Roots

9/3/200911:29:28 AM Link |  | Add comment

During the summer months tree roots actively grow as they search for moisture, often leading them into your underground sewer pipes.  Roots can work their way through the tiniest cracks and joints, and once inside, they grow, grow, grow.

Eventually toilet paper, tissues and other debris become tangled in the roots and form a clog.  Left unchecked, tree roots will grow so large inside the pipes that they will begin breaking the joints and destroying portions of your sewer line.

Seasonal Tips:

• Do not plant trees or large shrubs in close proximity to water and sewer lines in your yard.
• Pay attention to slow household drains.  If running slowly, treat with a clog-clearing product.  If drainage does not show significant improvement, you may have a more serious clog and may have roots in your main sewer line.  A plumbing company will be able to inspect the line with a special video camera to determine what is causing the clog.
• Have your septic tank and sewer line professionally cleaned every 3 years, especially if it's been previously treated for root infiltration.