843.582.0670
How Does My Plumbing Service Recommend Protection Against Tree Root Invasion? | Conway, SC
Although we don’t often think about it, there’s a lot going on in the ground under our property. Burrowing critters, insects, and tree roots are actively searching for food–yes, even tree roots! The roots of trees can extend across large tracts of your property in search of nutrients and water. Unfortunately, you have a very rich source of both available in your sewer line. The roots of trees can certainly sense that your sewer pipe is a rich source of just what it wants. If there’s even the smallest crack in a seam or tiny hole in the line, a very thin tree root can find its way inside your pipe and begin to grow. When it does, your underground trouble begins.
If you have tree roots in your sewer line, you need a professional plumbing service you can trust to route them out. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach is a leading plumbing service that operates in and near Conway, SC. If you have a clog or damaged pipe caused by tree roots, we can help. Of course, the best way to deal with those pesky underground roots is to prevent them from infiltrating your plumbing system. Here are a few tips that might help.
The Problem with Tree Roots
Tree roots spell bad news for your plumbing system. Once that tiny tree root squeezes into your plumbing sewer line, it will stay there, absorbing the water and nutrients it finds. In time, the root will grow. Its growth is likely to widen the space it initially entered through. Other roots may also infiltrate the line. The tiny, thread-like roots will grow larger and stronger within the sewer line until they block the flow of waste and wastewater. When that happens, there’s a good chance that the waste and water will back up into your house.
When tree roots block your line, they will have to be removed or your plumbing system won’t function. Our plumbing service can auger the line using a special cutter placed on the end of the auger. The swiveling action of the tool cuts the roots so they can be pushed out of the sewer pipe and into the city sewer system. The problem is that the roots will grow back as cutting them doesn’t kill them.
The problem may be further complicated because tree roots can grow so large that they damage the pipe. They can cause your sewer line to collapse. In this case, you need a plumbing service for repairs or even sewer line replacement, which is a major plumbing project. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach can visit your Conway, SC, home if you have a sewer line backup. Whether tree roots or debris is clogging your line, we can clear it. We can also repair or replace your line if necessary. To reduce the risk for tree root plumbing problems, follow these tips:
Don’t Plant Trees Near Your Sewer Line
Tree roots can’t impact your sewer line if there are no tree roots in close proximity. Many people don’t think about their plumbing system when planting trees. However, the trees will grow and their roots will seek out water and nutrients that are readily available in your sewer pipe. By planting trees far from your sewer line, you won’t have to contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach for plumbing service–at least concerning tree roots.
Similarly, you might also want to remove any trees growing near your sewer line. While you might not have problems now, your sewer line will age; as it ages, its seams can become more vulnerable to encroaching tree roots. Although trees are beautiful and provide welcome shade, they shouldn’t be planted too close to your home’s foundation or its plumbing system.
Line Your Pipe
To prevent tree roots from growing inside your sewer line, you could have it lined. Lining the interior of pipes essentially creates a durably pipe within an older host pipe. The lining is an epoxy resin that is used to coat the interior pipe. Once it cures, it hardens and seals. Tree roots will not be able to cross this resin barrier. Lining pipes is a professional plumbing service. Consult with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach to determine if this solution makes sense for your situation.
Physically Block the Roots
If you’ve found yourself in the position of having to place a sewer line, you might be more zealous about protecting it from encroaching tree roots. Some property owners actually take steps to physically barricade their underground sewer line. Essentially, you’ll create a wall between the tree roots and your sewer line. The wall should be buried at least six inches lower than the tree roots. Metal barriers can prevent tree roots from coming anywhere near your sewer line.
Use Copper Sulphate Crystals
Copper sulfate is a poison that will kill tree roots but will not kill the tree when you flush them down your sewer line. If you have tree roots that have infiltrated the line, this chemical will kill them so that they can’t continue to grow and cause a blockage. It may not prevent new roots from entering down the road, but if you perform this task once per year, you can manage your tree root issue without calling for plumbing service.
Tree roots are a common enough problem for plumbing systems, but it’s never fun to experience a backup and have to call for an emergency plumber. Keep in mind that Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach does offer sewer line plumbing service for Conway, SC. We can determine if your line is suffering from tree roots or is in need of repair. Contact us to learn more about our plumbing service or to schedule a visit. We can manage all of your plumbing concerns.