Removing Roots From Drain Pipes

Trees add beauty and value to any home, but their roots can cause problems for your drain pipes. They are known to be the foremost cause of underground pipe damage. When roots enter drain pipes, they can cause blockages that lead to costly repairs. It’s important to contact the experts at Bienvenu Brothers to remove roots from your drain pipes as soon as you notice them to avoid further damage.

Removing Roots From Drain Pipes

If you don’t handle the root problem early, your drain pipes may get clogged or blocked. Here are some ways tree roots can damage your pipes and the steps you can take to safely resolve the problem.

Ways to Get Rid of Tree Roots in Sewer Pipes

1. There’s a natural attraction: A tree’s roots are attracted to the water and nutrients in the sewer pipe. Cracks and loose joints in the pipes make it easier for roots to enter after they pick up the vapors from these openings. In the end, these roots will completely block your pipe and cause a backup of the contents into your home.

2. The early signs: It helps to catch the problem early. Delays will cost you more. There are a few tell-tale signs that roots have invaded your sewer pipes. The first is the presence of tree stumps in or around the area closer to the pipe than you would expect to find them. Another sign is a gurgling sound in your toilet, usually after your sewer pipes start to clog. Other signs are slow drains and water backup in the bathtub.

3. The roots are having their way. What can you do?: When you have roots in your sewer pipes, they will continue to grow and cause more damage. Over time, they will crush the pipe, making it difficult for water to flow through. Eventually, the entire pipe could collapse under the pressure of the roots. These pipes that lead to the municipal pipes beneath the street, known as lateral pipes, are the responsibility of the homeowner. You can try to block the direction of the root growth. It helps to have a sewer line specialist route out your drain regularly for a small fee.

4. Calling in a professional. Do you call a plumber or a sewer line specialist?: If you think you have tree roots in your sewer pipe, it’s time to call a professional. A plumber can help you determine whether or not the roots are causing damage to your pipes and recommend the best course of action. But not all plumbers handle sewer line issues. If the roots are not causing any damage, they can be left alone. However, if they are causing damage, your plumber may refer you to a sewer line specialist. The specialist will have the tools and experience necessary to clear the main line of roots. This is expensive but necessary to save your sewer pipes from further damage and ensure they continue to work properly in the future.

5. What are the expected solutions?: The first step is to catch the problem early. Regular sewer line checkups can help you know if there are signs of tree roots in your pipes. If you do find them, they can usually be removed before they cause serious damage. The first step is usually to examine the line using a special camera. After examining the photos to determine the extent of the problem, they can clear the pipe by clearing the roots with a mechanical routing device or with chemicals. If your pipe is so damaged that it has to be replaced, the process is much more involved. There will be quite a bit of digging.

First, the old pipe is removed and a new one is put in its place. This process can be expensive, but it’s necessary to ensure your sewer line continues to function properly. It also provides you with brand-new pipes that are less susceptible to root invasion and are longer-lasting. The older clay and metal pipes each have their drawbacks. While the former can be invaded by roots, the latter can corrode over time and are hard to work with due to their weight. Newer underground pipes are made of plastic, which is not as attractive to roots and is more durable. 

Removing roots from drain pipes can be a difficult and costly process, but it’s essential to do if you want to avoid damage to your sewer pipes. By catching the problem early and calling in a professional, you can save yourself time and money down the road.

Let Us Know as Soon as You Suspect Tree Roots Are Invading Your Pipes

If you notice any signs of tree roots in your drain pipes, it is important to take action right away. Tree roots can cause serious damage to your pipes over time, leading to costly repairs and even replacement if left untreated. Contact the Bienvenu Brothers at (504) 835-7783 for an examination of your sewer line.