Trees are a beautiful part of nature; however, the damage their roots inflict on drain pipes is not so much. The reason trees go after drain pipes is for the nutrients and water that is flowing within them.
Even a tiny crack in a pipe can release vapors which are attractive to the roots of a tree. A tree’s root will travel towards these vapors and once inside the pipe, the roots continue to grow. Growing until eventually tree roots in plumbing become so massive they form a complete blockage, preventing the flow of water.
We have concocted some tips for how to get rid of tree roots in drain pipes. In addition to these tips we include ways to prevent them from all together!
- Start With Some Rock Salt
This is a common method many people use when they are trying to free sewer pipes of tree roots. What the rock salt does is it extracts all moisture in the roots. Because a tree root craves water and moisture, when it is removed it kills the roots.
- Try the Foam Root Killers
This is another effective defense to use in the battle against the growth of tree roots in your drainage lines. Not only will foaming root killers efficiently remove the ones already there, it will also prevent future growth. All you need to do is empty the powder in the toilet; it starts to activate the instant you flush.
- How About Copper Sulfate?
These effective root killers can be found at any hardware store. Copper Sulfate is excellent at destroying the rootes tangled within your sewer pipes. It is very toxic and some areas actually make it illegal to use.
You need to ensure when using Copper Sulfate you do not allow pets or children near it. In fact, after using it, take the kids and pets out for a couple of hours.
- Have Aging Pipes Replaced/Restored
If your home was built over 40 years ago, it’s time to have those pipes inspected and possibly replaced. Although an ancient home’s hardwood flooring and special architectural designs are beautiful, the pipes beneath cannot be trusted. The past years have taken its toll on these pipes because of the microorganisms, usage, and the elements of time.
Replace the existing drainage pipes with either steel or plastic. Plastic is more efficient because these pipes are resistant to corrosion. In addition, plastic pipes have no susceptible joints or seams.
- Examining Drains Periodically
This is going to cost you a little money; yet, spending a little money will save you a lot of money over time. Professional plumbing companies, like Roto-Rooter, have a video camera which allows them to view tree roots in plumbing lines.
The cameras are invaluable pieces of equipment to every plumbing professional. They are waterproof and allow for a complete analysis of the pipes underneath a home’s foundation.
- Comprehending the Landscape of your Home is Imperative
We all understand the importance of trees to the environment and how essential they are to our planet. Yet, it is imperative to understand the right and wrong areas to plant a tree. Planting one too close to a home’s foundation can be detrimental and create a lot of future havoc.
A good rule of thumb is to avert from planting any trees closer than 20 meters from any sewer lines. As mentioned earlier in this article, tree roots will stretch great distances in search of water and other nutrients.
Conclusion
If you have tried these methods for removing tree roots in plumbing lines and still have issues, call the experts. Plumbers can do an analysis of your drainage system. Some plumbers offer free estimates and even have an emergency service if it’s needed.
