How Tree Roots Affect Your Sewer Lines & What You Can Do About It

How Tree Roots Affect Your Sewer Lines and What You Can Do About It

Trees are a beautiful addition to any yard. They provide shade, enhance curb appeal, and can even offer a modicum of privacy. However, tree roots can sometimes pose a serious threat to your home’s plumbing. If trees are planted too close to your sewer lines, their roots might start causing significant damage that can lead to expensive repairs if left unchecked. Knowing how tree roots affect your sewer lines is the first step in knowing how to spot the problem. But first, let’s look at why it happens in the first place.

Why Tree Roots Target Your Sewer Lines

Tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture, which is why they can find their way to your sewer pipes. Over time, even the smallest leak in a pipe can attract the roots. Once they detect the water, they grow towards it, seeking out the nutrients they need. If the leak is in a vulnerable part of the pipe, the roots will find their way in, widening cracks and openings as they grow. This can lead to blockages, where waste and water struggle to flow through your sewage system.

These roots don’t just clog the pipes – they trap other materials like grease, oil, and debris, which can make the problem worse over time. As the roots grow, they can block more of the pipe, leading to more severe issues that can cause everything from slow drains to burst pipes.

How Tree Roots Affect Your Sewer Lines

1. Slow Drains and Clogged Toilets

One of the first signs that something’s wrong is when multiple plumbing fixtures start acting up at once. You might notice that your sink, shower, or bathtub drains slower than usual, or even gurgles when you use it. Toilets are another big indicator – if they won’t flush properly or are struggling to empty, it could be a sign that roots are obstructing your sewer line. Unlike smaller clogs that can be cleared by plunging or snaking, tree roots will affect all plumbing fixtures at once, signaling a larger issue.

2. Low Water Pressure

Suddenly finding your home’s water pressure is lower than usual? This can be another warning sign of a problem in your plumbing, especially if it happens overnight. When tree roots invade your sewer lines, they can cause leaks. These leaks might lead to a drop in water pressure throughout your home. If the issue persists, it’s best to address it sooner rather than later.

3. Higher Water Bills

If your water bills seem unusually high, it might not just be due to extra showers or lawn watering. Leaks caused by tree roots can lead to inefficient water usage, driving up your water bills. A leaking pipe allows water to escape, and in turn, increases the amount of water your system needs to keep up with. If this is happening, it could be time to take a closer look at your sewer lines.

What You Can Do About It

If you suspect tree roots are damaging your sewer lines, it’s important to take action. While you might be able to spot some signs, like slow drains or rising bills, the only way to know for sure is through a professional sewer inspection. A camera inspection will allow a trained expert to see exactly what’s going on inside your pipes, and pinpoint whether roots are the cause of your plumbing issues.

Once the problem is identified, a professional contractor like Memphis Sewer & Water can offer the most cost-effective solution, whether that’s clearing the roots, repairing the damaged section of pipe, or in some cases, replacing the entire sewer line.

Contact Us Today

If you think your trees are causing trouble beneath the surface, contact us at (901) 598-1999 or fill out our contact form. We’ll get back to you to assess your sewer situation and fix the issues so you can go back to your normal routine right away.