How to Clear Tree Roots Blocking Drains?

Trees enhance beauty and provide shade for your yard; however, their roots pose a serious problem. Perhaps one of the most common issues of tree roots is the invasion of your drains and blocks. This can lead to costly damage to your plumbing system. Many plumbers encounter tree root blockages, which they understand harm, thus having information on how to fix and prevent it can save money for your home.

Why Do Tree Roots Invade Drains?

Tree roots naturally seek out water sources to survive. Drains and sewer pipes condense on their outer surfaces, attracting roots. When roots detect this moisture, they grow towards the pipes. Once they reach the pipes, they penetrate small cracks or joints. Over time, these roots expand inside the pipes and create blockages.

The roots act first like a trap, holding debris like grease, paper, and food waste. It gathers there and partially or completely blocks the pipes. Often, the homeowners prefer quick fixes by clearing the blockage but that doesn't solve the root problem. If the roots stay in the pipe, they grow and further damage the structure. Eventually, it may leak or collapse fully, resulting in expensive repairs.

How to Recognize Tree Root Clogs

You may not be aware of a tree root clog until the situation becomes serious. Nonetheless, you can identify some symptoms early that indicate the presence of such an issue:

• Water flows out from sinks and toilets slowly.


• Gurgling noises occur from pipes.


• Smelling foul smells from drains.


• Water flows back into the sink, shower, or toilet.

Call a plumber as soon as you notice any of those signs. The more you delay treatment or ignore the clear drainage, the greater the block will become, and it's just a matter of time before waste spills out into your home.

Steps to Clear Tree Roots from Drains

Plumbers use advanced tools and techniques to clear tree root blockages effectively.

This is usually a long cable with a camera on one end that is extended through pipes by plumbers for inspection purposes. A pipe inspection camera can also outline the location and causes of blockage in exact positions. It can indicate any damage to the pipes to that extent.

• Clearing the Blockage: Plumbers remove the roots with high-pressure water jetting or a root cutter. High-pressure water jetting blasts away the roots and debris. A root cutter uses sharp rotating blades that slice through the roots.


• Repairing the Damage: If the roots have damaged the pipe, the plumber suggests repairs. The options are replacing the pipe or lining the pipe with a strong epoxy material.


• Preventing Future Blockages: Plumbers advise steps to prevent future problems after clearing the roots. This may include regular maintenance or removing nearby trees.

Repair Options for Damaged Pipes

Tree roots can weaken and break pipes. When this happens, you need to repair or replace the pipe. Here are the main options:

• Pipe Replacement: Plumbers dig up the ruined pipe and replace it. Modern PVC pipes can withstand root infiltration much better than old clay pipes.


• Pipe Relining: It is a method that is not so invasive. The plumber inserts a liner that has resin into the pipe. They inflate the liner, which bonds to the inner walls of the pipe. Once cured, the new lining strengthens the pipe and seals cracks. Pipe relining prevents not just the re-entry of roots but also ensures long-lasting attachment.

Prevent Tree Roots from Blocking Drains

Preventing tree root blockages rather than repairing them is the ideal and less expensive option. Here are some of the actions that can be taken:

• Know in which direction your pipes run: Figure out where your sewer pipes and laterals run across your property and keep trees or large shrubs a good distance from them.


• Choose Trees with Care: Many trees have lower roots that penetrate the ground and try to access water resources. Do not plant such trees near your system of pipes. However, should trees have to be planted, slow-growing and noninvasive root species should be preferred.


• Maintain Your Pipes: Schedule routine inspections and cleaning of pipes. High-pressure water jetting or root cutting can remove small hairs from the pipes before they cause major problems.


• Replace Old Pipes: Old clay or metal pipes are more prone to root incursion. New PVC pipes protect against such effects in the long term. Replacing them with PVC pipes can give long-term protection.


• Install Root Barriers: Root barriers create a block between trees and pipes. These barriers direct roots away from your plumbing system.

Effects of Ignoring Tree Root Blockages

Failure to clear tree root blockages may have extreme effects. As roots continue growing, they trap more debris until eventually, a complete blockage occurs. This may lead to:

• Back-up of wastewater into your house.


• Flooding and property damage.


• Health issues through contact with sewage.


• Costly emergency plumbing repairs.

All these problems can be avoided by regular maintenance and quick intervention. If you suspect tree roots in your pipes, deal with the problem right away.

Costs of Clearing Tree Roots from Sewer Systems

The expenses incurred for drain tree root removal vary as per some influencing factors. Such factors include the blockage's location, damage severity, and finally, the method utilized. Householders will expect an average between $2,000-$10,000. More complex jobs that require pipe replacement or relining may be more expensive.

While this may sound pricey, quick fixes usually bring problems that come back. Investing in a proper solution will save you money in the long run.

Professional Drain Cleaning Services

DIY methods to remove tree roots are usually ineffective. They might slow the problem temporarily but won't address the root cause. This professional plumber is brought to guarantee a permanent fix. An experienced plumber uses very sophisticated tools such as CCTV cameras, high-pressure cleaning jets, and even root cutters. Besides repairs, such a plumber avails the services of pipe relining.

How Pipe Relining Works

Pipe relining is an effective way of repairing pipes that have been damaged.

• The plumbers are conducting high-pressure water jet cleaning.


• The pipe is inspected using a CCTV camera to identify cracks or holes.


• A custom liner that is filled with epoxy resin is inserted into the pipe.


• The liner inflates which would force the resin to get bonded with the interior part of the pipe.


• Once the resin has hardened, the liner is hard and new pipes have been formed inside the aged pipe.


• Pipe relining is much less invasive compared to replacing pipelines. There is no digging required and provides a long-term answer to root intrusion.

Conclusion

Tree roots can cause extensive damage and expensive fixes. You can address the situation on time if you know how tree roots find their way to pipes and what the signs of a blockage are. Upgrading to modern pipes, selecting of right trees, and frequent maintenance help to avoid troubles in future. If you suspect roots of a tree in your pipes, then take professional plumbing assistance. That is sure for long-life safety and efficient working plumbing systems for the years.