How to Avoid Tree Root Intrusion in Your Brampton Sewer Line

Homeowners want to have a beautiful landscape around their homes. Trees are often used to achieve this. They make the yard aesthetically appealing and provide much-needed shade. But with beauty comes problems. Tree roots can damage a sewer line if left unchecked.

They can grow inside the pipes. This leads to serious problems and major accidents. Therefore, timely measures must be taken.

Why Tree Roots Invade Sewer Lines

Tree roots reach for sources of moisture and nutrients. This is essential for their survival. They can also find these in sewer lines. Sewer pipes have small damages through which roots can penetrate the system:

• joints that have become loose over time;
• microcracks;
• loose pipe joints.

Roots penetrate through these gaps and begin to grow. This leads to pipe blockages.

How Roots Find Moisture and Nutrients

When sprouting in the sewer, roots use natural biological mechanisms to find moisture and nutrients. Even underground and in complete darkness, the root system can accurately determine where its ‘vital target’ — the sewer — is located.

Roots can sense differences in soil moisture. If there is a small leak or condensation from the pipe, this moisture is absorbed into the soil. The root senses this and begins to grow in that direction. Even a microcrack in an old pipe can become a magnet for the root system.

There is also a lot of organic matter in drains. These are particles of soap, food and biological waste. They actively spread in the soil. Roots also sense this. Therefore, they begin to grow towards the high concentration of ‘free fertiliser.’

Common Tree Types That Cause Problems

There are certain types of trees with large root systems. They most often sprout in sewer line.

In most cases, this applies to old trees. A powerful, fast-growing or deep-penetrating root system actively seeks moisture and nutrients. The following trees often penetrate pipes:

• poplar;
• willow;
• maple;
• walnut;
• acacia;
• pine and spruce;
• cherry and plum;
• birch.

These trees have deep and branched roots. They are capable of penetrating 10–30 metres into the ground. They also react actively to moisture and chemicals from the sewer system. Their root system not only penetrates the sewer system, but also destroys pipes and widens cracks from the inside. Even small seedlings can cause serious problems with the drainage system over the years.

Warning Signs of Tree Root Intrusion

Tree roots begin to penetrate the sewer system imperceptibly. But gradually, over the years, this leads to serious blockages and pipe breaks. This can require quite expensive repairs. To prevent accidents, it is important to know the warning signs. These make it easy to determine that the roots have already reached the pipe and that the problem needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Slow-Draining Fixtures

This is the first clear sign of a problem with sewer lines. Most often, water in the sink, toilet or bathtub begins to drain slowly. This includes after mechanical cleaning with a plunger or any other method. There may also be a temporary improvement after cleaning. But it does not last long. This indicates a partial blockage by tree roots.

Gurgling Sounds and Foul Odors

An unpleasant odour may appear. It comes from the kitchen, toilet and bathroom. The smell may intensify when water is not used for a long time. Blockage from roots causes fermentation and decay. This releases gases that begin to escape from the drain.

When water is drained, gurgling and rumbling may occur. The sound can spread throughout the house. For example, when flushing the toilet, a whistling sound may be heard in the bathroom. This indicates that air is not passing through the riser pipe completely due to a blockage caused by the root system.

Recurring Backups and Overflow

Blockages can recur again and again. This indicates a constant growth of the blockage inside the sewer line. This most often occurs after rain. Moisture causes active root growth. The peak growth of the root system is also observed in summer and spring. Blockages may also return at this time.

Leaks and dampness may also appear in one place. Homeowners may notice a permanently wet spot in the basement or on the ground in the area where the sewer line is located. There may also be swelling of the ground or unusual grass growth. This is a sign of pipe damage. To solve the problem, you need to call a specialist immediately.

How to Prevent Tree Root Damage

Preventing damage to sewer lines by tree roots will help avoid accidents. It will also save you money on serious repairs. To prevent problems, it is worth considering a few recommendations.

Proper Tree Placement and Landscaping

Trees should be planted at a safe distance. You should keep at least 3-5 metres away from underground pipes. This is very important for trees with aggressive and large root systems. The larger the tree can grow, the further away it should be from the pipeline.

Use of Root Barriers

When planting trees or laying pipes, it is worth installing special barriers. These can be vertical plastic or metal sheets. Special geomembranes can also be used. They will stop the roots from growing. The barrier should be installed between the pipe and the tree. The sheet should be buried 60-100 cm into the soil. This barrier will divert the roots away from the pipes.

Regular Sewer Line Inspections

Do not forget to regularly inspect the site, especially if there are many trees on it. A plumber can inspect the pipes using a special camera. This should be done once every 1-2 years. It is also worth monitoring the pipeline yourself. Check for blockages or strange gurgling noises. If you encounter any problems, it is worth contacting a specialist for a professional diagnosis.

Solutions for Tree Root Intrusion

The solution to the problem of roots entering the sewer depends on the extent of the damage and the type of pipes. Professionals can use several methods.

Mechanical Root Removal

To do this, a special rotary cable with a blade is inserted into the drain pipe. It will help cut the roots and break up the blockage. This quickly restores normal pipe flow. Mechanical cleaning is a quick and effective solution to the problem. However, this method is only suitable in the early stages of the problem. The roots may also start to grow back after a year. In addition, the rotary cable does not repair damage to the pipes.

Hydro Jetting and Root Killers

This is one of the best methods for cleaning plastic sewer pipes. It allows roots to be removed along the entire length of the pipe. To do this, a hose with a nozzle is inserted into the pipe. It can deliver water under enormous pressure of 100-200 atmospheres. This effectively removes not only roots, but also other contaminants from the pipeline. However, pressurised water is not able to cut through very thick roots. This method also does not cause damage.

Sewer Line Repair or Replacement

If the damage is serious, partial or complete replacement of the pipe is required. Often, not only replacement is required, but also the relocation of the sewer line to a safer place or the installation of barriers. This eliminates the cause of the problem. A new pipe prevents roots from growing back.

Hire a Professional Plumber in Brampton

Attempting to fix the problem yourself without professional help can result in serious damage. Therefore, it is best to trust experienced professionals. Hiring plumbers to clean a sewer line has several advantages:

• accurate diagnosis of the sewer system to locate the root growth;
• use of professional equipment for careful and complete removal of roots;
• high-quality repair of damage that will last for many years;
• guarantee of the quality of the work performed;
• cost savings in the long run, as DIY repairs are often temporary, while a plumber eliminates the entire problem, eliminating the need for repeat calls or accidents;
• quick problem solving and work in compliance with all safety measures;
• professional advice on preventing regrowth.

A professional plumber is not just a craftsman. They provide a comprehensive solution to the problem at its root: from diagnosis to high-quality removal. If you have recurring blockages, slow drainage or unpleasant odours, it is worth calling in the experts.

You can submit a request on our website right now. You can also contact us at our contact numbers.

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