Category Archives: tree root removal

Jan '24

Drain Cleaning Service: A Guide to Removing Tree Roots in Chicago

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on removing tree roots in Chicago! If you’re facing drainage issues in your property due to tree roots infiltrating your drainage system, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you with valuable insights, tips, and steps to effectively remove tree roots and restore proper drainage in the Windy City. Whether you’re a homeowner or a professional drain cleaning provider, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to address this common problem.

The Importance of Drain Cleaning

Drainage systems play a critical role in maintaining the overall health of a property. They ensure the efficient removal of wastewater and prevent water from accumulating, which can lead to serious damage and health hazards. However, tree roots can be a major obstacle in maintaining a fully functional drainage system. Their natural inclination to seek moisture and nutrients can cause them to invade your pipes, leading to clogging and blockages.

When left unaddressed, tree root intrusion can result in costly repairs and even structural damage. It is crucial to identify and resolve drainage issues caused by tree roots as soon as possible to minimize the long-term effects on your property.

Understanding Tree Root Intrusion

Tree roots are attracted to the moisture and nutrients found within drains and sewer lines. Their powerful growth can exert significant pressure on your pipes, leading to cracks, breaks, and leaks. Once inside the pipes, the roots can expand and form a dense web that traps debris and causes further blockages.

In Chicago, the most common culprits for tree root intrusion are city-owned trees, such as Silver Maples and Willows, as their root systems can be extensive and persistent. However, even trees in neighboring properties can potentially cause problems if their roots manage to reach your drainage system.

Signs of Tree Root Intrusion

It’s essential to be aware of the signs that indicate tree root intrusion in your drains. By recognizing these early warning signs, you can take proactive measures to address the issue before it escalates. Some common signs to look out for include:

Slow draining sinks, showers, or toilets
Gurgling noises coming from plumbing fixtures
Foul odor emanating from drains
Multiple drain clogs throughout your property
Visible cracks or pipe damage
Signs of water pooling or dampness in unexpected areas

If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to take action promptly to prevent further damage to your drainage system.

a plumber removing tree roots from a sewer line in chicago.

In many cases, professional drain cleaning services can effectively remove tree roots and restore proper drainage without the need for tree removal.

Tree Removal vs. Drain Cleaning

When faced with tree root intrusion in your drains, you may wonder whether tree removal is necessary. While removing the tree may seem like a logical solution, it is not always the most practical or feasible option. Here are a few factors to consider:

Property ownership: If the tree causing the issue is located on public property, such as a sidewalk, it is the responsibility of the city to address the situation. However, trees on private property are the owner’s responsibility.

Tree value: If the tree holds significant value, such as rare or mature species, removing it should be a last resort. Explore alternatives, such as drain cleaning, before deciding to remove the tree.

Environmental impact: Trees are vital for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Removing a tree can have ecological consequences, and it’s important to consider the environmental impact before taking action.

In many cases, professional drain cleaning services can effectively remove tree roots and restore proper drainage without the need for tree removal. This ensures a win-win situation, allowing you to preserve the tree while resolving the drainage issue.

Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service

While some homeowners may attempt DIY drain cleaning and tree root removal, it is often more efficient and effective to hire a professional drain cleaning service in the case of tree root intrusion. Here are a few reasons why:

Expertise: Drain cleaning professionals have the knowledge and experience to assess the situation accurately and provide targeted solutions. They can identify the extent of tree root intrusion, determine the best course of action, and employ specialized equipment to remove the roots.

Preventive measures: Professionals not only address the immediate issue but also offer preventive measures to minimize the likelihood of future tree root intrusion. This may include regular maintenance, the installation of root barriers, or other proactive solutions tailored to your specific property.

Time and effort: Tree root removal can be a labor-intensive process, especially if the roots have spread extensively. By hiring professionals, you can save time and energy while ensuring the job is done efficiently.

Safety: Working with drain cleaning equipment, such as high-pressure water jetters, requires proper training and precautions. Professionals are equipped with the necessary safety gear and know-how to handle potential hazards.

When selecting a professional drain cleaning service in Chicago, be sure to choose a reputable company with a track record of successfully addressing tree root intrusion. Reading customer reviews and seeking recommendations from trusted sources can help you make an informed decision.

a plumber in chicago using a technique known as hydro jetting to remove tree roots from sewer line.

Once the affected areas have been identified, the technician will employ various methods to remove the tree roots. This may include using high-pressure water jetters, mechanical augers, or chemical root treatments.

The Drain Cleaning Process

Now let’s dive into the actual process of removing tree roots from your drainage system. While each case may vary in terms of complexity, the following steps provide a general overview of how drain cleaning professionals approach tree root intrusion:

Initial assessment: The drain cleaning technician will conduct a thorough assessment of your drainage system to identify the location and extent of tree root intrusion. This may involve using specialized cameras or locating equipment to inspect the pipes.

Root removal: Once the affected areas have been identified, the technician will employ various methods to remove the tree roots. This may include using high-pressure water jetters, mechanical augers, or chemical root treatments. The choice of method depends on the severity of the intrusion and the condition of the pipes.

Pipe repair or replacement: In some cases, tree root intrusion may have caused significant damage to the pipes, necessitating repairs or replacements. The technician will assess the extent of the damage and recommend the appropriate course of action. This may involve patching up cracks, relining the pipes, or replacing severely damaged sections.

Preventive measures: After removing the tree roots and restoring proper drainage, the technician may suggest preventive measures to avoid future issues. This may involve installing root barriers, regularly maintaining the pipes, or offering advice on landscaping practices that minimize tree root intrusion.

Follow-up inspections: To ensure the effectiveness of the drain cleaning process, it is common for professionals to conduct follow-up inspections after a certain period. This allows them to verify if any further root intrusion has occurred and take corrective action if needed.

Maintaining a Root-Free Drainage System

Removing tree roots from your drains is just the first step in ensuring a root-free drainage system. To prevent future tree root intrusion, consider implementing the following practices:

Regular drain maintenance: Routine drain maintenance, such as periodic cleaning and inspections, can help identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

Root barriers: Installing root barriers near drainage systems can provide an additional layer of protection against tree root intrusion.

Strategic landscaping: When planting trees or shrubs, consider the distance from drainage systems. Select species with non-invasive root systems, and avoid planting them too close to pipes.

Avoiding harmful substances: Certain substances, such as grease, oil, and chemical drain cleaners, can damage pipes and contribute to blockages. Dispose of these substances properly and use drain-friendly products.

In Conclusion

Dealing with tree root intrusion in your drainage system can be a challenging task, but with the right knowledge and approach, you can effectively resolve the issue. We hope that this guide has provided you with valuable insights and guidance on how to remove tree roots in Chicago. Remember, when in doubt, it is always best to consult with a professional drain cleaning service to ensure a thorough and lasting solution. By taking proactive measures and maintaining a root-free drainage system, you can protect your property and enjoy efficient wastewater removal for years to come.

Sep '22

Why Fall is the Best Time for Drain Cleaning

Why Fall is the Best Time for Drain Cleaning – The leaves on the trees are starting to change their colors, and the amount of rainfall we get has slowly begun to drop. Fall is here, and it is time to prepare for winter. This is the time to do all those maintenance chores you have been postponing all summer.

To prepare your home for winter, says RedSail Property Management, you should ensure your heating is working, and that there are no cracks or openings in the building where warm air can escape. You also want to check the plumbing for emerging issues, and, most importantly, this is the time to clean your drains.

Drain cleaning is best done in the fall to avoid complications during winter or unpleasant surprises at the start of spring. The chances of sewer backups increase when your drains are not cleaned at this time of the year. Why is fall the best time to clean your gutters?

Why fall is the best time for drain cleaning

There is more debris during fall and winter

The potential for yard waste to build up inside the drains is highest in autumn when trees shed their leaves. As more leaves, twigs, and dirt find their way into the drains, the risk that they will block your drains is greater.

If the water table rises during this time and your drain is not clean, you could find yourself dealing with a sewer backup. The cost of fixing the damage caused by a sewer backup is massive compared to what it will cost you to clear the drains.

To prevent trouble after Halloween

The fleshy insides of pumpkins, sticky Halloween candies, and holiday baking ingredients are just a few of the things that can find their way into the drains during Halloween.

Your drains are not equipped to handle this stuff, and there is a chance they will get overwhelmed with the garbage. Thanksgiving, which happens less than a month after Halloween, also releases much waste into the drains. All that debris needs to be taken out before the onset of winter.

Preparation for upcoming winter activities

As you get closer to winter, you may find that your shower, sinks, and toilet drains are slower. This results from accumulated debris from the yard, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. If you don’t do something to solve the problem, you may have more significant issues when there are more people in your home in the coming holiday season. If you have plans to cook a holiday meal, you want to make sure those plans are not upset by a clogged drain or backed-up sewer.

Trees alter their behavior

Trees get their moisture from above ground during spring and summer because there is enough precipitation in the atmosphere for their needs. But as rainfall gradually ceases and fall sets in, tree roots also change their behavior.

They turn their attention to sources within the soil for nourishment. One of the places they are likely to turn to is your sewer line. If your sewer line is clogged, it increases the chances of leaks and the possibility of tree roots finding their way into the pipe.

It is practical

It makes sense to clean your drain during fall for several practical reasons. For one thing, it is back to school season, the home is quieter, and the kids are less likely to get in the way of your plumber.

Secondly, the groundwater level at this time is optimum for drain cleaning; there is a lower risk of soil being washed into the drain. Finally, most businesses are winding down for the year, and you can clean the drain in readiness for next year’s activities.

The right way to clean your drains

When there is a clog in one of the drains in your home, it is normal to first try to solve the issue by applying a DIY solution. While do-it-yourself measures are effective for certain drain problems, they will not solve the deep-seated blockages covered earlier. Moreover, some DIY methods, like chemical drain cleaners, will damage your drains.

You need a professional plumber to clean the drains without damaging your pipes. The plumber will not just remove the debris inside your pipes; they will also give you an idea of the general condition of your drains. The plumber will also identify budding issues with the drains and advise you on the best ways to avoid them.

Professional plumbers use the following drain cleaning methods:

Sewer camera inspection: A video camera is inserted into the drain opening and fed into the sewer line to capture the inside of the pipes and help the plumber determine the location and extent of blockages.
Hydro-jetting: Using highly specialized equipment, a professional plumber will send a powerful stream of water into the pipes to clear blockages and shear away any tree roots inside your drains.

Jul '22

5 Signs of Tree Roots in Your Pipes & How to Fix It

Trees are beautiful additions to our gardens, and not to mention they can be quite useful as well. They are a major source of oxygen, and their shade provides a nice escape during hot summer days. But, in-between these numerous benefits of having trees around your house, there are some negatives as well. Unfortunately, tree roots can inflict a lot of damage to your pipes, and if you don’t act on it early, things will deteriorate swiftly. Make sure you get in touch with plumbing experts when dealing with tree roots in your pipes so that you do not have to deal with more serious issues.

Slow-draining

This is usually the first warning sign. While slow drains have multiple causes, more often than not, they will be due to tree roots in your pipes. It can affect every drain in your house (sink, shower, toilet, etc.), and it happens gradually. At first, it will be a barely-noticeable slower draining. At this stage, the damage isn’t huge, and it would be good to tackle the problem at this stage. However, since it’s so difficult to notice, many people wait for the bigger signs of concern. While the situation is far from ideal when the draining is extremely slow, it can still be resolved if you can find experts in hydro jetting drain cleaning. Our only advice would be, don’t procrastinate when you see this warning sign and get some assistance as soon as possible.

Bathtub drain empties slowly due to tree roots in your pipes

If there are tree roots in your pipes, you’ll probably have slow emptying drains

Bad odor

The roots of one tree can be up to three times as big as the tree itself. They spread in all directions looking for moisture, and when you have a large tree, you’d be surprised how far these roots can go. Therefore, they can cause damage to all the pipes around your house, including the sewer lines. When the tree roots enter the sewer pipes, they will block the waste from flowing away from your house. That, naturally, leads to bad smells in your house. The smell of rotten eggs (sulfur) is the most accurate description. It can cause major problems if you don’t deal with it right away. Tree roots in your pipes aren’t the only reason for rotten eggs smell in your house; it can come from malfunctions of these home appliances:

Gas leak from your heater
Gas leak from your stove
Water heater malfunction that causes it to circulate stinky water through your home

Low water pressure can be another sign of tree roots in your pipes

As we saw earlier, tree roots can cause a slower outflow, and now we’re going to show you that they can cause a slower inflow as well. Well, this is not surprising considering that no pipes around your house are safe from tree roots that are developing rapidly. They can affect your inflow pipes and block them, which will, naturally, lead to low water pressure inside your house. Truth be told, low water pressure can have many different causes. However, whichever it is, it is usually a sign of pipe blockage that needs to be fixed. If you’re about to move into a new home, experts at Gibraltar Van Lines think that potential pipe blockage is something to keep an eye on, so ask your home inspector to check it thoroughly.

A faucet with a drop of water coming out of it

Low water pressure in your faucet might be due to pipe blockage caused by tree roots

The sudden appearance of sinkholes in your yard

Finding sinkholes in your yard is not normal and is quite concerning. If the tree roots entering your pipes are the reason behind these sinkholes, the damage is, more often than not, huge. This is because, in order to form a sinkhole, tree roots will not only block your pipes, but the blockage will be so big that it will cause pipes to break and leak into the ground. In this case, you will likely need emergency plumbing services because the damage is quite significant already. To make things worse, this may increase your water bills drastically. This is because, in most cases, you’ll be paying for the water that leaks, although that may depend on which pipes were affected.

If you notice that one of your trees is growing rapidly, that might be due to tree roots in your pipes

Tree roots are in search of a water source that helps them grow. So, if you see a tree that’s growing rapidly, know that it has found a large water source that improved its growth. Unfortunately, your pipes may be the water source in question. If this has happened to you, it can quickly cause all of the aforementioned problems. So, if you notice your tree growing rapidly, it is a matter that’s definitely worth looking into. The same goes for green patches on your lawn, as they can be other signs of tree roots entering your pipes.

A big house with lots of greenery surrounding it

If you see a tree that’s growing surprisingly fast in your yard, its roots may have caused damage to your pipes

Tree roots in your pipes are among the priority repairs to make after interstate relocation

While tree roots in the pipes shouldn’t be the reason to avoid purchasing the property altogether, it is something that needs fixing as soon as possible. We’re aware that the last thing you want after an exhausting relocation is to deal with more problems. But, if you handle this right away, there won’t be any issues further down the line, and as soon as you get it over with, you can start enjoying your new life chapter.

How to fix it?

Since tree roots in your pipes can lead to even bigger problems, this is something that should be left to professionals. Many things can go wrong, so if you don’t have any experience with this, calling professional plumbing services would be our recommendation. Most local plumbers have the necessary tools to tackle this problem, and in the blink of an eye, your pipes will be repaired. Remember, if you have any suspicions that the tree roots have entered your pipes and are causing damage to them, don’t procrastinate and call plumbing professionals as soon as possible.

Mar '22

Sewer Tree Root Removal

Tree roots pose one of the greatest threats to your home’s sewer lines. Every time you bury a pipe in your yard, you run the risk of tree roots interfering with it. Underground sewer lines carry nutrient-rich wastewater, and tree roots love nothing more than a nearby source of nutrition.

Tree roots and sewer pipes are a “match made-in-heaven”. However, it can cause you major plumbing problems when the two meet.

Tree roots spread out in search of available nutrients. If they find a spot in your yard where nutrients are easily accessible, they will try to make the most of that food supply. Your sewer pipes can serve as that accessible source of nutrition.

It happens only if sewer pipes leak. That is because the water inside sewer pipes is not accessible to plant roots if there is no leak. But the tiniest crack in a pipe will be exploited by plants. Once the root works its way into the break, it is only a matter of time before it fills the entire pipe.

Tree roots intrusion into sewer lines is one of the most common causes of sewer line damage. Early signs that your sewer line has tree roots are slow draining water and gurgling sounds coming from the toilet every time you flush.

The chances of this problem happening in your home increase with the age of the house. Older homes with old pipes prone to corrosion are more exposed to this problem, explains Keyrenter Premier Property Management. Tree roots intrusion in sewer pipes is also more likely if there are trees within 20 meters of your sewer lines.

Is there a way to remove tree roots if they find their way into your sewer lines? What can you do to prevent the problem? There are two aspects to dealing with the issue of tree root intrusion into sewer lines. You must get rid of the roots and repair the damage to your pipes.

This post deals with tree root removal only.

How to remove tree roots from your sewer line pipes

Below are three DIY options for removing tree roots from a sewer line. These options only work for removing small tree roots. If you try them and the problem does not go away, you will have to go for the fourth solution; getting a professional to solve the issue.

Use rock salt

Rock salt is not coarse sea salt or table salt. It is that stuff you throw on icy sidewalks. Rock salt helps remove tree roots because it draws the water from them. If you deprive them of moisture, tree roots become dehydrated and die. Rock salt can be bought online or at a local store; you need 2 pounds of it.

To do this, follow these steps;

Pour ½ a pound of rock salt into your toilet.
Flush the toilet as many times as necessary to push the salt into the lines.
Once the salt is gone, let it sit inside the pipes for at least 12 hours.
During this time, do not flush your toilets. It will give the salt enough time to do its work.

Note that rock salt will kill tree roots, the tree, and surrounding vegetation. Rock salt can also corrode and weaken pipes.

Use copper sulfate

Copper sulfate, also known as bluestone, will kill the tree roots inside your sewer line pipes. You can buy this cheap herbicide/algaecide at your local hardware or garden supply store. You only need a half cup of copper sulfate.

To use it, follow these steps;

Pour half a cup of copper sulfate into the toilet.
Flush until all the crystals get into the lines.
Open the windows in your home and leave the house for a few hours, taking your kids and pets with you.
Flush the toilet when you return.

Warning: copper sulfate is toxic to pets; it can kill them on contact. It is banned in certain places; before you use it, check the local legislation.

Use foaming root killers

Foaming root killers kill tree roots and keep them from growing back. This powder foams when it comes in contact with water. Tree roots hate the active agent in the powder – dichlobenil – and will stay away if they detect the substance.

To use the powder, pour it into your toilet and flush. It will locate the tree roots and kill them. It also leaves a residue that prevents future tree root intrusion. You can repeat this every month to avoid future problems with tree roots.

Cut the tree roots

This solution requires you to call a local plumber, and it works for both small and large tree roots. The plumber will first do a camera inspection of your sewer lines to know the exact location of the tree roots. Afterward, they can get rid of the tree roots using any tree root removal method of their choice; hydro-jetting or sewer rodding.

High Pressure Water Streaming Known as Hydro-Jetting is the Best Way to Cut Through Tree Root Infiltration in your Sewer Line.