Trees are always a great addition to your home. They provide you with shade, privacy and beauty. Unfortunately trees can also cause issues under your home.
When tree roots are searching for water they will burrow through any type of crack or weak point in your sewer line. Once they enter your sewer line they can grow and obstruct your waste from traveling through the line.
This all happens underground so its hard to detect what is going on above ground.
Most people who live in Barrie will not notice tree roots until there is a sign that something is wrong with their sewer line. There could be one clog that occurs or many that start to occur over time. Here are some signs that tree roots may be invading your sewer line in Barrie.
What Causes Tree Roots To Enter Your Sewer Line?
There are a few reasons why tree roots will invade your sewer line. Tree roots don’t need to be directly above a sewer line to cause a problem. If there is a crack or weak point releasing moisture, nearby roots may eventually find it.
Tree roots seek out moisture. So if there is a crack in your sewer line or a weak spot tree roots will seek it out.
This can be caused by a crack, loose connection or even from old age of your sewer line.
If tree roots are able to find their way into your sewer line. They can grow very large. At first your waste will still be able to make it through the sewer line.
As time goes on your tree roots will only continue to grow. Which will cause your sewer line to become more restricted. Your toilet paper will start to get caught on the tree roots as well.
1. Slowing Drains
Having your drains slow down is something you may not think of right away.
Since the water still goes down its not as alarming as some other plumbing issues.
If many of your drains are starting to slow down it could be a sign of something clogging your drain lines.
This will most likely be seen in drains on your lowest level.
As tree roots grow into your sewer line they will take up room.
The word here being take up room.
Where you may have a clog that just shows up one day tree roots can take time to build up.
They can start small and get worse as they collect more material around them.
If your drains were normal and you notice them slowing down you may want to have them checked.
2. Same Drain Clogging
There are many reasons a drain can become clogged.
A kitchen sink can clog from grease, shower drains can become clogged with hair and toilets can become clogged as well.
However if you are constantly having the same issue with one drain.
You may want to have your drain lines checked.
Maybe you had someone come out and clear your drain and everything was fine. But then a few weeks or months later it becomes clogged again.
If tree roots are in your sewer line it may only clear what is stuck on the roots and not the actual problem.
Which can cause your drain to clog again.
Another reason why you should have your drain lines inspected if they keep clogging.
3. Multiple Drains Clogged
If one drain is clogged the issue may be near that drain.
If multiple drains are becoming clogged there may be an issue in your drain lines.
Some things to look for are
- Slow toilets
- Drains in showers
- Kitchen sink
- Drains in basement
- Water coming up in other fixtures
If many drains are starting to act different you may have an obstruction in your drain lines.
Tree roots could be one of the causes.
4. Toilet Making Gurgling Noises
If you notice your toilet is gurgling this could be a sign that something is wrong.
After using another toilet, emptying your tub, using the washer or any other water usage around your home.
This can occur if there is not enough room for air to travel through the lines.
If there is waste that cannot make it further down your line it could push air back up through one of the fixtures in your home.
A gurgling toilet does not mean you have tree roots in your sewer line.
However if your drains are also slow or you have been getting clogged it could be another sign.
5. Sewage Backing Up Into Your Basement
This is something you should definitely look into if you see this happening.
If there is too much build up in your sewer line your sewage will need somewhere to go.
It may start backing up through one of the closest points to your home. Such as a basement drain.
As we know tree roots can create a big obstruction in your sewer line if left to grow.
So if you are experiencing any type of sewage or waste backing up into your basement. You need to have that cleared right away.
You should also look into what may be causing it.
6. Hearing Weird Noises When Water Goes Down Your Drain
Not only can you experience gurgling toilets but other fixtures in your home as well.
Such as:
- Sinks
- Tub
- Shower
- Drains
- Toilet
Water may be having trouble going through the pipes because of a blockage.
If you notice this happening every time you use these fixtures you should check your sewer line.
7. You Notice A Sewer Odor Near Your Drains
There could be many reasons why you’re smelling sewer in your home. Tree roots aren’t the only cause.
However if your sewer line isn’t able to flow correctly it can cause odors to seep near your drains or bottom level plumbing.
If you’ve tried to unclog your trap and the smell is still occurring you may want to look at your drainage system.
Especially if you have slow drains or are experiencing backups as well.
8. Your Drains Are Getting Clogged Quickly
Another sign that something may be going on is when you get your drain cleaned.
You call a plumber
They clean the drain.
All is good.
Then it happens again.
If this keeps happening you may want to look into what’s causing your line to clog.
Tree roots can allow for material to get stuck in your pipes. Once the line is cleaned those materials are no longer in your line but there may still be roots in your pipe.
Having a sewer camera come and inspect your line can tell you if there are any tree roots present and where they may have penetrated your line.
9. There Are Big Trees Around Your Sewer Line
Just because you have trees in your yard doesn’t mean you’re going to experience sewer issues.
Trees and sewer lines can share space.
But if there is a large tree that is located along your sewer line. And it’s an old line or has been damaged. You may want to take into consideration that roots could be causing your issue.
Again roots have to penetrate your pipe.
So its not just having a tree near your sewer line. There must be some type of crack or opening for them to enter.
There are signs you can look for but these will not give you 100% proof that there are roots in your sewer line.
You could have a clog from grease.
A clog from something else can cause your line to back up.
Your gurgling could be from something else in your plumbing system.
If you think you have tree roots in your sewer line one option is to have a sewer camera inspection done.
A tiny camera can be sent down your sewer line and allow the plumber to view the inside of your pipe.
They may be able to detect roots if they have penetrated your line where the camera can access.
It can also help identify other issues that may be present in your sewer line such as:
- Broken pipe
- Degraded pipe
- Poor connections
- Buildup
- Pipe collapse
- Anything that may be obstructing your line
Knowing what the issue is can help determine the best course of action to fix the problem.
What Will Happen If I Don’t Fix My Roots?
Most likely nothing good. Once tree roots have gained access to your sewer line they will only get worse.
There may be more space for them to spread and grow within your line. This can lead to:
Clogging more often
Slow drains
Sewer backups
Damage to your pipe
Sewer repairs
Having to wait until your sewer line is completely backed up is not ideal either.
By investigating these symptoms you can save yourself the hassle of dealing with this type of issue later on.
Can You Get Tree Roots Out Of Your Sewer Line?
Most of the time yes they can be cleared from the pipe.
It will just depend on the situation with your sewer line. How much root growth there is and what our camera showed us.
Root removal and cleaning the line may correct your drainage issue.
Or roots may only be one of your problems.
If your pipe is cracked or broken and allowed roots to enter your line. Clearing the roots may only be a short term fix. As the opening in your line is still there.
Which is why we diagnose your issue.
Can Hydro-Jetting Help With Tree Roots?
Hydro-jetting can be used to clear certain obstructions and buildup from drain and sewer lines. Whether it is appropriate for tree roots will depend on the amount of root growth and the condition of the sewer pipe.
Again this depends on your sewer line and what your issue may be.
We would want to inspect an old or damaged sewer line before we know how to best clean your line.
We don’t want to push something through your line. We want to get it clear and not create another issue.
Will the roots come back?
Yes they will if you only clear them out.
Once again it depends on your situation. But if your line has an opening in it that allowed the roots to grow into your line they will most likely come back.
If your sewer line needs to be repaired or replaced we will let you know after inspection.
Can I Keep Tree Roots Out Of My Sewer Line?
While you can’t keep all of the roots from going where they please. You can take precautions to help stop a small issue from becoming a big one.
If your home has had issues in the past with your sewer line. Here are some things to look for.
- Your drains start to slow down
- Clogging frequently
- Toilets that gurgle
- Basement drain backing up
- Issues after they have been cleaned
Its always good to know where your lines are if you are adding new landscaping. And want to plant large trees.
Most important thing to remember. If you are clogging frequently its probably not an accident.
There could be something causing it.
Tree Roots vs Clog
There are times that it’s hard to tell the difference between tree roots and a clog.
If you have a regular clog in your pipes. It could be from something that has built up. Whether it be grease/wipes/paper etc.
Tree roots can cause these symptoms as well.
Something that may help you identify the issue is frequency.
A regular clog may be cleared and not cause another problem for a long time.
If you have a sewer line that is affected by tree roots. Your drain will continue to slow down. Because you still have something in your line.
This is usually when people start to worry about what may be happening in their sewer line.
Call A Plumber
Its not always a sign of tree roots in your sewer line if your sink is draining slowly.
But if you experience any of these. Its best to get them checked out.
- Frequent Clogs in your sewer line
- Slow drains
- Toilets that gurgle
- Basement drain backup
- Smell of sewer
- Cleaned and only last so long
- History of sewer line issues
- Have a tree that is close to where your sewer line travels.
Are Tree Roots Clogging Your Sewer Line in Barrie?
You are unable to look at your sewer line from your property. So if you are having issues with your line due to tree roots it can be hard to know what’s going on.
If your home in Barrie is experiencing clogs in your drain lines or slow draining and gurgling. Or maybe even a sewer back up its time to investigate your sewer line.
Sureflow Plumbing & Drain offers drain and sewer services throughout Barrie. We can check your sewer line and see if there are any tree roots. Or if there is any build up or broken pipes.
If tree roots are detected we can evaluate your sewer line and let you know your options.
Give us a call today if you think you may have tree roots in your sewer line in Barrie.
FAQ
What are some signs of tree roots in your sewer line?
You may notice some slow drains or clogged drains around your property. Once the blockage becomes more severe you will start noticing more than one drain being effected. You may also start to notice water backing up into your basement.
Can tree roots actually grow in your sewer line?
Yes they can. If your sewer line has any cracks or bad joints the tree roots will start to grow in your line.
How would a plumber know if there was roots in your sewer line?
Your plumber may suggest doing a sewer camera inspection. They will insert a camera into your sewer line and be able to view any roots that may be growing in your line.
Will cutting the roots out of my sewer line solve the problem?
It may solve the problem temporarily. But if there is still a crack in your sewer line or a bad joint you will have the same problem down the road.
Should I cut down my tree if there is roots growing in my sewer line?
Not necessarily. Your tree roots most likely found a crack or a hole in your sewer line. Its best to have your sewer line inspected to see what the problem may be.
Can tree roots cause my sewer to back up?
Yes if there are too many roots growing in your sewer line it can cause your sewer to back up.
If I have big trees on my property should I get my sewer line inspected?
Not always. But if you have large trees on your property and your experiencing sewer problems its best to have your sewer line inspected.