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Are Tree Roots Clogging My Pipes?

tree roots

Tree Roots Clogging Guide

Your pipes or sewer lines are filled with water and nutrients that trees would love to get their little roots on — especially when there’s a leak. When tree roots find their way inside one of your sewer lines, you better hope that you or your plumbers notice the warning signs before much damage is done!

Before your money drains into the sewer, learn the signs and how can you stop them.

How Roots Damage Pipes

So how do tree roots get into the sewer? Clay pipes are prone to cracking, permitting water to leak into the soil. Trees find the humid conditions irresistible. Small but determined roots poke into the fractures, enlarging the holes, and it doesn’t take long for roots to swell a sewer. Once roots get a hold in the pipe, the problem grows worse each year. Sewers are an ideal environment for foods, and the growth can cause a critical clog that backs up the system.

Drought happens annually in Oregon and Washington, and it can also worsen the problem. During hot weather, thirsty trees send roots farther in search of water. Moist soil from a leaking sewer may be the nearest source of water. A pipe, out of reach during years not affected by drought, may become a target during years with light rain.

Rooting Out the Clog

A slow-flowing drain is usually the first sign of a clog. Clogs could be difficult, or they might be minor. Roots might be making the problem, or the blockage could be caused by something else. But before you call a professional Bend plumber, Eugene plumber, Portland plumber, or Salem plumber, try plunging it first.

Using a plunger for some blockages is helpful, but it won’t be useful for extreme problems such as tree roots. If your drain or toilet is still slow after plunging, it’s time to call our plumbers in Oregon, Washington – Bellevue plumber, Spokane plumber, Seattle plumber, Tacoma plumber, and Vancouver plumber.

How do we know if roots are the culprit in a sewer backup? The sole method to know for sure is by running a camera down the pipe.

We can start with a video inspection of your pipes, or we can work by placing an auger or drain snake down the pipe. We suggest cleaning the pipe with a blast of water, a method called hydro-jetting. The process we use depends on the circumstances.

Repairing Root Damage

Plumbers use various methods to handle root clogs. They may utilize an auger or high-pressure jets of water to cut through the blockage. The excellent way for removing roots depends on the type of pipe and the extent of the growth. After removing the tangles’ mass, we may apply a growth inhibitor to prevent the occurrence of the roots.

If your pipe has sustained extensive damage, you may have to replace it. Our local plumbers in Las Vegas, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington can help you repair and inspect your pipes before it gets worse and cause costly damage.

Don’t Ignore the Clogs!

Ignoring early signs of a clog allows the blockage to grow worse. If your toilet starts to back up into your home, you’re in for a mess. Water and sewage will damage your home’s furnishings and flooring. If that happens, now you’re on the latch for plumbing repairs, new tile, carpets, and who knows what else.

Einstein Pros Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling provide sewer line inspection, repair, or replacement services in Oregon, Washington, and Nevada. We have years of experience providing plumbing, water heaters, heating & cooling, and sewer & mainline services. Contact us at 888-671-7767 or email [email protected] for a professional recommendation and services you need.

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