Tree roots growing inside a sewer line may start as a minor inconvenience, but they can ultimately affect the performance of your pipes. The leading cause of sewer roots is a leaking pipe. As wastewater saturates the ground around the sewer line, it attracts tree roots. Tree roots grow towards the water source and invade the pipe, leading to sewer line blockage and damage. If you are tired of killing off roots inside your pipes, check out these solutions for keeping them out of the pipes.

Replace the Pipe with a Better Material

Tree roots can invade most piping materials. However, some materials are more vulnerable to damage than others. For example, clay and concrete materials are easily penetrated and damaged by roots. Conversely, PVC and metal pipes are less vulnerable to leaks. Therefore, they can withstand tree root damage and last longer than other materials. If you have an old or severely damaged sewer line, consider replacing it with a superior piping material. Also, install your pipe with fewer joints—many pipe joints increase the risk of leaks and root invasion.

Repair Pipe Leaks Immediately

Tree roots don't just invade pipes—the moisture from sewer leaks attracts them towards the pipe. Therefore, you can mitigate root damage by staying on top of leaks. Look out for the following signs of a leaking sewer line:

• Lush vegetation in sections of the yard or garden
• Unexplained sewer odors in your outdoor space
• Soft spots in the yard
• Sewer backups and blockages

Do not ignore these signs because if you do so, tree roots will start growing towards the sewer line to absorb the water and nutrients. You can use modern pipe repair techniques such as pipe relining to prevent damage to your yard. These trenchless repair methods are incredibly fast, non-invasive, and cost-effective.

Perform Regular Video Inspections

Minor sewer leaks can go undetected for long periods, paving the way for roots to damage your pipes. You can prevent this by conducting frequent pipe inspections. Video inspections reveal the condition of the sewer line and unearth minor leaks that don't exhibit the signs mentioned above. A video inspection also pinpoints the exact location of the leak, allowing you to repair the pipe without tearing up your lawn. Carry out an annual inspection if your sewer line is fairly new, and bi-annual inspections for older sewer pipes.

If sewer roots become persistent, you can reroute your sewer line as a last resort. However, the above tips can help you save money on costly sewer line re-installation. If you think you have a sewer root problem, contact your plumber for professional pipe inspections, cleaning, and repairs. 

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