You can have a tree root issue if your sewer pipes are not draining properly throughout the winter. Even in the cold, tree roots continue to expand. Actually, when the ground is cold or frozen during the winter, they look harder for moisture and nutrients. Because they are packed with warm, moving sludge, sewer pipes attract tree roots like a magnet. Near the pipe, water vapor seeps into the ground. In order to reach the water vapor exit points, which are cracks or splits in the pipe, tree roots grow along the vapor channel.

The roots expand into the pipe once they have found the source of nourishment. The roots’ feathery ends catch the sludge as it passes by and feed on it. A root ball emerges as a result of the roots’ rapid growth. This ball causes clogs by gathering paper and dirt. Over time, this buildup of sewage eventually backs up inside the house. The pipe may collapse if the root invasion is severe. The only option at that time is to replace that portion of the pipe.

How to Repair Clogged Pipes?

  • Identifying whether a root invasion is the root of your plumbing issues is the first step. A video inspection will help professional sewer and drain cleaning service providers accomplish this the quickest. They’ll be able to see if you have roots in your lines. It will also help them to pinpoint the location of the obstruction and determine whether the pipe has already collapsed.

They can send a cutter into the line to cut the roots into small pieces once they know where they are. Then, they use a herbicide to kill the root system, which can stop growth for up to three years. 

  • The most often used method for preventing tree root growth in sewer line pipes is rock salt. Roots lose moisture to rock salt. They perish due to water loss. You can get rock salt from a nearby store. Prepare two pounds of rock salt, and then pour half of that quantity into your toilet. As many times as necessary, flush to get the salt out. 

Repeat this procedure until the 2 pounds of rock salt are gone. Leave it for about 12 hours, and don’t flush it or run water through it during that time. 

  • Another way to prevent root growth in your sewer line pipe, use a foaming root killer. It aids in preventing future recurrence in addition to removing the roots that are now clogging your pipes. When a root killer touches water, it foams. Flush after adding the powder to the toilet.

Dichlobenil, a root-killing chemical, is introduced into the pipe and immediately travels to the root growth. To stop future occurrences of root growth in your sewer line, you can perform this once every month. Warrior Sewer and Drain recommends Rootx that is safe for trees.

How to Avoid Root Growth in Plumbing Pipes?

When adding additional shrubs, trees, or plants, keep an eye out for the location of your sewer lines and avoid planting anything near them. Due to their vast subterranean root systems, Maple, Cottonwood, Apple, Pear, Honeysuckle, and Lilac are the worst offenders for clogging sewers. Trees including willow, elm, sycamore, ash, and birch are also known for clogging sewers.

Still, it’s a good idea to place these trees at least ten feet from the sewer line.

As soon as you observe inadequate drainage, call your nearest sewer and drain cleaning services provider. If a root obstruction is the source of your issue, getting rid of it soon can stop damaged pipes and water damage in your home. And no one prefers to live with stinky plumbing.

Regular hydro jetting is a more thorough way of cleaning out roots than using a sewer auger or sewer rooter. However, in extreme circumstances, the tree(s) might need to be relocated or removed. This can most often be avoided with sewer liners like the system that Warrior Sewer and Drain installs which is an affordable way to keep roots out while protecting your trees. 

Herbicides designed for trees will prevent root growth without endangering the entire tree. These can be purchased and used at any time of the year. If the issue is bad enough, you will need to engage a sewer and drain cleaning services provider to unclog your drain, clean out your sewer line, or install a sewer liner.

Skip to content