Tree roots are a mighty force to be reckoned with, especially because they spread further than what branches out on the surface. If you have a tree that’s thriving in your Westwood yard, you’ve likely wondered if there are roots in sewer lines underground. If you want to learn more about sewer line root removal, allow Titanium Plumbing & Heating, a proven plumber in Westwood, NJ, to explain everything you need to know about roots in sewer lines underground.
How Do You Get Roots in Sewer Lines?
Because roots are water-seeking machines, they naturally gravitate toward underground water pipes in Westwood. For instance, if you have a subtle leak underground in one of your sewer pipes, a nearby tree within root-reaching distance doesn’t “understand” the difference between your dirty sewer water and a river. Therefore, the roots are going to make a beeline for that broken pipe, wrapping both around the pipe and near where the crack site is.
Roots don’t just invade your pipes via cracks but can get in through other weaknesses, such as loose joints, curves, and gaskets. Any tree within 20 meters is liable to cause your pipes issues if they are leaking. It’s common for pipes to develop leaks after 20 years of service, which is why it’s best to get a pipe inspection every few years.
How Do You Remove Roots From Sewer Lines in Westwood?
When it comes to removing roots in sewer lines, the process is urgent since all roots act as potential blockages. Once a company removes roots, experts can instill preventative measures, like maintenance checks and root barriers, that can prevent future growth. Some methods for sewer line root removal include:
- Hydro jetting: By using high-pressure water cutting, professionals clear away damaging roots from pipes.
- Mechanical augers: Professionals can use cutting blades to break roots at the source with mechanical root cutting.
- Rock salt: You can use rock salt to discourage roots from populating near your pipes. Gradually flush rock salt down your toilet; if the problem doesn’t go away, the root invasion may be more substantial and in need of a professional diagnosis.
- Foam root killers: Just like rock salt, foam is another method homeowners can use to fight roots. The substance will begin to foam once it contacts water; simply flush some through your toilet every few months as a preventative measure.
- Copper sulfate: Copper sulfate is highly effective at killing roots in pipes. Flush some down the toilet gradually until your water is clean. Keep in mind that copper sulfate is highly toxic, so handle the product with gloves and keep kids and pets far away while working.
Removing roots from your sewer line is important because the longer you leave roots alone, the more expensive they become to remove. Roots can not only grow around pipes and cause major damage but also weave inside pipes to cause blockages and contaminate your water. This isn’t just a health hazard but an expensive problem that only snowballs as time goes on.
Signs You Have Roots in Sewer Lines in Your Westwood Home
The signs of root invasion are subtle things. In fact, your average clogged pipe looks similar to a root blockage. If you’re experiencing issues with your Westwood pipes, here are some signs of roots in sewer lines:
- Gurgling sounds: If you hear gurgling noises from your pipes every time you use them, there’s a chance you have a pipe breach from root invasion. This is because the breach causes air bubbles, which manifest as gurgling.
- Slow drainage: When you have roots in sewer lines, you’ll almost immediately be able to tell from the multiple clogged drains. This impacts your pipes house-wide, which means if you’re experiencing slow drainage everywhere, it is likely a root problem.
If you notice some of these signs in your Westwood home, don’t wait to take action. As tree roots wrap around your pipes, they can easily begin filling them, making the problem worse over time.
Work With Titanium Plumbing & Heating
Now that you know all about how roots in sewer lines work, why not get your pipes assessed by one of the best plumbers in the Westwood area? With Titanium Plumbing & Heating, you can enjoy professional services that keep your water lines in check, whether you need a plumber with a permit to replace sewer lines or an expert who can install a new toilet. If you’re looking for experts who care about your time and money, consider reaching out to Titanium Plumbing & Heating at 201-254-8580.