Are you dealing with standing water or a blocked drain in your home? If so, tree roots may be to blame. Tree roots can intrude and clog up drainage pipes when they are searching for water, preventing wastewater from draining away quickly and efficiently. But don’t panic—there is an effective method that homeowners can use to clear out the offending tree roots from their drain pipes. In this blog post, we will explain what causes these blockages and how you can remove them without calling in a professional plumber. Keep reading to learn more!
Why do tree roots block sewers?
Tree roots block sewers when they begin to grow inside the drainage pipes in search of water and nutrients. Then, the roots spread out, blocking the passageway for water to flow through easily. As more tree roots grow within the pipes, the drain becomes increasingly blocked until wastewater is no longer able to pass through or drains very slowly.Â
Signs of roots in drain pipes
- Slow or gurgling drains
- Toilet frequently backs up
- Strong odours
- Sinkholes
- Rapidly growing tree
DIY solutions
Homeowners can try to tackle tree root blockages in their sewers with a few DIY solutions. Copper sulphate is a popular choice for clearing drains, although it should be used with caution as it is highly toxic and corrosive to metals. To use copper sulphate, simply dissolve several tablespoons of the powder in boiling water and pour the solution down the drain. This will help to clear out any roots that may have infiltrated your pipes.
It’s important to note that both copper sulphate and salt will only provide temporary relief from roots blocking your drains; they aren’t a long-term solution. If you are dealing with root infiltration or have had ongoing issues with blocked drains, contact a professional plumber for assistance as soon as possible.
Professional methods
For professional advice on clearing tree roots, contact a plumber. Professional plumbing services can use a variety of methods to remove tree roots from your drain pipes. Mechanical augers or rooters can be used to cut through the tree roots in the pipes, allowing wastewater to flow freely again. Hydro-jetting is a powerful technique that involves using high-pressure streams of water to blast away any blockages in your plumbing system.
This method is especially effective for breaking up stubborn tree roots and sediment buildup. In cases where extensive damage has been done, experts may suggest repairing or replacing parts of the pipe itself. This ensures that no further damage occurs and that all existing blockages are cleared away, protecting your home from future costly repairs.
Conclusion
Tree roots can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare when it comes to blocked drains. However, with quick action and the right method, you can get rid of these pesky root blockages and restore your plumbing system back to working order. When in doubt, call a professional plumber for help. They are trained in properly diagnosing and fixing any issues regarding tree root infiltration in your drain pipes. Contact us today if you’re experiencing drainage problems from tree roots! We’re happy to provide you with a free inspection or quote.
