Trees add value and aesthetics to properties in both rural and urban settings. However, they sometimes wreak havoc on water and sewer lines. The result is often costly damage. Let’s take a moment to go over some of the common signs there are tree roots in your sewer lines.
Slow Drains
Drains that move slowly are normally one of the first signs suggesting you have tree root damage. This usually applies to multiple drains rather than just one drain. For instance, you may hear gurgling noises when you flush a toilet and when you drain a sink.
Bad Sewer Odors
Tree roots cause blockages that not only slow or clog drains but also cause bad smells. If you start to notice rotten egg smells, there is a good chance you have blockages caused by tree roots. These smells often come into enclosed spaces, or you may notice sewer odors outside around sewer line areas.
Sinkholes
Sinkholes sometimes occur naturally. However, if they appear by your sewer lines, it’s a sign there’s likely a leak, which may have been caused by tree root damage. Even if you don’t have sinkholes, you may notice wet spots on the grass where sewer lines are located.
Foundation Damage
If tree roots get into sewer lines, you may have related foundation damage in addition to sinkholes. This often happens if you have tree roots that get into sewer lines near buildings.
Recurring Clogs
Clogs are more than just an inconvenience. They can be a sign of tree root issues if they occur frequently. As is the case with slow draining, clogs or backups caused by tree root damage often affect multiple drains.
Frequent Sewer Line Repairs
If you have multiple sewer line breaks over several months or years, it’s a sign you have widespread tree root issues. Sewer repair specialists can tell if tree roots are the culprit if they use a camera or repair sewer lines with traditional methods.
Preventing Tree Root Damage
Tree root damage occurs over time, and it’s often not immediately noticed. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to prevent tree root issues. One is to have annual inspections by a licensed plumber.
Also, plant new trees at least 20 feet from any underground pipe or utility line. A tree’s root system is usually two or three times longer than the tree is tall. The larger the tree, the more complex its root system. It’s also possible to trim tree roots or create root barriers to keep existing trees from causing damage to your sewer lines.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Cedar Rapids, IA to benefit from our expertise and our full range of plumbing services.