Plumbing Service Tips: How To Protect Your Plumbing from Tree Roots | Carrollton, TX
On average, a typical plumbing service will set you back around $75 for small jobs to $450 for larger ones. However, the service cost will vary depending on the severity of the issue in your plumbing system. Many factors can cause plumbing issues, and among them are tree roots.
Often, homeowners and commercial buildings don’t consider how deep or wide a tree can grow. Consequently, after a few years, the property may start to experience plumbing issues as the tree continues to mature and the roots get bigger to support its weight. Additionally, the roots are naturally attracted to the plumbing system because it is a source of nutrients such as water and organic waste.
Carrollton, TX, residents enjoy their fair share of trees, including oaks, elms, magnolia, among others. However, these tree species have aggressive root systems that are likely to necessitate plumbing services.
So, how can one protect their plumbing from tree roots? This post looks at different ways you can solve the issue.
Plant Trees in the Appropriate Location
Oak trees which are common have roots that only lie 18 inches under the soil; however, they may spread to occupy a space four to seven times the diameter of the tree’s crown. When planning to plant a tree, you need to consider the tree’s location, ensuring it is not close to the plumbing system. To that end, you should be familiar with the exact position of underground pipes, cables, and lines to help you when landscaping your home.
Physical Root Barrier
There are several ways you can create a barrier that protects your plumbing system from root invasion. A quick DIY process involves placing wood or metal barriers 6 to 12 inches deeper than your pipes while running vertically next to the plumbing solution. This is an inexpensive solution to the root problem and does not require a professional plumbing service provider.
Mechanical Rooter or Auger
If you want to cut away the invasive roots, you will need to purchase a mechanical rooter/ auger or call a plumbing service provider who already has specialized tools. While you can cut the roots on your own, it would be best to leave it to professionals to avoid further damage. The machine has a spiral head that travels through the plumbing system, cutting away roots and leaving them clear. However, using a mechanical auger will not solve the problem entirely; it is only a temporary solution.
Hydro-Jetting
Once the tree is already in your plumbing system, the best remedy is to consult a plumbing service provider who will assess the situation and decide on the best course of action. In some cases, hydro-jetting may be the most suitable solution. The plumbing service expert will use a machine that sends a stream of pressurized air into the plumbing system. The nozzle features a spiral tip that is responsible for ejecting forceful spray through your pipes, pushing out any root debris. Like a mechanical auger, hydro-jetting is not a permanent solution, and the roots will be back.
Chemicals
Suppose you don’t want to chop off the tree but want to destroy invasive roots. Well, chemicals could be the right solution for you, specifically copper sulfate and rock salt. Copper sulfate crystals have bright blue with salt-like crystals and can be purchased at a local gardening shop. Instead of pouring it around the tree, it would be more effective if you flushed half a cup of the crystals down the toilet. However, you should note that the chemical is not safe for septic systems. While rock salt offers the same effects as copper sulfate, it is safer for septic systems, making it more suitable than the latter. When using chemicals, remember not to overuse the method because it could kill the tree.
Inspection and Maintenance
Most of the methods available for preventing invasive roots are only temporary solutions. Suppose you want to completely prevent roots from invading your plumbing system without cutting down the tree. In that case, you should conduct regular inspection and maintenance or at least hire a plumbing service provider to do it for you. Additionally, routine inspection and maintenance are also critical after trying out any removal or prevention methods or installing new pipes or protective pipe sleeves.
Understand the Signs of Plumbing Issues Due to Tree Roots
If you are having plumbing issues and aren’t sure if invasive roots could be the issue, there are several warning signs you should keenly look for that are usually an indication of invasive roots in your plumbing systems. Here are some common symptoms of plumbing issues due to invasive tree roots.
- Frequent clogs: Drains that regularly get clogged are usually the first sign of invasive roots in the plumbing system.
- Gurgle sounds: If there is a bubbling sound accompanied by a slow drain when flushing the toilet, chances are you have a root problem.
- Collapsed or blocked pipes: A variety of issues could cause this; among them is that there are tree roots in your plumbing system.
- Sinkholes: If you come across a sinkhole in your lawn, it may be because roots have affected your plumbing pipes. Stay away from the affected area and call your local plumbing service provider.
- Foul odors: It is especially common with broken sewer lines within your plumbing system that end up emitting an awful stench within the affected area. If you smell something like sulfur or rotten eggs, it could be that invasive roots have found their way into your sewer line.
Apart from destroying your property, plumbing issues can pose health risks, especially if the issues affect the sewer line. Residents of Carrollton, TX, looking to prevent the growth of roots into their plumbing pipes should consider the services of bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas.
At bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas, we offer more than tips about tree roots in your system we are also the plumbing service to remove them. We also offer the residents of Carrollton, TX and the surrounding areas other services, including emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer, and water line services, water softeners and filtrations, gas line, and water heater repair. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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