Can Tree Roots Damage My Plumbing?

There are many reasons we love our Georgia home, but a big one has to be all the towering pines pushing up from the red dirt. They make our community look and feel so unique and wild, but this can come at a cost. Invasive tree roots can reach two to three times further than their branches in search of water sources, often finding their way into the plumbing of our homes and businesses. If you've ever experienced stubborn clogs or slow drains, these tree roots may have played a factor. Let's dive into why this happens, what to watch for, and how we can help.

“If your sinks, tubs, or toilets are draining slower than normal, roots could be a cause of the poor drainage.”

What Makes Georgia the Perfect Storm?

Climate and Soil

Our community’s warm weather and rich, moist soil are the perfect ecosystem for big trees. But as they grow, their roots stretch towards any nearby water sources, including our buried water and sewer lines. They’re capable of squeezing into small cracks or pipe openings and growing into the lines, creating nasty blockades.

Old Trees and Plumbing

Many of our neighborhoods boast large, mature trees or forests with already well-developed root systems. Even these roots never stop growing and can easily infiltrate older, fragile pipes made of clay or cast iron since they’re more likely to have cracks or joint openings susceptible to root growth.

Are My Pipes Being Affected?

Catching root intrusion quickly can save you money and peace of mind. Here’s what to watch for:

Slow Drains

If your sinks, tubs, or toilets are draining slower than normal, roots could be a cause of the poor drainage.

Frequent Clogs

Regularly experiencing clogs in multiple fixtures can indicate a root problem in the underground line.

Gurgling Noises

Strange gurgling or bubbling from your drains or toilets often means there’s a blockage in the water flow, potentially caused by roots.

Sewage Backups

The worst sign of all is a sewage backup, which happens when roots cause a major blockage in the main sewer line.

Preventing Root Intrusion

You can take these proactive measures to prevent tree roots from wrecking your plumbing system:

Regular Inspections

Have a professional plumber perform an annual inspection on your lines. These camera inspections can catch and eliminate root intrusions before you even notice them.

Smart Planting

When planting new trees, consider ones with less aggressive root systems and make sure to plant them far from your sewer and water lines.

Pipe Upgrades

If your home has old clay or cast iron pipes, consider upgrading to a more standard material like PVC to prevent future issues of all kinds.

How RX-Plumbing Can Help

If tree roots have already invaded your plumbing, it’s time to get professional help. Here’s how we can help:

Hydro-Jetting

We use high-pressure water jets to clear away roots and other debris within your pipes to bring them back to clean, working order.

Rooter Service

Our heavy-duty augers can cut through root growth to clear the blockage fast, even with serious root intrusions.

Pipe Lining

For long-term fixes without digging up your yard, we can insert a new lining into your compromised pipes that seals any cracks in order to prevent reoccurring issues.

Tree roots in Georgia should be something to consider, but they don’t have to be a concern. With the right measures and assistance, you can keep your plumbing system running smoothly. If you’re seeing slow draining, frequent clogs, or sewage backups, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll inspect and clear your pipes quickly to keep the issue from escalating. Talk to us today for a fast, free estimate or set up an annual line inspection to stay ahead of the curve.