Your Sewer Line vs. Tree Roots: What to Do

Large tree roots that can invade sewer lines and cause severe damage

Ever wondered why sewer lines in most commercial and residential properties buried underneath the ground? Most people assume that the yard appears cleaner and more appealing that way. And though it’s not wrong, the real purpose isn’t limited to improving your landscape. Sewer lines are located underground for better protection and smooth functioning without any external obstructions.

But unfortunately, this may serve as a con too. Because sewer lines are out of sight, minor damages can go unnoticed, unless they grow big enough to be identified from above the ground. Though your sewer line is safe from external elements, they’re still susceptible to tree roots invasion. If your landscape is full of greens, it’s good for the environment, but it can put your sewer line in danger. These thirst-for-water roots can tear your sewer pipes to obtain the required moisture. And they don’t stop there. They keep growing inside your sewer pipes, obstructing the sewage flow, and leading to problems like stinky and water backing drains.

Ahead, we have elaborate on some ways you can prevent trees from invading your sewer pipes, and what you must do in the tree root damage has already been done.

Preventing Tree Root Invasion

Here are the steps you need to take to ensure optimum protection against tree root damage.

  • Identify where your sewer line is located underground using the constructor’s map, or hire a commercial plumber in Fort Worth to do it for you. Plumbers use special equipment with sensors that can find the sewer line’s location without digging up your yard.
  • If you have plants near within a 10 feet range from your sewer line, get them excavated.
  • If you’re planning to install plants and trees to amp up the look of your landscape, plant them at a distance of at least 10 feet or maybe more. The farther, the better.
  • Also, note that some trees tend to grow longer roots that spread wide horizontally. So make sure you check with your gardener about the type of tree you’re planning to plant and whether how far the roots can go. Then check with your plumber whether it’s safe to go ahead with the plantation. If it’s not, drop the idea.
  • Get your sewer lines inspected regularly for invading tree roots. Commercial plumbers usually conduct pipe inspections using a camera device that goes inside your sewer line, while you watch whatever’s happening inside in real-time.A comparison of leaking commercial sewer line before and after line repair

What Should You Do If the Already Made Their Way Into Your Sewer Pipe?

Image filename: commercial-sewer-pipe-before-and-after-line-repair

Image alt-text: A comparison of leaking commercial sewer line before and after line repair

Here are a few signs of tree root invasion that you must watch out for.

  • Water backing from more than one drain inside your commercial property, at the same time.
  • Your toilet bowl overflows or fills up when you flush.
  • All the drains in your property release a bad pungent odor.

If you notice any of the above signs, your sewer line may likely be compromised and clogged by tree roots. Even if it’s not tree roots, these signs call for a professional commercial plumbing line repair, because they mean that something is blocking the sewage water flow and it needs to be fixed before the damage worsens.

If you’re looking for reliable commercial plumbing contractors in Fort Worth, South Lake, or nearby areas, get in touch with us at Pro Serve Plumbers. We offer top-quality commercial plumbing services in Fort Worth to including sewer line video inspection and repair, drain cleaning and repair, water pipe replacement and repair, and other a range of other plumbing services.

Connect with us online or call at 817-244-0614 to schedule an appointment for reliable commercial plumbing maintenance.