Root Intrusion in Sewer Lines
It turns out tree roots in sewer lines are a very common problem. This is because the roots look for the best moisture sources, so they are attracted to the unlimited supply of wastewater that flows in the sewer lines.
The roots may enter the pipes through any gaps or joints. As they absorb moisture from the pipes, they expand and multiply. This leads to the pipes’ structural decay over time, and eventually, the pipes will collapse. Please contact a plumber from a pipe repair company in Appleton, WI, if your pipes collapse.
About Root Intrusion
Contrary to popular opinion, though, there are permanent ways of solving this issue without cutting the tree down. But first, we need to know why exactly trees do this.
Both bush roots and trees need oxygen to grow and are attracted to the water vapor that escapes from the sewer pipes. As these plants thrive in moist and warm places, the nutrient-rich sewer and sewer pipes provide an ideal place for them to thrive and grow. As they absorb moisture from the pipes, they widen these gaps, which leads to breakages along the pipes.
Fox Valley plumbers explain that clay pipes are the ones that are most commonly infiltrated by tree roots. Cast iron pipes, on the other hand, are not as likely to be damaged from these intrusions. Once the tree roots are lodged in the pipe, they spread and grow in many places, not at a singular spot. Small and fine hair roots grow and develop into larger roots that eventually lead to the pipe’s breaking open.
If they grow to be big enough to fully block these pipes, they are usually difficult to dislodge or kill using chemical treatments. Therefore, they must be removed in the early stages.
Signs of Root Intrusion
If you have noticed gurgling sounds coming from your pipes or slow drainage, especially if you live on a property with several trees on it or one large one (located close to your plumbing pipes), the reason for this could be pipes that have been blocked by tree roots.
You should contact a Fox Valley plumbing company immediately to come and inspect your pipes.
However, if you are worried that one day, the tree roots may invade your piping, then you should consider scheduling a yearly inspection from Tureks Plumbing Services, just to be on the safe side.
Alternatively, you can start by checking out the trees that are near your plumbing pipes, roughly 10 feet on either side. You can also do your research on how quickly the roots of the specific types of trees you have on your property can grow as well as how big they can grow.
If you suspect that the roots were attracted by a leak from your pipes (cracks are usually caused by pipes freezing during the winter), then you need to contact a plumber.
McQuillan Bros, who offer plumbing inspections in Minneapolis, says your plumber will confirm this using a camera-pipe inspection. If it turns out that you have tree roots in your plumbing, you must have them removed immediately. After their removal, you should practice preventative maintenance. This may include replacing trees that grow large roots with those that have slower root growth.
How Can We Fix Root Intrusion?
There are several ways of making sure tree roots do not damage your pipes.
No Dig Sewer Repair Methods
The most effective of these is the lateral lining or cured-in-place-piping (CIPP), which is a trenchless pipe lining repair method.
You can also ask your Appleton plumber if they can use Hydro Jetting to clean your pipes. This process usually removes all the tree roots, grease as well as other everyday materials using high speed and pressure water. By use of a heavy-duty power nozzle that is operating at 4,000 pounds per square inch, this technique removes and destroys all the blockages and leaves your pipes working efficiently and very clear.
Hydro Jetting, in addition to this, is also a great preventive measure for clogged pipes. Many commercial businesses usually schedule routine hydro jetting maintenance for their facilities.
In short, it’s that good.
Rock Salt
Additionally, you can use rock salt to kill the roots by drying them out. Rock salt is poisonous to plants, and it sucks the moisture away from the roots, so they can’t thrive anymore.
To do this, pour half a pound of rock salt into your toilet bowl and flush until the bowl is completely cleaned out. Repeat this until you have flushed 2 pounds of rock salt down your pipes. Let it work for between 8-12 hours. During this period, avoid running any water or flushing your toilet. This may drain into the pipes that are affected. Doing this a few times a month may help keep your pipes clear of roots.
Contact Fox Valley Plumber
If the root intrusion problem has severely compromised your plumbing, contact Tureks Plumbing Services immediately. Our experienced plumbers will inspect and resolve the issue quickly and cost-effectively.