How To Limit Root Growth Near The Underground Pipes of Your Home

Root Clog Tips and Ways To Prevent Them

Although trees look beautiful around the garden, they can cause some very expensive problems out of sight. Tree roots grow underground because they can find oxygen, water, and nutrients - just about everything a plant needs to survive. Unfortunately, all those things are present inside your plumbing.

Once roots have found a crack or small water leak to make their way into, then they will invade it completely, wreaking havoc! This article will be discussing the impact tree roots can have on your plumbing, and what you can do to protect your home.

Routine Drain cleaning is The First Line of Defense

Having the drains cleaned consistently is a good preventative measure to take to avoid drains becoming clogged. While every home will differ, it is recommended that the drains are cleaned every 18-22 months by a professional plumbing company.

By having this done frequently any early indications that roots may be close to or already inside the pipes can be addressed and dealt with.

They can also be prevented by using enzyme cleaners on the drains every month, which can help to break down any early interference from roots.

Another way to prevent roots blocking drains is to try and keep plants and trees as far away as possible from the sewer lines. Essentially, routine maintenance is your best bet for home protection.

The Impact of Tree Roots on Your Home

When roots begin to mess with residential plumbing it can really cause some major plumbing issues! Should the roots block the sewer lines then toilets can back up, causing flooding and overflows into the home creating a horrible and unsanitary mess.

Most sewer/waste pipes are made from PVC which is a high impact plastic, yet if tree roots penetrate the pipe they can crack it, rendering your sewage/waste system useless. Similarly, the roots can simply grow into the pipe, forming a massive blockage, that eventually will prevent the flow of water altogether.

Because the plumbing that is affected by tree roots runs beneath and around your home, any extensive damage can be costly to repair. Not only will the roots need to be removed, but then the pipe needs to be repaired or replaced. This will require excavation, which is another added expense.

Tips for Stalling Root Growth

There are ways to still enjoy beautiful trees around your home without the frustration and expense of roots clogging the pipes. Copper sulfate creates a poison barrier between the soil and the tree roots killing the roots before they can make contact with the pipes. There are two ways in which copper sulfate can be used to help protect pipes and drains.

As tree roots avoid the copper sulfate, it is recommended to pour a small amount - about half a cup - down each of the toilets every month so that the copper sulfate mixture runs through the drains. By using this method root clogs can be prevented without causing any damage to the actual tree’s health.

The ground surrounding the pipes can also be treated with copper sulfate to avoid roots coming into contact with the pipes and drains. In the event you need help, it’s always a good idea to consult your local plumbing company. They will be able to help you get your pipes flowing again in no time!

Hall’s Plumbing Can Help

Hall’s Plumbing has over 20 years of experience in the industry and has been helping homeowners with their plumbing since 1995. Unlike many plumbing companies who charge by the hour, Hall’s Plumbing is proud to charge flat-rates so there will be no nasty surprises and 100% customer satisfaction.

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