When you think of the reasons behind sewer blockages, you might envision big scummy clogs made from various household waste substances. However, the blockage might develop from something more natural, like tree roots. How do roots get into sewer pipes in the first place?
Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric has encountered and solved many sewage problems throughout our experiences with plumbing repair services in Sapulpa, OK. We’ll explain how and why sewers might attract root growth below. You’ll also learn how to protect your property from tree invasions.
How Do Roots Get Into Sewer Pipes?
Trees obtain nutrients and hydration from the soil, right? So, how do roots get into sewer pipes? These pipes only contain wastewater and the sludge from your building drains. Let’s explore how drainage systems can attract tree root growth below.
Cracked Pipes
Not all sewer line cracks are dramatic enough to soak yards or make properties stink. Many are small and fly under the radar. These tiny fractures keep the soil moist and rich with decaying organic material from your drains.
Trees naturally grow their roots toward nutrient and water sources. A nearby tree might sense the presence of rich, damp soil and push the root system toward it. Once the roots reach the cracked pipe, they may burrow further into it.
Loose or Compromised Pipe Joints
Many sewage systems feature pipe joints that connect one section to another. A pipe joint vulnerability also enables water and waste matter to leak from the sewer system into the soil. Trees will push their growth toward those weakened joints, much like they would with cracked pipes.
Once a root system reaches the joint, it may force its way into the pipe material for better access. But how do roots get into sewer pipes if the pipe components have no prior weaknesses?
Trees Planted Too Close
Did you know trees can hear? They don’t have ears like people and animals do, but they can detect and differentiate between different sound vibrations. This ability enables their survival by allowing them to identify nearby water sources.
Even if your underground sewer system is in pristine condition, a specimen growing too close to your building might hear the wastewater flowing, growing its roots toward the sound. Once they reach the pipe, they may force their way inside. This root intrusion gives the tree the sustenance it sought while damaging your sewer lines.
Aggressive Tree Species
Sometimes, trees growing far away can still find ways to inflict underground pipe damage. Many tree species in the United States of America have aggressive root systems that grow quickly. While this trait ensures the species’ survival, it also often indicates a non-native variety that outcompetes native trees while damaging your plumbing system.
Tree Species With Aggressive Root Systems in Sapulpa, Oklahoma
How do roots get into sewer pipes, and which species should you consider removing? The following non-native varieties foster aggressive tree root growth in Sapulpa, Oklahoma:
- Siberian elms
- Chinese tallow trees
- Bradford pears
- Salt cedars
Oklahoma is also home to many native species with aggressive growing roots, like the black locust and silver maple.
Preventing a Tree Root Invasion on Your Property
When tree roots damage sewer systems, they can cause thousands of dollars in damage. You can avoid these preventable plumbing blockages by:
- Removing trees of aggressive, fast-growing species
- Planting new trees at least 50 feet away from your home or business
- Scheduling plumbing inspections to identify small leaks and material weaknesses
- Addressing those weaknesses as quickly as possible
How Professionals Fix Broken Sewer Pipes
What about sewer systems already compromised by tree root growth? What do professionals do to mitigate the problem? Plumbers typically start by clearing sewer blockages via root removal. You will likely have to remove the entire tree later.
Then, your plumbers will choose the best plumbing repair services in Broken Arrow, OK, for your situation. They might choose a trenchless option for lightly damaged pipes, which involves sliding a new pipe inside the old one and inflating it to cover the interior. Otherwise, they’ll excavate and remove the old pipe if the roots obliterate it. Plumbing repair contractors in Bixby, OK, lay a fresh pipe length in its place before covering it with dirt.
Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric Offers Sewer Repair Services in Sapulpa, Oklahoma
How do roots get into sewer pipes? The invasion can begin because of a small, nearly undetectable weakness or a tree growing too close for comfort. Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric solves this problem through sewer services in Sapulpa, Oklahoma.
We can also help with preventing winter sewer backups. Reach out for an appointment.
