Sewer & Root Intrusion Repair for Toronto & the GTA
Tree roots are the most common cause of sewer line damage. They can cause backups, reduce water pressure and make blockages.
Stay Dry can solve your root intrusion problems.
Root Intrusion is a huge headache due to all the damage that can occur
As mentioned, tree root intrusion is among the most common causes of sewer line damage. It isn’t surprising that tree roots gravitate naturally towards small fissures or cracks within the sewer line. Sewer contents, after all, offer a tree a steady supply of nutrients and water.
Unfortunately, if roots are able to work into your main supply and drainage systems, then you can end up having problems with everything from sewer system backups to frequent toilet clogs, and slow drains.
How Pipes are Invaded by Roots
When tree roots manage to get inside the pipe, they can cause backups, reduce water pressure, and create blockages. The most vulnerable type of pipe to root invasion is old clay pipes. It is best to replace old pipes with PVC. They can last for 100 years or more and resist tree roots.
How To Fix Tree Root Intrusions
Very small spider web-like tendrils are sent by invasive tree roots through sewer pipe joints. Over time, the gaps open up wider and wider pushed by powerful roots. If roots are left alone, they will fill up the whole circumference of the pipe eventually.
Take the necessary steps to get rid of the invasive roots before this occurs.
If you notice any tree root intrusion signs – including a backed-up sewer system, clogged toilets, and slow drains
Mechanical Tree Root Removal Services: This involves using a motorized sewer auger with rotating blades to cut through the roots of a tree, which sends the fragments into the sewer line to allow the water to flow freely once again.
Hydro Jetting Services: This involves pumping powerful jets of water into the drain to break the root roots up and flush them from the drainage system.
Chemical Tree Root Removal Services: With this method a foaming root killer coats the inside part of the sewer line and kills any roots that remain (i.e. missed by the hydro jet or auger). This also helps to prevent roots from growing inside of the pipes in the future.
Sewer Line Replacement Services: In certain situations, root intrusion is such a serious problem that repairing the sewer is not possible. In that case, pipe replacement is given serious consideration.
When you are faced with a plumbing emergency, it isn’t necessary to deal with it on your own. Our 24/7 emergency crews are ready to help you.
How Tree Root Intrusion Can Be Prevented
Physical Root Barriers: When a new sewer line is installed, add thick wood or metal barriers around your pipes to help keep nearby tree roots out.
Chemical Root Barriers: Chemical barriers, along with physical barriers, can be applied as well close to the sewer lines, such as potassium hydroxide and copper sulfate. The chemicals act to discourage roots from entering the sewer line and causing problems.
Drain Camera Inspections: To ensure that your supply and drainage systems continue to be free of sources of clogs including tree roots, we recommend that you schedule a camera inspection occasionally. Generally, small problems are uncovered early and action can be taken immediately before they become really serious issues.
Technical Tip: Along with the preventative measures above, we recommend that you also plant slow-growing trees around your property. Make sure to position them as far away as possible from the main sewer line.
Greater Toronto Area Sewer Line Repair Services
Until a drain camera inspection is done, you will not know for certain if your issues are being caused by root intrusion. However, if your yard has a big tree in it, and you continue to have problems with your sewer line, then it is definitely possible that root intrusion is causing it. We can diagnose your problem and repair it, so you can go back to having a dependable water supply and drainage systems.
Sewer & Root Intrusion Repair FAQ’s
How Do Roots Grow Inside Of Sewer Pipes?
As plants and trees continue to grow older, their underground roots systems continue to grow and look for moisture. Inside of wastewater and sewer pipelines is the most consistent moisture source. Cracks and joints in pipes provide roots with natural entry points. Roots begin to grow on the tops of pipes and then continue to spread.
Is Root Intrusion A Really Serious Problem?
Possibly. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that root intrusion is possibly the most destructive component that is involved in keeping a wastewater collection system maintained. When they are not treated, roots will continue to spread through pipes. Material that passes down the drain will get trapped in the tree roots, which restricts flow or can cause a total blockage. Eventually, root intrusion can destroy a septic or sewer system, which can cost thousands of dollars for homeowners to replace or repair.
How Can Root Intrusion Be Prevented?
There really is not a good way to completely prevent root intrusion from occurring. Mother Nature wins every single time. To reduce the risk of experiencing root intrusion problems, the best thing that you can do is make sure your sewer system is inspected every few years.
When your pipes are inspected every few years for root intrusion will let you detect problems early and can help to prevent serious plumbing problems from developing as well.