As a homeowner, sewer line problems are something you want to avoid at all costs. Sewer repair or replacement can be extremely expensive and may require extensive yard excavation and landscaping disruption. While many sewer issues arise from improper plumbing use, tree root intrusion is also a common cause of blockages, sewage backups, and costly repairs. At Air Control Home Services, we have a range of effective solutions to help Arizona homeowners prevent and repair plumbing and sewer issues caused by root intrusion.
Understanding Tree Root Intrusion
Roots continually grow in search of moisture and nutrients, often entering small cracks and joints in sewer lines. Even a tiny sewer line leak can attract roots. Once roots enter a sewer line, they feed on water and organic waste. This additional nourishment allows the roots to grow much faster, to the point where they begin to colonize and take over the pipe.
Root intrusion eventually leads to major clogs and sewage backups inside the house. As roots grow larger, they can cause significant damage to pipes, necessitating costly sewer repairs or a full replacement. Larger roots can exert sufficient pressure on a sewer line as they grow that they crack or create a hole.
Why Arizona Homeowners Are at Risk
The arid Arizona climate is the primary reason tree root intrusion is common. Factors such as infrequent rainfall and dry soil make sewer lines an appealing water source for tree roots. Our dry climate means irrigation is commonplace and necessary to sustain lawns and other vegetation. Irrigating your yard can also increase the risk of root intrusion, as additional water allows roots to spread farther and grow larger. Even planting native vegetation and drought-tolerant trees with smaller root systems can still pose a major risk if they’re too close to your sewer line.
Early Warning Signs of Root Intrusion
The good news is that tree root intrusion often shows telltale signs of sewer line issues before major clogs or pipe damage occur. Some of the most common signs you’ll see include:
- Slow-draining sinks, showers, and tubs
- Gurgling sounds from pipes
- Incomplete flushing
- Frequent toilet clogs
- Sewage odors coming from drains
- Patches of lush, unusually green grass in the yard
If you notice any of these signs, you must have a professional plumber inspect your drain and sewer system as soon as possible.
The Hidden Dangers of Ignoring Tree Roots
Ignoring signs of tree root intrusion or other sewer issues can be incredibly costly. Blockages often lead to sewage backups, which can cause extensive water damage and pose a serious health hazard. Roots can eventually damage a sewer line if left unchecked, requiring extensive excavation and a large-scale repair that can cost thousands of dollars.
Professional Inspection and Diagnosis
Professional plumbers diagnose and assess tree root issues by performing a video camera inspection. The camera provides a clear view of the entire sewer line without requiring yard excavation. Video camera inspections allow plumbers to assess the pipe’s condition and accurately identify problem areas that could allow roots to enter. The inspection also enables them to determine the best approach to address and resolve any issues.
Effective Methods for Removing Tree Roots
At Air Control Home Services, we offer expert solutions to address and prevent tree root issues. Hydro jetting enables us to quickly and efficiently cut through tree roots and flush them from the sewer line. Another option is to use a rooting machine or drain auger to clear the roots and eliminate any blockages.
While hydro jetting orroot removal can clear these sewer lines, they’re only temporary solutions. Without addressing the root cause and fixing any areas where roots enter the pipe, the problem will continue. Trenchless pipe lining allows us to permanently seal any cracks or holes in the sewer line from the inside without digging up the yard. We can also apply a chemical root inhibitor to prevent the regrowth of roots around the sewer line.
Preventing Future Root Intrusion
Being proactive and taking certain steps can go a long way toward preventing root issues. Avoid planting new trees or shrubs within 15 to 20 feet of your sewer line to reduce the risk of root intrusion. When planting trees, bushes, or shrubs, choose slow-growing species or those with smaller, less invasive root systems. If you’re going to plant anything near your sewer line, you should use root barriers to prevent roots from growing near the line.
Scheduling routine sewer camera inspections is crucial for identifying cracks and leaks that attract roots and can eventually lead to major problems. Many older homes in Arizona have an aging clay or cast-iron sewer line. The joints between clay and cast-iron pipes are often not fully tight, creating numerous potential entry points for roots. Replacing your old or damaged sewer line with PVC or ABS piping is the most effective way to prevent root intrusion and other sewer issues. These modern materials are more durable and less prone to cracking, reducing the risk of issues that could lead to root intrusion.
When It’s Time for Sewer Line Repair or Replacement
Early identification of tree roots and sewer line issues helps minimize the chances of you needing to pay for a full line replacement. Trenchless sewer repair or pipe lining enables plumbers to eliminate entry points such as small holes and cracks while minimizing disruption to landscaping, driveways, and sidewalks.
Unfortunately, there are situations where a full sewer replacement is the only option, such as when the line is broken or collapsed. If the line doesn’t have sufficient slope or has sagged and developed a belly, replacing it will help you avoid frequent ups and other major issues. At Air Control Home Services, we offer a range of effective sewer repair and replacement options to meet the needs of different properties and budgets.
Maintenance Tips for Healthy Plumbing
By taking a few simple steps, you can help keep your sewer line in good condition and avoid costly repairs. Flushing items such as wipes and sanitary products significantly increases the risk of sewer line blockages and sewage backups. Ensuring everyone in your household and your guests know to flush only waste and toilet paper helps prevent major problems. Annual plumbing maintenance and inspections are crucial for preventing issues and identifying problems before they worsen. Routine drain and sewer cleaning is an effective way to prevent and eliminate blockages before they become serious.
Request Sewer Line Repair With Air Control Home Services
Identifying and addressing tree root intrusion early is essential to avoid costly sewer line problems. Taking steps to prevent root intrusion is equally important. At Air Control Home Services, we’re the name to trust for tree root intrusion prevention, plumbing inspection services, and sewer line repair in Arizona. Our second-generation, family-owned company has been in business since 1990, and we have a team of experienced plumbing professionals ready to assist with any plumbing needs.
To schedule a camera inspection or maintenance service in the Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City, or Kingman areas, contact the experts at Air Control Home Services.
