While most people wouldn’t think of it as a common problem, tree root growth is a major cause of blocked, damaged, and broken sewer pipes. North American Pipeline Services has provided sewer repair for tree root incursion and other damage and blockages for decades. We’ll break down what to do if your sewer line has been damaged by roots and what to do to prevent any blockages or damage from occurring in the future.
Professional Sewer Line Tree Root Removal in NJ
Tree roots in your sewer line system can cause more damage than you would expect to your pipes, which in turn can affect your home plumbing. If you have large trees on your property, there is a vast network of roots below the ground which are constantly growing and are attracted to sources of moisture and nutrients. Sewer lines provide both of these things so roots will actively grow into your sewer lines.
Large trees have big roots and their strength can cause a number of problems such as:
- Blocking off sections of your sewer line
- Rupturing or fracturing existing sewer pipes
- Causing pipes to collapse due to loosening of the surrounding soil
- Making pre-existing hairline cracks larger
Keeping Tree Roots Away From Sewer Lines
While you can’t easily see if tree roots are encroaching on your sewer line, there are some steps you can take to avoid common tree root issues. While not all these options will work for everyone, here are some ways to avoid damage to your sewer lines due to tree roots.
- Be aware of where your sewer lines are located – You can reach out to your local public works department to get the location of your underground utilities.
- Create a barrier between trees and sewer lines – There are a number of chemicals that you can spread near your sewer line to discourage root growth. Copper sulfate and potassium hydroxide are good for this purpose.
- Plant “sewer safe” trees – It is best to avoid planting close to sewer lines but if you do, plant small trees with slow growing roots and only plant large trees far away from your pipes.
- Inspection and maintenance – Getting your sewer lines inspected on a regular basis is a good way to avoid any costly damage down the line.
Contact North American Pipeline Services
If your sewer line has become blocked or damaged due to tree roots, don’t wait for things to get worse. Contact North American Pipeline Services today to schedule a sewer cleaning, repair, or replacement.
