Tag Archives: sewer tree root removal

How to Get Tree Roots Out Of Drain Pipes In Illinois

tree roots that have grown into a drain pipe.

If you’re a homeowner in Illinois facing this common issue, you’ve come to the right place. Dealing with tree roots infiltrating your drain pipes can cause major plumbing problems, leading to clogs, backups, and even pipe damage. In this article, we’ll provide you with practical solutions to effectively remove tree roots from your drain pipes and prevent further issues. Whether you’re in Chicago, Springfield, or any other city in Illinois, these tips will help you maintain a healthy plumbing system.

Understanding the Problem

Before we dive into the methods of sewer tree root removal, it’s essential to understand why and how tree roots invade drain pipes. Trees rely on water and nutrients, and drain pipes provide an attractive source for them. Tree roots are capable of seeking out small cracks or openings in your pipes, and over time, they can grow inside, causing blockages and damaging the plumbing system.

Signs of Tree Root Invasion

Identifying the signs of tree root invasion early on can save you from significant plumbing headaches. Keep an eye out for the following indicators:

  • Slow drains: If you notice your sinks, bathtub, or toilet draining slowly, it could be a sign that tree roots are obstructing the flow.
  • Unpleasant odors: Foul smells coming from your drains or sewage backups are clear indications of tree root intrusion.
  • Gurgling sounds: Strange gurgling or bubbling noises when using your plumbing fixtures suggest that there’s an issue with your drain pipes.
  • Water backups: If water regularly backs up into your sinks, showers, or toilets, it’s likely due to tree root blockages.

Methods for Removing Tree Roots

Now that you’re aware of the problem, let’s explore effective methods to get rid of those stubborn tree roots:

1. Sewer Line Rodding

One of the most common methods for removing tree roots from drain pipes is by using a sewer rodding machine. This process involves inserting a flexible, rotating cable into the pipe to break up and remove the roots. This method is highly effective, especially for smaller root intrusions. In most cases you will need to call a local plumber to perform this service.

2. Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting is a powerful and eco-friendly technique that utilizes high-pressure water to clear out tree roots and other obstructions. A specialized nozzle sprays water at high velocity, thoroughly scouring the drain pipes and stripping away the roots. Hydro jetting is particularly useful for larger root masses that may be harder to remove with mechanical methods. Unless you know what you are doing and can rent or borrow hydro jetting equipment, it is highly advisable to contact a professional plumber for this service.

3. Chemical Root Killers

Chemical root killers can be an option for less severe root invasions. These root-killing products contain herbicides that are poured into the drain and left to work their magic. The chemicals usually take some time to break down the roots, so patience is required. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully and use these products responsibly.

4. Tree Removal

In some cases, the most effective solution is to remove or relocate the tree causing the problem. If you have a tree located close to your drain pipes, its roots are likely to continue infiltrating, no matter how many times you clear them out. Consult with a certified arborist or tree removal expert to assess the situation and make an informed decision.

a sewer rodding service to remove tree roots from a line.

One of the most common methods for removing tree roots from drain pipes is by using a sewer rodding machine.

Preventive Measures

While removing tree roots from your drain pipes is essential, it’s equally important to prevent their future invasion. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

  • Regular inspections: Schedule regular professional inspections of your plumbing system to identify any potential root intrusion issues before they become major problems.
  • Root barriers: Install physical or chemical root barriers near your drain pipes to prevent tree roots from reaching the plumbing system. These barriers redirect the roots away from the pipes or discourage their growth.
  • Proper tree selection and placement: If you’re planning to plant trees near your property, choose species with non-invasive root systems and plant them at a safe distance from your drain pipes.
  • Tree maintenance: Regularly maintain your trees by pruning their roots and branches. This helps control their growth and reduces the risk of root infiltration.
  • Professional landscaping: Consult a professional landscaper to design your outdoor space in a way that minimizes the potential for root intrusion into your drain pipes.

Dealing with tree roots in your drain pipes can be a stressful and challenging situation for homeowners in Illinois. However, with the right knowledge and tools, you can effectively remove these roots and prevent future issues. Remember to consider the severity of the problem and consult with professionals if needed. By taking preventive measures, regularly maintaining your plumbing system, and being aware of the signs of root intrusion, you can keep your drain pipes clear and your plumbing system in optimal condition.

If you reside in the Chicagoland area and need assistance with removing roots from your pipes, contact us below!

Tackling the Issue of Sewer Tree Root Intrusion: Key Strategies and Best Practices

a sewer tree root intrusion.

Understanding Sewer Tree Root Intrusion

Tree root intrusion is a common and frustrating issue faced by many homeowners and municipalities. When tree roots invade sewer pipes, it can lead to clogging, blockages, and even pipe damage. This article will explore the key strategies and best practices for tackling the issue of sewer tree root intrusion.

The Impact of Sewer Tree Root Intrusion

Sewer tree root intrusion can have significant consequences on both residential and municipal sewer systems. Here are some of the main impacts:

  • Clogging and Blockages: As tree roots grow and spread, they can obstruct the flow of wastewater through the sewer pipes. This can cause backups, slow drainage, and even sewage overflows.
  • Pipe Damage: Over time, tree roots can exert pressure on sewer pipes, leading to cracks, fractures, and even complete pipe collapse. This can result in costly repairs and full sewer line replacements.
  • Increased Maintenance Costs: Dealing with tree root intrusion requires frequent maintenance, such as root cutting and hydro jetting. These ongoing expenses can add up for homeowners and municipalities.

Key Strategies for Preventing Sewer Tree Root Intrusion

Prevention is crucial when it comes to sewer tree root intrusion. By implementing the following strategies, homeowners and municipalities can minimize the risk of root infiltration:

1. Selecting the Right Tree Species

One of the best ways to prevent sewer tree root intrusion is to choose tree species with non-invasive root systems. Certain trees, such as oak, maple, and pine, have less aggressive roots that are less likely to penetrate sewer pipes. Consult with a local arborist or horticulturist to identify tree species suitable for your area.

2. Maintaining Proper Distance

When planting trees on your property, it is essential to maintain a safe distance from sewer lines. The general guideline is to keep trees at least 10 feet away from any underground pipes. This will help minimize the risk of root intrusion as the trees mature.

3. Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Scheduling regular sewer pipe inspections and maintenance is crucial for early detection of tree root intrusion. Professional plumbers or sewer experts can use specialized equipment, such as CCTV cameras, to inspect the condition of the pipes and identify any root intrusions. Prompt action can prevent further damage and costly repairs.

4. Chemical Root Growth Inhibitors

Another preventive measure is the use of chemical root growth inhibitors. These products, typically in liquid or foam form, are applied to the sewer pipes. They work by creating a barrier that deters root growth. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use these inhibitors judiciously, as excessive use may harm the tree itself.

mechanical root cutting to rid of sewer tree root intrusion.

Effective Techniques for Addressing Sewer Tree Root Intrusion

In cases where sewer tree root intrusion has already occurred, there are several techniques that can effectively address the issue:

1. Mechanical Root Cutting

Mechanical root cutting involves the use of specialized cutting tools to remove tree roots from sewer pipes. This method can provide a temporary solution, but regular maintenance is necessary as the roots may regrow over time.

2. Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting is an effective technique for clearing out tree roots and debris from sewer pipes. It involves the use of high-pressure water to dislodge and flush out the roots. Hydro jetting not only removes the existing roots but also helps in cleaning the inner surface of the pipe, reducing the risk of future intrusions.

3. Pipe Relining

Pipe relining is a non-invasive method for repairing sewer pipes affected by root intrusion. In this technique, a flexible liner coated with resin is inserted into the damaged pipe. The liner is then inflated and cured, creating a new pipe within the existing one. This eliminates the need for extensive excavation and pipe replacement.

4. Pipe Replacement

In severe cases of root intrusion where the pipes are extensively damaged, pipe replacement may be necessary. This involves excavation and removal of the old pipes, followed by the installation of new pipes. It is recommended to contact a professional plumber to determine the most suitable pipe replacement method based on the specific situation.

Sewer tree root intrusion is a challenging issue, but with the right strategies and techniques, it can be effectively managed. By implementing preventive measures, such as selecting appropriate tree species and maintaining proper distances, homeowners and municipalities can significantly reduce the risk of root infiltration. In cases where intrusion has already occurred, mechanical root cutting, hydro jetting, pipe relining, or pipe replacement can address the problem and restore the proper functioning of sewer systems.

Remember, early detection and timely action are vital in preventing further damage and minimizing maintenance costs. So, stay vigilant and take proactive measures to tackle the issue of sewer tree root intrusion.

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

tree roots with yellow leaves on them

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:

  1. Gas leak from your heater
  2. Gas leak from your stove
  3. 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.

Sewer Tree Root Removal

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.

hydro-jetting-service

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