Trees seem to be a double-edged sword for homeowners. We all want them as they increase the beauty of our property. However, they can cause some severe problems with our plumbing when their roots get out of control. If you’re experiencing any of the four problems discussed below, it’s likely your tree’s roots are ruining your pipes.
Slow Drain Emptying
When you notice that your toilet takes forever to flush the whole way or your sink tends to stay full for a while, it’s likely a plant root maybe in your drain. This is very common in older homes where roots are highly developed. If you get the gurgling sound when you’re using your drain, you can be sure you’ve got a root problem.
Backed Up Toilets
As a homeowner, nothing seems more frustrating than dealing with a backed-up toilet. As you attempt to keep your bathroom floor clean, you can plunge away. However, when tree roots are blocking your pipelines, plunging isn’t going to get you anywhere. You must have an expert come and utilize hydro jetting to clear out your sewer lines for the toilet to flush as normal.
Fast Growing Tree
The first key sign that roots are invading your piping doesn’t have to come from inside of your home. Rather, you may notice that one of your trees is growing like crazy with robust leaves and a solid trunk. If you notice this odd behavior with only one of the trees in your lawn, it may be due to extra water penetrating its roots via your sewer line.
Bad Odors
One surefire way to know that there is root blockage in your piping system is a bad odor. Most people equate the smell of sewer gas to rotten eggs. When roots overtake your plumbing lines, this could cause a sewer gas smell inside or outside of your home. Either way, it’s important that you call in a professional plumber to handle the issue as sewer gas can be very dangerous.
As a homeowner, there are some signs you need to constantly be looking out for in regards to your pipes. When it comes to tree invasion, the above four indications should pique your interests. If you experience any of them, it’s best to call in a local plumber to handle the issue before it gets worse. The longer you wait to address the tree roots, the more damage they’re going to cause to your piping.