Trees and the Plumbing System: What You Should Know

Trees are a wise addition to your yard. Trees offer much-needed shade and beauty and can prevent soil erosion. However, as helpful as trees can be, if you are not careful, trees can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Discover how trees can harm your plumbing system and what to do.

What Are Signs That Trees Are Damaging Your Plumbing System?

Before you learn how to protect your plumbing system from trees, here are telltale signs that your system is already invaded.

Slow Drains

Tree roots are always searching for moisture and nutrients. And when the roots sense a water source, they make their way into your plumbing system in search of that water.

Consequently, the roots cause a blockage, restricting a smooth water flow, thus, slow drainage. Note that the clogs may be due to the regular buildup of debris in the pipes. So, let a professional plumber inspect the system to establish the specific root of the problem.

Toilet Backup

Again, tree root infiltration causes an obstruction that prevents proper water flow. Since the water will have nowhere to go, you may notice a backup when you flush your toilet.

Awful Odors

The smell of rotten eggs from your drainage pipes indicates debris rotting in your plumbing system. The odor is usually due to poor drainage, which creates room and space for sewage to stay stagnant in the pipes.

Banging Sounds

Tree root invasion causes water pressure changes, which may cause odd sounds as water forcefully moves through the pipe system.

Sudden Water Pressure Breakdowns

Tree roots block the pipes, reducing water pressure in your taps and showerheads. The reason is that the water is struggling to pass through the clogs, causing a decrease in water flow.

How Do You Protect Your Plumbing System From Tree Damage?

You can take proactive measures to prevent trees from evading your plumbing system.

Watch How You Plant Your Trees

Be mindful of how and where you plant your trees. Make sure the trees you grow are far away from your plumbing system and be mindful of the types of trees you choose for your yard.

Some trees, such as oak trees, poplar, and magnolia, have aggressive roots that can quickly spread and make their way into your plumbing system.

Leverage a Mechanical Auger

A mechanical auger is a specialized tool to eliminate tree roots in your plumbing system. The auger has blades that cut the roots to clear the obstruction.

However, note that an auger is not a permanent solution, and you may need to do it continuously to keep roots at bay. Therefore, let a qualified plumber inspect and use the drill to eliminate the roots.

Kill Roots with Chemicals

If you are looking for a fast, temporary solution, you can use copper sulfate to eliminate the roots in your plumbing system. Copper sulfate is a chemical that kills tree roots when they come into contact with it.

However, be careful while using this method because the chemicals can irritate your skin, so wear gloves to protect yourself. And don't use the chemical if unsure of the application process to avoid any damage.

Tree Removal

In extreme cases, tree removal may be necessary. Removing the tree will eliminate the chances of roots infiltrating your plumbing system. An arborist will assess the tree and the area to establish whether it is safe to remove it.

Note that tree removal can be risky and must be done with caution, so make sure you hire a reputable arborist for this service.

Tree roots can be a menace to your plumbing system, so you must take proactive measures to avoid planting aggressive trees near your plumbing system. Most importantly, if you suspect to have a tree root problem, contact a plumbing professional to inspect and fix the issue.

Oak Creek Plumbing has the tools and expertise to help you protect your plumbing system from tree root intrusion. We will inspect your pipes and offer the best solution for safely and effectively clearing tree roots. Contact us for a consultation.