How Tree Roots Impact Your Plumbing

Many homes have large trees that surround the home with underlying root systems. Trees stretch out their roots to reach proper water sources and help them stay secure during storms. Because the tree roots spread out more as the tree ages, they can infiltrate your water pipes and sewer system. Tree roots from even just one tree can become a tangled web that is almost impossible to remove. 

For homeowners whose trees are impacting the efficiency of their plumbing system, having regular maintenance or hydro jetting may help. In this blog, we will look at signs that indicate roots have infiltrated your pipes and how to remove potential clogs caused by tree roots.

Signs Of Roots In Your Plumbing System

When you start to notice your plumbing may not be working properly, it could mean that you have major clogs or tree roots in your pipes. As a homeowner or renter, you should watch for these signs and have the problems remedied by a plumbing professional. Root problems are complex, so removing them properly is important if you want to prevent further damage to the system. 

Here are some common signs that indicate you have roots infiltrating your plumbing:

• Slow-flowing water or drainage
• Gurgling sounds when using your plumbing
• Foul odors
• Sewage backups
• Random patches of lush grass
• Cracking concrete or pavement
• Recurring clogs or drain issues

Blockages And Clogs

As trees grow larger, their underlying root systems do too. They multiply pretty quickly and can damage your pipes within just a few days. Once a root has gone through your pipe, sewage, hair, or other debris will build up around that root. Multiple roots will also cause additional blockages as they get tangled and knotted. 

If you have frequent clogs or slow-draining sinks, tree roots could be your problem. Working with a plumber who can inspect your pipes will help you save time and remove the roots safely. There are many services that only plumbers can offer to truly remove clogs caused by trees. 

Damage To The Pipes

For tree roots to cause clogs in your plumbing, they will need to puncture through the piping material. This causes holes, cracks, or large gaps in your pipes that cause slow-flowing water. When certain sections of your yard are greener than others, this could be an indication of a pipe leak. Tree roots that have infiltrated the pipe will cause water or sewage to leak out when running through that pipe. It is important to watch your yard or the base of your house for signs of leaks to prevent extensive home damage. 

Limit Your Water Flow

A dip in water pressure or how fast water goes down your drains may be because of tree roots. Tree roots can impact the pressure on your plumbing system and lower the efficiency of the entire plumbing system. Limiting the water flow around your home can make tasks much harder to complete or take longer to finish than necessary. 

Depending on the severity of your root infiltration, you may need plumbing replacement or repair. Our Drain X professionals can use a camera to inspect the current state of your system and find the exact location of the root clog. Hiring a plumber to remove tree roots will help keep plumbing and yard damage to a minimum. 

Using Hydro Jetting For Root Intrusions

Hydro jetting or water jetting is a high-pressure cleaning service that is used to remove stubborn clogs or tree roots. Drain blockages can be hard to remove with commercial cleaners or home remedies. The specialized equipment with a high-pressure stream of water will help blast away tree roots and other debris without the need to rip up pipes. 

Drain X will use a camera to inspect your system first so that the hydro jetting can target the right section of your system. The pressure can range from 1,500 to 4,000 pounds per square inch (psi). Certain nozzles can be used to change the angle at which the water is applied and the force applied to the blockage. 

Trusting The Team At Drain X

Our team at Drain X works hard to be a reliable company for homes or businesses in Utah. Plumbers from Drain X want to help you have the most efficient plumbing system possible to keep your space comfortable. Keeping pipes clear, preventing water pressure problems, and limiting odors from sewage are all problems that Drain X can solve. Use our contact form to schedule a service easily or reach out about our emergency drain cleaning services that are available 24/7.