Trees are a great addition to your landscaping. They provide curb appeal, promote clean air, and provide shade. But, as you know they need water to thrive so much so, trees will expand their root system underground in search of water and if they’re aggressive enough, they’ll infiltrate your plumbing, causing extensive damage. Fortunately, Pacific Plumbing and Drain is here for you. We’ve come up with some tips you can use to help prevent pipe damage from tree roots.
LOCATE YOUR PLUMBING LINES
Before even planting any trees, contact your utility company so they can locate your underground plumbing lines. This way you know where to place them.
CHOOSE SEWER-FRIENDLY TREES
Once you know where your sewer lines are located, you can choose plants that are less likely to damage your plumbing. Choosing trees with small root balls may be a good choice because they grow slower.
INSTALL BARRIERS
There are various barriers available on the market that are designed to help prevent roots from getting to your plumbing systems.
GET REGULAR INSPECTIONS
If you suffer with frequent clogs or are noticing spongy areas on your lawn, contact your local plumber for an inspection. They can inspect your plumbing line with a video inspection camera to determine if you have root damage and make repairs when necessary.
CHEMICALLY CONTROL THE ROOT GROWTH
Many plumbers also offer preventive measures to control root growth. For example, we offer RootX, an aquatic herbicide that kills roots but will not affect above-ground vegetation or your pipes. It’s so effective, we’ve been using it for 10 years!
SIGNS OF TREE ROOT DAMAGE
Foul odors around your home
Unusually green patches of grass
Slow draining
Gurgling noises coming from your plumbing
Sinkholes in your yard
Frequent clogs
HOW DO I GET RID OF TREE ROOTS IN MY PLUMBING?
If you believe tree roots have infiltrated your plumbing, contact your local trusted plumber, like us at Pacific Plumbing and Drain. We’ll inspect your pipes and provide you with an accurate diagnosis. Then clean them using an auger or hydro jetter. And if your pipes need repairing or replacing, we can do that too.
Have more plumbing questions? Feel free to contact us.