Tree Root Related Pipe Damage

While we love to see residential homes complete with beautiful full grown trees and well landscaped lawns, occasionally those trees can result in dangerous damage to pipes and drains. Roots are naturally drawn to pipes. After all, they contain water, nutrients, and oxygen – all feel good foods for tree roots. Unfortunately, when roots wiggle their way into the pipes the results can be some of the most expensive and costly sewer damage homeowners can experience. Get the tree root low-down to help prevent damage to your pipes and plumbing!

• Know Your Responsibilities: Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their home’s sewer laterals, or the pipes that connect their home to the main sewer line. However, because pipes are buried deep in the ground problems often don’t make themselves known until it is too late.

• Recognize The Signs: One of the first signs of trouble will be a sewer blockage or back up. These are usually identified by a foul odor or gurgling noise coming from your toilet or house drain, or by slow water flow. As soon as you suspect a blockage contact your plumber to identify and resolve the issue.

• Prevent Damage: To prevent sewer lateral damage, be thoughtful about landscaping and plant placement. For example, trees should be planted at least ten feet from any drainage pipes. In addition, place only small and slow growing species such as dogwood or fringe trees near sewer lines. If your tastes trend more toward fast-growing varieties, keep in mind that you will likely need to replace them every ten years to prevent tree root overgrowth.

While we love to see residential homes complete with beautiful full grown trees and well landscaped lawns, occasionally those trees can result in dangerous damage to pipes and drains. Roots are naturally drawn to pipes. After all, they contain water, nutrients, and oxygen – all feel good foods for tree roots. Unfortunately, when roots wiggle their way into the pipes the results can be some of the most expensive and costly sewer damage homeowners can experience. Get the tree root low-down to help prevent damage to your pipes and plumbing!
Know Your Responsibilities: Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their home’s sewer laterals, or the pipes that connect their home to the main sewer line. However, because pipes are buried deep in the ground problems often don’t make themselves known until it is too late.

Recognize The Signs: One of the first signs of trouble will be a sewer blockage or back up. These are usually identified by a foul odor or gurgling noise coming from your toilet or house drain, or by slow water flow. As soon as you suspect a blockage contact your plumber to identify and resolve the issue.

Prevent Damage: To prevent sewer lateral damage, be thoughtful about landscaping and plant placement. For example, trees should be planted at least ten feet from any drainage pipes. In addition, place only small and slow growing species such as dogwood or fringe trees near sewer lines. If your tastes trend more toward fast-growing varieties, keep in mind that you will likely need to replace them every ten years to prevent tree root overgrowth.
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