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Preventing Millcreek Sewer Line Tree Root Damage

Preventing Millcreek Sewer Line Tree Root Damage

While the trees on your property are often gorgeous and contribute to aesthetics in a positive way, they can also be risks to certain components of your home. One such component, which can sometimes be damaged by overly aggressive tree roots in the ground, is your home's main sewer line. 

At Neighborly Plumbing & Services, we're happy to provide sewer line repair services for any kind of issue your Millcreek main line may be facing, including if tree roots have become a problem. We're also here to help you avoid these issues in the first place, however. Here's a primer on why tree roots sometimes impact sewer lines, plus some simple advanced preparations you can make that should help you steer clear of these issues on your property moving forward - and what to do if tree roots are already present in your line.

Why Are Tree Roots a Problem in Drain Lines?

For those who are just learning about this realm for the first time, the main reason tree roots can be an issue in drain lines is because the roots are searching for water, and the dampness of a sewer line often attracts their attention. If these root systems become overgrown or too close to your sewer line, they can cause clogs and other damage that could potentially lead to costly repairs.

In some cases, this damage can be relatively significant if not dealt with in a timely manner, so it's important to be aware of what's going on beneath the surface.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make sure that your sewer line is as well-protected as possible from tree roots. Our next several sections will go over these.

Know Your Sewer Line Location

First and foremost, as you begin considering how to protect your sewer line, it's important to know the exact location of your main sewer line. This will be vital in helping you make decisions moving forward on how best to protect it. With this knowledge in hand, you can then take a few steps forward.

In most cases, you can find your sewer line based on its clean-out caps - all main sewer lines have two such caps, and they typically look like large, round water faucets sticking out of the ground. One of these will be within a few feet of your foundation wall, while another will be within 10-15 feet of your curb. From there, you can trace the lines back to your house.

If you're unable to locate these clean-out caps, you can always call professional plumbers to come and help you with this process.

Tracking Tree Location and Sewer Line Proximity

Once you know the location of your sewer line, it's important to track the location of any trees on your property as well. This is because some types of tree roots are more aggressive than others, and you'll want to be aware of which type of tree is closest to your sewer line.

If a particular tree on your property appears to have an overly aggressive root system, you may want to consider having it removed before any damage is caused. It's also a good idea to monitor the situation closely and make sure that any new trees you plant are at least 10 feet away from your sewer line.

Consider an Inspection

If your assessment of tree and root location reveals that certain tree roots may be close to your sewer line, you should also be checking on the condition of your main sewer line itself. This often begins with an inspection, so you can identify any existing issues before they become more serious.

At Neighborly Plumbing & Services, we offer professional inspections that should help you stay on top of any potential problems before they develop. These inspections are designed to look for signs of tree root damage, whether in the form of an obstruction or a damaged pipe. Knowing whether your existing line has any current issues is key, so you can make sure to take the necessary steps to protect it.

Root Removals and Line Repairs

If any tree roots are already present in your sewer line when your inspection is carried out, you'll want to take steps for their removal as soon as possible. Our team at Neighborly Plumbing & Services can help with this process, using specialized tools designed to cut and remove the offending roots without damaging your existing line.

Once all of the root systems have been cleared out, our team can then proceed with any necessary repairs or replacements. This is often a more cost-effective solution than attempting to keep roots out altogether, as it can take far less time and money to repair any damage that's already been caused.

Make Sure Your Sewer Line Is Protected

Moving forward, there are also some simple ways to prevent tree roots from making their way into your main sewer line in the future. One way is by installing a root guard, which is a metal sleeve that goes around your existing sewer line and prevents any tree roots from entering.

Our team at Neighborly Plumbing & Services can also assess your property to determine whether a trenchless repair might be needed - this is a process that involves running an epoxy resin liner down your pipe, which prevents roots from entering and causing further damage.

Taking care of tree-related issues around your home is important for the long-term health of your main sewer line. With the right knowledge and the help of professional plumbers, you can be sure to protect your main sewer line. For more on this, or any of our Millcreek plumbing services, speak to the staff at Neighborly Plumbing & Services today.

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