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Are you wondering how you can protect your plumbing from tree roots? There are many steps to preventing tree roots from infiltrating your sewer lines. Tree roots are usually attracted to sewage pipes because of the nutrients and moisture in these pipes.
Roots typically grow in the direction of gaps or cracks within pipelines for the moisture and nutrients found in them. The bad thing about this is that it can alter the wastewater flow in your sewage system and cause serious damage to your pipes.
Pipes can burst because of the increased pressure caused by the blockage, which can be expensive to repair. It can also alter home life. Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid these problems, and in this article, we’ll provide some effective ways to protect sewer pipes from tree roots in your sewers.
Effective Ways to Protect Plumbing from Tree Roots
An easy way to prevent root problems in your plumbing is to use a rubber stopper in the drain or open spaces around the pipe. Even though this is not always an ideal solution, it’s a great way to prevent tree roots from finding their way into your plumbing system.
There are many other ways to achieve this, and below is a detailed overview of some steps you might want to consider:
Inspect pipes for roots
This is something you should do regularly, even before the problem occurs. Take some time to check whether anything is growing in your pipe so that you can remove it quickly before it progresses to a more serious issue of concern.
To do the inspection effectively, it’s advisable to call a professional, as they can perform a camera inspection by snaking a video line into the pipes to check for possible root growth or blockage within the system.
Cut invasive roots away
If you notice roots growing within your sewer system after the inspection, one of the best things to do is cut them off immediately. Again, you can get a professional to cut off the root with the help of a mechanical auger.
Alternatively, you can cut off the root yourself. This remains one of the most effective approaches to take, but a key thing to remember is the potential for the root to grow back in no time.
Poison the roots
As mentioned earlier, roots can grow back even after cutting them off. A copper sulfate septic treatment is one of the most effective ways to prevent this. This will poison the soil close to the pipe, making the environment inconducive for growing roots and other plants.
You have nothing to worry about with this method because it won’t cause any harm to the tree. Only the root around your piping system is affected by this process. A key thing to note is that the treatment requires frequent maintenance, and excessive copper is also harmful.
Therefore, if you opt for this method, you’ll need to be extra careful with the quantity of copper you use. If you’re unsure about how much copper to use, we advise seeking professional help.
Use a physical barrier between roots and pipes
Most people don’t know this, but you can bury a metal or wooden barrier in the path of your pipes so that tree roots can’t penetrate them. When placing these barriers, it’s advisable to ensure that it’s not less than six inches lower in the ground than the root.
This is to guarantee its effectiveness. Root barriers can be made from different materials, including stone, metal, or plastic. These barriers are installed by a professional, and it’s done between the plumbing lines and root system of the tree.
The barrier protects your piping system and the foundation, and other structures. With proper installation and planning, root barriers can become a great addition to your property, especially in terms of providing long-term protection for your property.
Line your pipes
If your pipes have many fissures and cracks, keeping roots away can be difficult. In such a situation, consider lining your pipes. Hire a professional to use a durable and robust plastic lining within the pipes to effectively prevent roots from breaking into the system.
Pipe lining basically involves rehabilitating and repairing the existing pipes without digging into the ground. The process is designed for underground lines like portable water mains, sewers, and grated drainage systems. It involves inserting polyester resin-saturated felt liners into the damaged pipes, forming a watertight seal when it hardens.
The seal formed is sufficient to protect the pipe and prevent damage caused by tree roots. Another interesting thing about this approach is that it’s a great way to deflect the tree roots away from the pipe to avoid penetration and blockages.
This process is great because it effectively stops the intrusion of tree roots without digging into the ground. It’s also an economical option for homeowners, and it guarantees an increase in the lifespan of your piping system.
Clean your drains regularly
Clogged drains can cause a headache, especially if you leave it unattended for long. It can also lead to other damage that is expensive to fix, which is why it’s important to perform regular drain cleaning.
Doing this will help prevent roots and other substances from causing damage to your plumbing system. Regular drain cleaning should be a maintenance routine for every property because clogs form quickly and can lead to serious problems if left uncleared.
Another importance of drain cleaning is that it helps in removing build-up and debris within the pipes. In addition, it will also help you identify root intrusion quickly and reduce the unpleasant odors caused by these blockages. Generally, it’s a great approach to consider if you want to minimize the risk of water damage or backup sewage.
Install PVC pipes
These pipes are designed with plastic, which allows them to resist the growth of roots and makes them a perfect choice for regions with prominent trees. Another interesting thing is that it requires less maintenance while providing effective protection against root intrusion.
This is because PVC pipes are generally designed to be durable and long-lasting. There are other benefits to enjoy from installing PVC pipes, and this includes the fact that they are cost-efficient.
They are generally easier to work with and more affordable than other types of pipes. Another thing to note is special clams, connectors, and seals are used in connecting PVC pipes and creating a perfect seal between the pipes. Glues are used on all connections for increased efficiency to prevent root intrusion and leaks.
Repair leaks immediately
Leaks provide a perfect entry point for roots to gain access to your plumbing system and cause severe damage. Whether it’s a small or big leak, it can be the only thing the root needs to clog, block, and even collapse your piping system.
It’s important to prevent this from occurring, and you can do this by regularly checking your water lines for signs of damage or wear, like damp areas or discoloration. In addition, you also need to inspect the entire length of water lines close to trees and foliage because tree roots are likely to gain access through these sources.
Call a Professional Plumber
In addition to everything above, the most important thing is always to inspect your pipes and ensure they are in perfect condition to reduce the risk of root intrusion. You can also contact an experienced plumbing company for professional rooter services.
The need to stay proactive when it comes to the health of your plumbing and sewer system cannot be overemphasized, especially if you want to save yourself money, stress, and time associated with plumbing emergencies such as sewer repair or water heater repairs.
