How to Prevent Tree Roots From Damaging Sewer Lines
Sewer lines are underground pipes designed to transport wastewater from the property.
Sewer lines are underground pipes designed to transport wastewater from the property. These lines are an excellent source of water and oxygen for trees to grow. For this reason, it is only natural that they will grow in that direction in search of valuable nutrients.
This is a significant concern for homeowners as damage to the sewer lines caused by tree roots can be expensive to repair and a health hazard for family members. Here are some of the best ways to prevent tree roots from getting to the sewer lines:
Locate the sewer lines
Contacting the local public works department is the fastest way to know where the underground sewer pipes are installed. Knowing where they are can help homeowners discover where to plant trees to prevent the long roots from reaching them.
Plant trees and shrubs that are sewer-safe
One way to prevent tree roots from reaching the sewer pipes is to be smart about the trees chosen for the garden. As mentioned, one should plant bigger trees as far away from sewer lines as possible. For areas closer to the sewer pipes, there are slow-growing trees with roots that form into small balls that are better suited for closer positioning.
Create a barrier
There are several barriers homeowners can install between the sewer lines and the root trees to prevent them from getting too close together. One of the methods is using slow-release chemicals that work as growth inhibitors. These include potassium hydroxide and copper sulfate.
Another alternative is to create a physical barrier between the roots and the pipes. It’s recommended to bury a wood or metal barrier at least 12 inches deeper than the lines. Hiring a professional with all the necessary tools and experience to complete the work efficiently is recommended.
Proper maintenance
If drains and sewer pipes clog frequently, it may indicate that the roots have reached the lines. Once the damage is done, the repair costs can run several thousand dollars. Properly maintaining the drains and sewer pipes can help avoid this inconvenience. Contact a professional plumber to inspect the pipes and drains regularly. They will remove any clogs from the lines and ensure no broken pipes. But if that has occurred, they are qualified to replace the section.
It is in the roots!
Tree roots will occasionally grow toward vital nutrients as those running through house sewer pipes. Properly maintaining the lines and drains is recommended to prevent permanent damage. In addition, there are various methods homeowners can put into practice to create a chemical or physical barrier between the pipes and the roots.
Contact a professional plumber to identify the location of the lines and assess the situation. If the best course of action is installing a barrier, they are qualified to do it efficiently and quickly.
911 Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing can service all commercial and residential HVAC and plumbing needs. Call 602-795-2900 today!