Most homeowners do not think about their sewer drains until there is a problem. That’s when they call a professional to take a look and see what’s going on. Tree roots are the most common cause of sewer line blockages. As trees and shrubs grow, their roots spread out in search of water and nutrients. If they find a crack or hole in your sewer pipe, they will enter the pipe in search of moisture.
Once tree roots have entered the sewer pipe, they can quickly grow and block water flow. This can cause sewage to back up into your home or business through the drains or toilets. Removing roots from drain pipes requires skill and specialty tools.
What are drain pipes?
Before we get into how to remove roots from drain pipes, it’s important to understand what drain pipes are. Drain pipes are piping that carries wastewater away from your home. They’re typically made of PVC but can also be made of other materials like concrete, clay, or metal.
Drain pipes are underground, so they are vulnerable to tree root infiltration. If a tree’s roots grow into a drain pipe, they can cause the pipe to become blocked. This can lead to sewage backing up into your home, which is a health hazard.
What are the signs that you have a root problem in your drain pipes?
There are several signs that you may have a root problem in your drain pipes:
Water backing up into your home
If water is coming back up into your home through the drains, it’s a sign that there’s a blockage somewhere in the system. This could be caused by tree roots growing into the drain pipe. Water backing up could cause many health hazards such as infection, so it’s important to take action as soon as possible.
Bad smells coming from your drains
Foul odor makes it uncomfortable to enjoy your own space. For instance, if you enjoy playing online at Croco casino, the bad smell can make it difficult to focus. If you have tried everything possible to get rid of the foul smell in your home, but nothing seems to work, it may be due to a blockage in your drain pipe. When tree roots grow into the pipe, they can trap sewage, leading to a foul odor.
Slow draining
If it takes longer than usual for the water to drain from your sink, tub, or shower, it could signify a blockage. This is especially true if multiple drains are affected.
Gurgling sounds
Gurgling sounds coming from your drains are a sign of a blockage in the system. The gurgling sound is caused by air trying to escape around the blockage.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action to remove the roots from your drain pipes. Ignoring the problem will only worsen and lead to serious health hazards.
How do you remove roots from drain pipes?
While you may be tempted to DIY, it’s best to leave this job to the professionals as they have the experience and tools to safely and effectively remove roots from drain pipes.
Traditional electric sewer snaking devices may temporarily restore service, but they typically do not offer a permanent fix. Instead, plumbers may use other methods such as;
Chemical treatments
One way to remove roots from drain pipes is to treat them with chemicals. Plumbers will use a special root-killing chemical designed to kill tree roots. This method is often used as the first line of defense against root invasions.
When the chemical comes into contact with the water, it foams up quickly, allowing it to reach the tops of pipes, where most tree root growth occurs. Since it sticks inside the pipes, it can serve you for up to 2 years, preventing root growth.
However, note that the use of these chemicals will depend on the severity of the root invasion. In cases where the roots are too large, the chemical treatment may not be effective.
Rodding machines
A sewer rodder can completely cut out an entire root stoppage inside a pipe. They are designed for chopping up tree roots so they can be flushed out of the system.
These machines are made up of a motor that turns a large cutting head. The cutting head is connected to a long rod inserted into the drain pipe. As the motor is turned on, the cutting head will rotate and chop up any roots in its path.
Additionally, the rodder is flexible, allowing it to pass through the bends in the pipe and reach the blockage. The rodder will also push any debris out of the way, so the pipe can be cleared.
High-pressure water jetting
Hydro jetting is one of the most effective ways to remove roots from drain pipes because it completely removes the blockage. A hydro jetter is a high-pressure water machine that blasts away tree roots and other blockages in drain pipes. They can be used on all types of drain pipes, including PVC, concrete, metal, and clay. This method also cleans the inside of the pipe, which reduces the likelihood of future blockages.
Spartan sewer jetting machines are a popular choice for plumbers because they’re durable and easy to use. Spartan jetters are available in various sizes and models to suit any job.
Some of the benefits of removing roots from drain pipes include:
- Prevent sewage back-ups
- Avoid property damage
- Prevent health hazards
- Restore proper drainage
When it comes to removing roots from drain pipes, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Plumbers have the experience and tools to safely and effectively remove roots from your drain pipes.
