Tree Root Sewer Issues

Tree roots in your sewer will not go away.  Trees on your property can add beauty and shade,but roots in your sewer can cause extensive damage to sewer pipes.  Sewer pipes contain water, nutrients and oxygen, essential elements a tree needs to grow.  Aside from the usual blockages, tree roots growing inside sewer pipes are one of the most expensive sewer maintenance issues experienced by customers. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their sewer lateral-the pipe that connects the sewer in the house to the main sewer pipe, which usually goes to the street.   The flow of warm water inside the sewer pipe causes a vapor to escape to the cooler soil.  If there is a crack, break or loose joint in the sewer pipe tree roots will find their way inside.  Once inside the pipe the roots will continue to grow and fill the pipe with hair-like root masses.  Tr root masses will catch fats, grease, waste and toilet paper that is discharged from the residence causing a slow flowing drain or a complete blockage.  The force exerted by severe root growth can result in some sewer pipes collapsing.  Homeowners should be aware of where the sewer lateral is and refrain from planting trees, shrubs, and hedges near the sewer line if possible. Roots can be augured with a sewer machine that has a special cutter head, however, once roots are found in your sewer, they will continue to be a problem.  Usually when roots re-occur in your sewer the best step to take would be sewer replacement.  De Hart Plumbing Heating and Cooling, serving Manhattan Kansas, Junction City Kansas, Wamego Kansas and some surrounding areas.