One of the most common problems that homeowners come across with their sewer system is how to prevent tree roots from damaging a pipe. Tree roots have a habit of growing into pipes as they are attracted to the moisture and this has caused a huge amount of damage to houses.
When tree roots are allowed to grow inside a pipe, they can cause the pipe to corrode. This causes a problem with your water flow and the main reason why drains get clogged up in the first place. It is vital that you remove any roots that are growing in your sewer line before it’s too late. However, before you go ahead and try to dig out any roots, you should first do a little bit of research. For help with Drainage Cleaning, visit Wilkinson
The best way to prevent tree roots from ruining your drain is to make sure that you regularly check your drainage system. If you don’t regularly clean it, there is a good chance that you may be putting yourself at risk for major damage to the drain system. It is best to get a professional service that will check your system for root problems. A professional is also able to check the pipe for any possible cracks, which will allow you to prevent tree roots from getting into your drain and causing a damaging blockage.
Clearing roots once they are in
When roots have already found their way into a drain, there are several ways to clear them, and some are cheap enough to try at home first. Copper sulphate is the usual first chemical treatment. Around half a cup of crystals is poured into the pipe and flushed through, killing the roots. It must not be used with a septic tank, and it is poisonous to pets and wildlife, so take care.
Rock salt is a safer alternative. About half a pound kills roots by drawing out their moisture, and it can be flushed down the toilet, though it usually needs repeated flushing to work.
For stubborn growth, professional jetting uses a high-pressure hydro jet to break the roots apart. All of these methods can be effective, but roots are likely to return while the tree stays close by. Removing the tree is usually a last resort when nothing else keeps the drain clear.
When to call in tree specialists
Tree roots can grow to a considerable length and may wrap around or completely cover an outlet pipe. Once roots find their way into a drain, they can spread inside it and cause a blockage that keeps coming back.
The faster and wider your trees grow, the greater the risk. As a tree spreads across a larger area, its root system gains more mass, and with it more potential to obstruct drains near the house. If your property is surrounded by mature trees, it makes sense to keep an eye on how close they are to drainage runs.
A tree specialist can help trace where the roots are and remove them, so the affected pipes can be dug up and the blockage cleared. In some cases the tree itself is taken down, which exposes the roots and makes it easier to reach the problem. Combining tree work with a drainage survey gives you the clearest picture of what is going on underground.