PREVENTING TREE ROOTS FROM DAMAGING YOUR SEWER LINE

You may not know it, but the beautiful trees growing in your yard can damage your home’s sewer line. Tree roots can penetrate small cracks and holes in the sewer line. The wastewater and material supply the roots with the moisture and nutrients they need to grow.

As the tree roots grow and expand, they place pressure on the surrounding pipe. The existing cracks spread and get wider, causing serious damage to the pipe.

That’s not all. The root growth can become so dense that it blocks the sewer line. This can place additional pressure on the surrounding pipe. It can also cause wastewater and material to back up into your home.

PROTECT YOUR SEWER LINE FROM TREE ROOT INTRUSION

Repairing or replacing a sewer line that’s been damaged by root intrusion is a major plumbing job that can cost thousands of dollars. Taking proactive steps to protect your sewer line from tree root intrusion can save you big money on sewer line repair bills. Here’s our recommendations:

CHOOSE APPROPRIATE TREE SPECIES

Select trees and shrubs with less aggressive root systems for areas near sewer lines. Oaks, willows, and elms all have extensive root systems. Crape myrtles, apples, and Japanese maples are trees with non-invasive root systems.

MAINTAIN A SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN TREES AND SEWER LINE

Plant trees and large shrubs as far from sewer lines as possible. A general rule of thumb is to plant trees at least as far away from sewer lines as the anticipated height of the tree at maturity.

INSTALL PHYSICAL BARRIERS

Root barriers can be installed to direct roots away from the sewer line. These generally consist of thick polypropylene sheets that prevent the expansion of root growth. Root barriers should be installed at a depth of 18 to 24 inches.

CHEMICAL DETERRENTS

Root growth inhibitors like copper sulfate create a barrier that kills roots on contact and prevents regrowth.

SEWER PIPE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

Have a plumbing professional regularly inspect your sewer line for tree root intrusions and other issues. They have special video inspection equipment that can penetrate deep into a sewer line to reveal where the problem lies.

Hydro jetting and other professional drain cleaning methods can quickly clear your sewer line of tree roots and other obstructions. You can also have a sleeve or liner placed inside the existing sewer pipe to create a barrier that roots can’t penetrate. If you need a new sewer line, choose a pipe made of PEX or PVC that is resistant to root penetration.

SEWER LINE REPAIRS IN POMONA, CA

Proper planning, regular maintenance, and timely intervention are key to protecting your sewer system from root-related damage. If you’re experiencing sewer line problems in Pomona, CA, give Hank & Sons Plumbing a call. We’ve been providing expert plumbing repairs to home and business owners in the Pomona area since 1999.

We’re available 24/7 to tackle whatever plumbing problem that may arise. Call us at 909-524-2906 or submit our online contact form to schedule a visit from an experienced Pomona plumbing contractor.