Ah, the glory of trees: the whisper of their leaves and their silent promise of relaxation during the most blistering summer days. Beneath the surface of this serenity lies a silent threat: the roots. They are out of sight but not out of mind, especially once they come into your plumbing and sewage. If not properly dealt with, you could have plumbing root damage and need an emergency tree removal. You may know what we mean if you have struggled through a ‘backed-up’ drain or a flooded basement. Well, bless your trees, for there is a way to keep these sneaky roots at bay without having to bid farewell to your favorite trees.

How Plumbing Root Damage Targets Your Pipes

It’s nothing personal; it’s just nature. Tree roots simply love water and nutrients, which makes your pipes a perfect target. Older and leakier pipes are more likely to be targeted since they offer steady drips of moisture that those roots simply can’t resist. Over time, these roots can work their way into tiny cracks and joints and eventually cause blockages, breaks, and a whole lot of headaches.

Think of it as a slow, subterranean invasion. A tree that’s just sitting there, minding its own business today, may cause your plumbing disaster tomorrow. The good news? You don’t have to choose between your trees and your pipes. With a little know-how and some proactive measures, you can keep both happy and healthy.

Smart Planting: The First Line of Defense

The best way to avoid root-related plumbing problems is to be smart about where you plant your trees in the first place.

Here’s a quick guide:

Choose the Right Trees

Some trees have a bad reputation for their aggressive root systems. Don’t plant trees like willows, poplars, and maples anywhere near your plumbing lines. Instead, plant trees that don’t have invasive roots, like dogwoods, oaks, or Japanese maples.

Pay Attention to the Distance

It is always beneficial to plant a fair distance away from your plumbing lines. Generally, you should plant the tree at least the full-grown tree’s height away from the nearest pipe (so, if you’re planting a Dogwood tree, bury it at least 15-25 feet away from your plumbing lines).

Use Root Barriers

If you can’t avoid planting trees near your pipes, consider using a root barrier. These physical barriers installed between the tree and your pipes will redirect the roots away from the most vulnerable areas.

Regular Inspections

Trees grow, as do their roots. Even if your trees have been planted with care, it is necessary to occasionally inspect your plumbing and sewage systems for plumbing root damage. This way you can locate any potential issues before they become major problems.

Here’s how:

Hire the Professionals

You can hire a professional plumber or a tree removal service (such as Dragonetti Tree Removal!) to examine your roots and pipes. If you live in an older home-especially those with clay or concrete pipes, which are most susceptible to root damage, it is even more important to take this step.

Watch out for Water Pressure

A sudden drop in water pressure can indicate the beginnings of a root blockage within your pipes. When this happens, it’s time to call in the professionals for a closer investigation.

Watch Your Trees

When a tree begins to look sickly, there’s a good chance its roots are involved. This may mean involvement with your plumbing line.

On the other hand, when a tree appears to be flourishing a bit too well, that can be a sign it’s getting a boost from a pipe leak.

Preventive Maintenance

As relentless as the roots are, thoughtful planning and regular upkeep can save you from the expensive mess of possibly dealing with damaged pipes. Here’s how to keep these roots out of your plumbing:

Routine Plumbing Maintenance: Regular cleaning and inspection of plumbing and sewage systems are in order, particularly for those houses that have big trees on their premises. This helps prevent minor root intrusions from blowing out of proportion.
Mulch and Water Wisely: Mulch your trees and deeply water them. This will help the roots grow down instead of outward toward your pipes.
Be Vigilant: Be prepared for signs of root intrusion; slow drains, gurgling toilets, and wet spots. These signs in your yard are the calling cards of tree roots in your pipes.

Protecting Your Home and Trees with Dragonetti Brothers

You shouldn’t let roots come between you and your trees, or between you and a healthy plumbing system. With some careful planning, regular maintenance, and expert services provided by Dragonetti Tree Removal, you can get the best of both worlds. Whether it is a tree removal, root trimming, or just advice on how to keep your yard flora from not becoming the nightmare of plumbing root damage, we have you covered. Contact Dragonetti Tree Removal today to make sure your trees and plumbing live in harmony for many years to come.