Trees and sewer lines may not seem to have anything in common, but it’s what goes on beneath the surface that matters. Root structures are large, intertwining networks always in search of nutrients and water. As water rushes underground through your pipes, it can attract tree roots that grow toward them, sometimes so much that they break through the pipes altogether.

How Do You Know if a Tree Is a Threat?

Trees that grow closer to your property pose a bigger risk. Some of the larger tree species can have roots that stretch for miles; if a tree grows within 10 feet of a property, it could be a hazard to the sewer line.

But what you’ll really notice are signs related to sewer damage. Tree roots are some of those undercover threats that lurk undetected until they’ve caused issued. Warning signs include:

• Soggy patches in your lawn
• Unusually green patches of grass
• Rotten egg smells coming from drains
• Gurgling noises when flushing the toilet or running the sink

All of these signs indicate a tree root may have broken through your sewer line. Left untreated, this could lead to severe water damage in your yard and even flooding of your home’s foundation.

What to Do if You Think There’s a Problem

Schedule a sewer line inspection with an expert who can determine if there’s an invasion and how severe it is. In minor cases, drain cleaning with hydro jetting could be enough to blast the roots away using high pressure before replacing parts of the sewer line.

In other cases, you may need trenchless or traditional sewer repair to correct the problem. Trenchless sewer line replacement doesn’t dig up your yard, but in some cases, the traditional digging method is necessary.

The sooner you contact a professional, the better off you’ll be. It’s easier to protect a plumbing system when tree roots are a minimal issue than to wait until they’ve broken through your pipes entirely.

Do I Need to Remove My Tree?

In some cases, it’s best to remove the tree and root structure after they’ve grown too close to your sewer line. This is the best approach if you’ve had issues with tree roots before or if the tree is preventing a proper repair.

The only way to know what you really need to do to protect your sewer line is to work with a professional who can give personalized advice for your plumbing.

Don’t let tree roots cause chaos and wreck pipes. Contact NCPD Service in Asheville, NC, for professional sewer line services.