Trees and other shrubbery can make great additions to a yard, and most people are happy to have them on their property. Unfortunately, what lies beneath the ground can severely damage your plumbing system—roots. Root intrusion is a leading cause of major sewer and drainage issues. That is because of the way roots can attack sewer pipes, which can affect a plumbing system’s ability to function properly.
Arrow Sewer & Drain provides expert sewer line repair and plumbing services throughout north and central New Jersey. Here, we explain what root intrusion is and which properties are most susceptible to this issue.
What Is Root Intrusion?
It’s no secret that trees and other plants require water to survive. They soak up water through their roots. When a tree needs moisture, it will seek out nearby water sources, including the water in your sewer line.
Roots can make their way into your sewer pipes through small cracks, holes, and joints. Loose-fitting pipes with wide enough gaps between them can be an open invitation for roots to enter. Once inside your pipes, roots begin to spread, rapidly working their way through your plumbing system.
This rapid expansion severely hinders your system’s ability to serve its purpose. Waste that normally flows through the sewer system becomes stuck among the roots, causing a blockage. If roots continue to wreak havoc inside your sewer pipes, it can lead to a complete blockage and malfunction in your sewer system.
How to Identify Root Intrusion in Sewer Lines
Because roots attack your pipes underground, identifying root intrusion can be tricky. Fortunately for property owners, there are warning signs that can indicate roots are threatening your system. The common signs of root intrusion include:
Foul Smells
Strange smells around your property are never a good sign. A persistent sewage smell emanating from your drains or out in your yard indicates a rupture inside your sewer line. This foul smell may be caused by tree roots blocking sewage inside your pipes.
Increased Insect Activity
Because rodents and insects are naturally attracted to nasty odors and foul environments, an influx on your property could mean a sewer line leak. Expanding roots in your sewer pipe may create this leak.
Pooling Water on Your Property
When root intrusion occurs in your sewer pipes, it’s common for water to seep up through your soil and into your grass. If this happens, homeowners will notice excessively wet, moist patches of grass in their yard. Because sewage acts as a natural fertilizer, these patches of grass may appear greener in color compared to the rest of the yard. Identifying these fertilized pockets of grass can be extremely helpful in determining where a tree root intrusion is occurring.
Discover the Best Line of Defense at Arrow Sewer & Drain
Completely preventing root intrusion in your sewer line is almost impossible. However, property owners can help reduce the risk with a thorough inspection. At Arrow Sewer & Drain, our lineup of sewer repair services includes an in-depth inspection of your system. Using a sewer scope, our technicians can get a clear view of what’s happening inside your system and whether or not tree roots have made their way inside your pipes. Our advanced services also entail professional drain cleaning and trenchless sewer repair to ensure your system works as it should.
Clients in north and central New Jersey concerned about the well-being of their sewer pipes should contact us today.
