic waste. Read on to find out why tree roots love sewer pipes and how to stop them from entering yours.

Even a Tiny Crack Will Do

Mature trees have large roots. It’s hard to imagine thick, ropy roots entering sewer pipes with diameters of just 4 to 6 inches. However, when trees detect moisture in the soil, they send out tiny lateral roots that can enter sewer pipe cracks just millimeters wide.

Sewer Lines Are Rich With Nutrients

What’s waste to you is sustenance for growing trees and weeds. The liquid and solid waste that flows out of your home is rich with moisture and nutrients that roots crave. By tapping into sewer pipes, trees can flourish even when above-ground conditions are less than ideal. Every time you drain your bathtub or flush your toilet, invasive roots get more of what they need.

Schedule Regular Sewer Line Inspection and Cleaning Services

The best way to prevent tree root intrusion is by keeping your sewer pipe healthy and intact. Invasive tree roots will have a much harder time entering a structurally sound sewer pipe than they will entering one that’s riddled with corrosion and cracks.

Professional sewer line cleaning flushes out heavy buildups of sediment and trapped waste. By scheduling these services every 18 to 22 months, you can extend the lifespan of your sewer pipe and minimize the risk of severe, wear-related damage.

During sewer service, plumbers use exploratory cameras and other diagnostic tools to assess the integrity of sewer pipes. They look for offset sections, cracks, corrosion, and more.

Be Careful With Heavy Equipment

If you rent a heavy stump grinder or other landscaping equipment, never place it directly over your sewer line. Shifting soil, soil compression, and soil erosion can all damage sewer pipes. Sewer pipes often have less than 2 feet of soil coverage. Placing heavy, cumbersome items on top of them can lead to cracks, offset connections, or crushed pipe sections.

Take Care of Hard Water Problems

You can limit hard water buildups in your sewer line by having your water quality tested and treated. If you have excessively hard water coming into your home, installing a water softener will extend the lifespan of all your pipes.

Plant With Your Sewer Line in Mind

When planting new trees in your yard, be sure to plant them at least 10 feet away from your sewer line. To avoid issues with weed root encroachment, hire a local landscaping company that can install physical or chemical root barriers around your sewer pipe.

If you have problems with invasive roots and need expert sewer services in Antioch, CA, contact Almighty Plumbing.