Tree Roots
In Sewer Line

The sewer line can get clogged by many things, but tree roots can definitely be the most problematic. Tree roots in sewer line can be really tricky, and if you do not maintain your drains frequently and properly, you will be able to notice the issue only when the water flow in the pipes gets really slow.

Tree roots are a common problem for the drain line because the tree needs nutrients to grow. Considering that water and oxygen, which are found in the pipe lines, are nutrients for the roots, it is logical that tree rooting will find its way around the sewer.

Sewer line roots can damage your septic system seriously, therefore, considering an immediate root removal is of crucial importance. If you do not address the issue promptly, you might be forced to replace the whole drain system since the repair will not be enough. This will certainly be more time-consuming and significantly pricey.

How Do Tree Roots End Up In Our Pipes?

Tree Rots In Sewer Line

Roots in the shared side sewer line grow for many reasons, and since we are talking about an underground installation, it is obvious that they easily find their space for growth. It is important to note that tree roots can cause extensive damage, therefore, they need to be taken care of sooner rather than later.

Here are a couple of ways that allow the growth of tree roots in sewer lines:

Sewer Vapors

Tree roots require moisture from growth. When warm water flows through the drains, vapors escape from them, attracting tree roots.

Sewer Cracks

Vapors that escape from the warm water cause cracks in the pipe lines. Tree roots will quickly find their way to these openings, and they will position themselves inside the sewer lines in order to get to the nutrients that come from the water. If this is left unattended for a long time, your sewer line will end up with clogs from dirt, grease, hair, sieve, oils, and other debris that is flushed down the drains.

You should bear in mind that tree roots can reach your sewer line even if you do not have any trees nearby. According to research, tree roots can find sewer lines that are 2,500 feet away.

What is sewer repair?

Tree roots in sewer lines cost is variable since roots can cause different issues in the drains. When you are experiencing problems with roots in your sewage, only removing them is not enough. Namely, once they appear, they cause a certain amount of damage that needs to be repaired. Sometimes, the damage can be minor, but on many occasions, it may require extensive repairs.

When it comes to prices, only removing roots from drain pipes will cost around $100. However, you need to take into consideration that the growth of tree roots cannot be noticed easily, even if you are maintaining your sewer line quite often. Therefore, you have to consider additional repairs that will come along with the root removal from the sewer line, and the cost might rise to $600.

So, first, you need to consider the cost of digging up a hole. This is mandatory in the process of clearing roots from your pipes. On average, digging up one foot of the sewer line will cost around $50. Depending on the issue, this price can escalate, and it can reach up to $250.

Then, you will have to think about investing in new pipes. The average price of new pipes goes from $3 to $20 per foot. However, the price can go even higher if the whole sewer pipe line has burst, meaning your costs can get up to $3000.

Nonetheless, if you decide to call a professional plumbing company, licensed professionals can give you more options since they have experience in this field. Our plumbers at Fischer Plumbing can give you the best options you have to kill roots in sewer lines, so you can opt for the one that suits your budget.

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So How Does It Work?

To deal with tree roots in your sewer line, you can choose from two options, i.e. you have a homemade and a permanent solution. Sometimes, finding the killer solution for tree roots can be easy, but it can also get really tough.

Homemade Root Killing Solutions

If you decide to clear tree roots from your sewer line on your own, there are a few things you can try.

Copper-Sulfate-Crystals

Using Copper Sulfate Crystals

Some experts have claimed that chemicals, such as foaming copper sulfate crystals can help with cleaning roots from drains. These chemicals are used to create poison around the pipes and act like a cleaner for tree roots.

Physical-Obstruction

Physical Obstructions

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Permanent Root Killing Solutions

If you do not want to deal with tree roots on your own and frequently, you can opt for permanent root killing solutions. If you opt for permanent alternatives, you should consider that for most of them you will need a professional plumbing company.

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Mechanical Auger or Snake

With a mechanical auger or snake, you should expect to remove tree roots that are found inside the pipe. The mechanical head on the auger is used as a blade to cut the tree roots and other clogs that may occur inside the pipe. Nonetheless, you have to be aware that this is not the most effective technique since the roots can grow again because they were not killed on the outside.

Pipe-Sleeve-Insertion

Pipe Sleeve Insertion

This method includes inserting absorbent sleeves into the line inside the pipes. The sleeves are coated with resin and are inserted into the sewer line using special tools. Once the resin cures, the sleeves will be solid and able to act as regular pipes. Since they will be seamless, tree roots will not have the possibility to enter inside of them.

Hydro-Jetting

Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting is considered to be the most effective technique for clearing roots from drains. This is due to the fact that it uses high water pressures, which use the power of 4,000 psi. The machine that is used for the hydro jetting process can have special attachments that are put on depending on the clog that needs to be removed.

The hydro jet machine can effectively shred tree roots into small pieces that can be flushed down the pipes later. Some plumbers recommend using chemicals when flushing the pipes to make sure that every remaining piece of the tree roots will be removed.

Trenchless-Pipe-Bursting

Trenchless Pipe Bursting

If there is no other way but to replace the sewer line, the best option would be trenchless pipe bursting. This method replaces the damaged pipes by using a hydraulic pull, a steel cable, and a bladed steel bursting head. However, this technique requires professional experience, meaning you will need to call a plumbing company.

Conclusion

As you can see, tree roots are a common problem in sewer lines, and there are several options you can use for their removal. There are homemade solutions that can get the job done quickly and cheaply, but they are not always effective. If you do not have any experience in the plumbing field, you should rely on professionals for locating your sewer line and cleaning tree roots.

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REPAIR YOUR SEWER

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When To Call In The Professionals?

If you live in Seattle, and you are not sure how to deal with tree roots in your sewer line, then you should contact Fischer Plumbing.

Since we have been in the plumbing business for 40 years, we can guarantee exceptional service and support for any problems you may have with your sewer system.

We can deal with the tree roots in your drains effectively and quickly, and you will not have to worry about clogged pipes anymore.

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Frequently asked questions

The amount of time that tree roots take to grow in the sewer line depends on the type of tree and the amount of moisture that is present around it. Some tree roots will need 30 days to grow back, while others will need a few years.

You can get rid of tree roots in your sewer line by using homemade solutions, such as rock salt and copper sulfate crystals. However, if you want permanent solutions, you can use hydro jetting services, pipe sleeve insertion, and trenchless pipe bursting.

When tree roots grow in the sewer line, they form clogs in the pipe and obstruct the water flow. This can additionally result in the occurrence of strange odors inside your house, or similar issues related to your drains.

The cost for removing roots out of the pipes is variable since tree roots can cause different issues inside the sewer line. On average, removing tree roots from your drains can cost from $100 to $600.

We do plumbing as far north as Everett and as far South as Renton. We also travel east as far as Woodinville and Issaquah. Please call us if you would like to know about providing plumbing services in your community.

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