Having trees in your yard can come with many perks. They give your family a place to gather in the shade, they help cool your home in the summer, and they add serious curb appeal to your property. However, it’s easy to forget they’re not just growing up into the sky but also down into the earth.
While your tree might look beautiful and harmless, the roots below can be sneaky troublemakers. One of the most common and frustrating issues they cause is damage to your plumbing. If you’re wondering how tree roots can damage your sewer line, keep reading.
Why Tree Roots Target Sewer Lines
Tree roots are always on the lookout for moisture and nutrients. Sewer lines can provide both, making them a prime target. This search for water brings roots into contact with your sewer pipes, where even the smallest crack or loose joint can be an open invitation.
Older sewer pipes made of clay or cast iron are especially vulnerable to root intrusion. Even modern materials like PVC or polyvinyl chloride can be at risk if connections are not completely sealed or if there’s been shifting soil. Once roots find a way in, they begin to grow and spread through the pipe, leading to serious plumbing problems.
Signs of Tree Roots in Sewer Lines
Homeowners often start to suspect root invasions when drains begin to misbehave. Instead of a free-flowing sink drain, household water starts pooling near your feet. The signs can include:
- Frequent backups in toilets, sinks, or showers.
- Gurgling or bubbling sounds when water is flushed.
- An odd odor in your basement or yard.
- Slow drainage around the house.
- Pooling water or sinkholes in your yard that sometimes show up near the main sewer line or septic tank.
These symptoms may point to other plumbing issues, too, but combined, they can suggest root infestation. A visible crack or movement on the surface might also hint at tree root intrusion underground.
How Tree Roots Can Damage Your Sewer Line Over Time
The damage from tree roots doesn’t happen all at once. It starts small and builds over time, which is part of what makes it so dangerous. Because it happens out of sight, homeowners often don’t realize the extent of the damage until things get messy.
What Happens Inside Your Sewer Line
Once a root finds an opening, it begins to grow inside the pipe. The root acts like a filter, catching debris like wipes, grease, and toilet paper. This creates clogs and slows drainage. Over time, the root can cause the pipe to crack or collapse, leading to serious backups and water damage. In some cases, the ground around your home can even shift, creating sinkholes or damaging your landscape.
How It Affects Your Yard and Home
A broken sewer pipe can leak wastewater into the soil. You may start noticing soft, wet patches on your lawn or even water damage in your basement. The smell of sewage might be faint at first, but it will become worse as the leak grows. These signs all point to a need for immediate sewer line repair.
Preventing Tree Root Damage Before It Starts
Catching the problem at an early stage is the best way to avoid an expensive and smelly situation. Prevention doesn’t mean removing all the trees from your yard, but it does mean being smart about where you plant them and how you maintain your plumbing.
Smart Planting Decisions
Avoid planting trees like willow, maple, and oak near your sewer line pipes. These types have aggressive roots that will go far and deep in search of water. If you’re planning new landscaping, check your property map or request a sewer inspection first to locate your pipes.
If a tree is already close to your sewer system, an arborist can help you assess the risk. In some cases, pruning the roots or relocating the tree may be the best option.
Keeping Roots Out of Your Pipes
In some cases, chemical root control treatments can help, using safe foams that prevent growth without killing the tree. Regular sewer rodding is another useful service. Tidy Tank Plumbing, Sewer, and Septic performs sewer rodding in McHenry and Lake County, IL. During this service, a professional can break up and remove any root masses that have made it inside your pipes.
What to Expect From a Professional Sewer Line Inspection
If you think you have a problem with tree roots in sewer lines, it’s time to call in the pros. A camera inspection gives a live look at the inside of your sewer pipes. This helps plumbers find the exact location of the root intrusion and plan the best fix.
How a Camera Inspection Works
A small waterproof camera is fed into your sewer pipe. It records video as it travels, showing blockages, cracks, corrosion, or standing water. This footage helps your plumber figure out whether you need cleaning, repair, or a full replacement. It also shows if the damage was caused by root intrusion, corrosion, or general wear and tear.
Repairing Tree Root Damage to Sewer Lines
If your sewer line is already damaged, you’re not alone. Many homeowners experience this issue, especially in older neighborhoods with mature trees and aging infrastructure.
Clearing and Replacing Sewer Pipes
A professional plumber will use specialized tools to clear out roots and debris. If the damage is extensive, they may need to dig up and replace a section of pipe. This is often the case if roots have cracked the pipe walls or caused collapse. Modern replacements use stronger materials that are more resistant to future problems.
Protecting Your Home After Repairs
Once the repair is done, it’s a good time to look at preventive steps like regular maintenance and inspections. Keeping up with your sewer system health is just as important as checking your roof or HVAC unit.
Don’t Wait Until It’s an Emergency
It’s easy to delay calling a plumber until something bad happens. But with tree root damage, a delay often leads to higher repair costs and more damage. If you notice signs like slow drains, toilet clogs, or a musty odor in your basement, now is the time to act.
Tidy Tank Plumbing, Sewer, and Septic offers fast and reliable help when it comes to dealing with sewer line root issues. Our experts in McHenry and Lake County, IL, can spot the problem early and offer solutions before a full replacement is needed.
Protect Your Sewer Line Before Roots Take Over
If you think there might be tree root damage to sewer lines on your property, Tidy Tank Plumbing, Sewer, and Septic is ready to assist you. We offer a wide range of services to help with tree roots in sewer lines, including sewer camera inspections in McHenry and Lake County. Request service with us today!