As trees grow in the spring, you can see their branches getting longer. Their roots will grow just as long or longer. As those roots reach beneath your home, they can push against your sewer lines and cause damage. Knowing the following signs of root intrusion will tell you when to schedule sewer line repairs.
1. Plumbing Backups and Blockages
Root intrusion can produce enough pressure to cause fractures in your sewer line. Once this happens, the roots can push through the line and continue to grow. The water in the line causes the roots to grow faster, leading to blockages and other sewer problems.
While there are many causes of clogged drains, this type of sewer line blockage is one common concern. As the root blocks the line, water flow slows, and you’ll wait longer for sinks and bathtubs to fully drain. You might also notice that you have to plunge your toilet more frequently.
If you don’t schedule sewer repair as these problems start to emerge, the blockages will get worse. Eventually, you’ll have clogged drains that you can’t clear on your own. You’ll know you need a plumber as soon as you notice frequent plumbing issues. A professional can help you prevent more advanced damage to the line.
2. Foul or Unexplained Odors
Before you realize you might need sewer repair, you’ll know something is wrong by the presence of unusual odors. The unpleasant smell coming from your drains results from decomposing food scraps and moisture clinging to the tree root. As the waste reaches advanced stages of decomposition, the odor will get stronger and more unpleasant.
You might also notice the foul smell of raw sewage coming through your drains. When you have a damaged sewer, roots block the waste from your toilet lines. The waste will collect, adding to the materials blocked by the tree’s root.
You can take steps to prevent tree root damage. However, it may be too late to avoid this situation if you have already noticed unpleasant drain odors in your home.
A plumber can provide drain cleaning if the source of the odor is in your drain pipes. If the cause is deeper in the system, they will be able to pinpoint the exact location of the sewer line damage.
3. Changes to the Soil on Your Property
You should suspect root intrusion if the soil or grass on your property starts to change. An obvious sign that you need sewer repair is sudden or unexplained flooding on your property. The excess water may be seeping up from the damaged sewer line once the soil becomes saturated.
A less obvious sign that you need sewer repairs is a greener or more lush lawn. The waste that runs through your sewer line has microorganisms, chemical compounds, and some nutrients that boost plant growth. This is why the grass looks bright green or seems to grow faster in one specific area.
Don’t Take Chances With Sewer Damage: Trust the Experts
Baethke Plumbing provides a wide range of plumbing and sewer services. We offer sewer line cleaning and sewer line repairs to help you keep your lines in good condition. If you suspect root intrusion and line damage, we can diagnose the problem and offer affordable solutions. Request a quote today!
