Tree and bush roots grow towards the sewer pipes because they hold a lot of water, nutrients and oxygen which are all things that these roots crave.

And if they find a crack or leak in the pipe, they'll creep into the pipe wall and start growing into the pipe, blocking off the flow of waste into the sewer. There are a few ways roots can get into pipes.

One way is if there's a crack or leak in the pipe, roots will naturally grow into it. Another way roots can get into pipes is if there's an opening at the top of the pipe where roots can easily grow in. Finally, roots can also grow into pipes if there's a joint in the pipe that's not sealed properly.

Once roots are in the pipe, it can be difficult to get them out. The best way to prevent roots from getting into your pipes is to make sure they're well-sealed and crack-free. If you do have a root problem, you can try using a root killer or a plumbing snake to get rid of the roots. But always be careful when using these tools, as they can damage your pipes if used incorrectly.

So how do you get rid of these roots once they're in your pipes?

The first step (if you haven't already taken it) is to make sure that you do have tree roots in your pipes. The best way to do this is with a camera inspection service.

This will determine the location of the roots and the extent of damage done to the pipe. It saves a lot of time and money because the camera can show you and your plumber exactly what the problem is (was it a crack, a loose joint?) and what needs to be done to repair it.

The best way to deal with roots in a pipe is usually with a mechanical root cutter. This is a machine that's inserted into the pipe and cuts the roots off at the source. If roots are only growing in one spot, you can also use a root-removing chemical to get rid of them.

If your home has a septic tank instead of a sewer system, roots can still be a problem, but for a different reason. Roots can grow into the septic tank and clog up the drainage pipes, causing the tank to fill up with wastewater. If this happens, you'll need to call a professional plumnrt to clear the roots out and clean the tank.

Can Tree Roots Damage Sewer Pipe?

Yes, if the infestation of tree (or bush) roots is high enough, it can cause damage to your sewer pipes. Things such as...

  • clogged pipes
  • backups
  • overflows
  • unpleasant smell
  • root saw
  • professional help needed-

Whether you have a city sewer or septic system, tree roots can be a big problem if they grow into your pipes. If roots get into the sewer line, they can cause sewage to back up into your home. If roots get into the septic tank, they can clog the drainage pipes and cause the tank to fill up with wastewater.

So what can you do to prevent tree roots from damaging your pipes?

One of the best things you can do is install a root barrier around your sewer line or septic tank. This will keep roots from growing into your pipes in the first place.

Other tips on how to prevent roots from getting into your pipes...

Plant trees at least 10 feet away from any sewer lines - if possible. This isn't a foolproof prevention but it will take the tree roots much longer to get to your pipes if they are further away to begin with.

If you have a tree near your home that you're worried about, you can also have the roots trimmed or removed. This will help keep the roots from growing too close to your pipes. And remember, always call a professional for root removal – it's not a job for amateurs!

Can Tree Roots Get Into PVC Pipes?

Generally speaking, PVC pipes are more impenetrable than other pipe materials. This is because they have fewer and tighter fitting joints. Also, the PVC material is less likely to crack and leak.

Of course, nothing is 100% impenetrable but PVC pipes come fairly close.

If the temperature is consistently at or below the freezing point (32 degrees faherenheit or less) - and water is inside the PVC pipe - then yes, this situation can cause it to crack and burst.

It's in these situations where tree roots can certainly get into your PVC pipes.

How Do You Stop Roots From Growing Into Pipes?

One of the most important things homeowners can do to stop roots from getting into pipes is to keep their drainage system in good condition. This includes fixing leaks and cracks in the pipe, cleaning out the drainage system regularly, and making sure the soil around the home slopes away from the house.

If you have a tree near your home, be sure to keep it well-maintained and trimmed, as overgrown trees can create too much shade for grass to grow, which can lead to water pooling near the home and roots searching for moisture elsewhere.

If these preventive measures don't work, there are a few things homeowners can do to stop roots from growing into pipes:

  • Install a root barrier around the outside of the drainage system.
  • Install a sewer grate that's too small for roots to fit through.
  • Use a chemical root killer to stop the roots from growing.-

None of these solutions are perfect, and they can be expensive or inconvenient to install, but they're better than having roots clog up your drainage system and cause backups. So if you're noticing roots starting to invade your pipes, it's time to take action!

If you have any questions about your plumbing system or are having some problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-421-1515. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.