How to Prevent Costly Damage This Spring
As spring brings warmer weather and lush green growth, your landscaping isn’t the only thing waking up—so are the tree roots in your yard. Unfortunately, those same roots can spell serious trouble for your home’s plumbing. At DRC Plumbing and Sewer, we frequently see tree root intrusions wreaking havoc on sewer lines, causing blockages, backups, and even collapsed pipes.
Let’s dig into why this happens and what you can do to prevent and fix root-related plumbing problems before they grow out of control.
Why Tree Roots Invade Sewer Lines
Tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture and nutrients—two things your sewer line provides in abundance. Even the most minor crack or joint in a clay or older cast-iron pipe can release enough moisture to attract roots. Once they find an opening, roots can enter and grow inside the pipe, expanding over time and trapping debris like toilet paper and grease.
If left unchecked, root intrusions can lead to:
- Slow drains or repeated backups
- Gurgling toilets
- Sewer odors
- Damage requiring complete pipe replacement
Signs You May Have a Tree Root Problem
Be on the lookout for:
- Frequent clogs in multiple drains (especially after rain)
- Wet or sunken spots in your yard above the sewer line
- Sudden drop in water pressure combined with sluggish drainage
- Unusual sounds like bubbling from your toilet or shower drain
How to Prevent Tree Root Intrusion
- Know where your sewer line is located.
Before planting trees, find out where your sewer line runs. Keep fast-growing trees with aggressive root systems—like maples, elms, willows, and silver birch—well away from these areas. - Schedule a sewer line camera inspection.
DRC Plumbing and Sewer can perform a noninvasive camera inspection to check for cracks, root intrusions, or buildup before they become a significant problem. - Replace vulnerable pipes.
If your home still has older clay or cast-iron sewer lines, consider upgrading to PVC, which is more resistant to root infiltration and shifting soil. - Maintain proper drainage.
Don’t overload your sewer line with grease, wipes, or excess toilet paper. The less debris in the system, the fewer roots have to catch on and grow around.
How We Remove Roots Safely and Effectively
If roots have already entered your system, DRC can help. Here’s how we tackle the issue:
- Mechanical Root Removal
We use high-powered root-cutting equipment to clear blockages and remove invading roots inside the pipe. - Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting can blast roots and debris with a powerful stream of water to clear the pipe wall during severe intrusions. - Root Treatment Solutions
We may apply foaming root-killing agents that stop new growth and protect the pipe interior without harming your trees or landscaping. - Pipe Repair or Replacement
We offer trenchless and traditional sewer repair and replacement options to restore proper flow in severely damaged or collapsed sections.
Spring is the Best Time to Act
Tree roots start growing fast in the spring, which makes it the ideal time to inspect and protect your sewer system. If you’ve had issues or want peace of mind, call us to schedule a sewer camera inspection and take advantage of our Spring Root Check Special.
Call DRC Plumbing and Sewer Today
708-203-7057
Ask about our sewer line inspection and root treatment packages.
Don’t let unseen roots destroy your peace of mind—or your pipes.