How A Plumber Can Detect Tree Roots In Your Sewer Line | San Antonio, TX
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All homes have sewer lines that remove waste from your home and take it to the mains water treatment plant or a septic tank in your garden. Many homeowners worry that their sewer lines will suffer damage from tree roots. Your sewer lines will be particularly at risk if many trees are growing on your property.
While detecting tree roots is rather extensive, there are a few things to look out for, indicating that tree roots are growing against your sewage lines. It’s essential to fix the issue as soon as possible before the situation becomes more severe.
If you live in San Antonio, TX, or the surrounding area and need a plumber, you may like to contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain. The company can help you detect tree roots that may be growing into your sewer lines. They can replace pieces of broken pipes and help you avoid having the same issue in the future.
Whether your property has its own septic tank or is attached to the mains sewer lines, you may like to check for signs of damage. Let’s look at the signs that indicate tree roots are growing against your sewer lines and causing damage.
Signs your sewer lines may be damaged
If you think that your sewer lines are damaged by tree roots, you should call the sewer department if your property is on the main sewer line. If you have a septic tank, you can contact a plumber for help and advice.
The sewage department will be able to tell you exactly where in your yard the sewer lines are located. You’ll then be able to determine whether your sewer line has caused the problems. A professional will be able to perform a video pipe inspection to see if tree roots have damaged your sewer lines. They will also be able to determine the best way to fix the problem. It may be that the tree roots need to be removed and a section of the pipe replaced if your sewer lines have been damaged.
Here are some things to look out for, indicating that your sewer lines may have been damaged. The most common reason that sewer lines crack or burst is due to pressure caused by tree roots growing against them. Have a look in your yard and home for the following problems:
Slow drains or noisy toilets
One of the most common ways that homeowners tell there’s a problem with their sewer lines is that their toilet is very loud and makes gurgling noises when it’s flushed. If you have this issue, you should call a plumber. You can also have a look to see if the drains are running slowly. If they are, you may be able to unclog them, depending on your skills and experience. It is, however, best to call a professional who can check whether or not there are tree roots damaging your sewer lines.
Bad smells
When there’s a problem with your toilet or sewer lines, it’s likely that one of the first things you’ll notice is a bad smell. You may notice the smell in your home as it wafts up from the toilet. There might also be a foul smell in your yard if the sewer line is leaking into the ground.
Usually, a foul smell outside your home would indicate a cracked sewer line. If you detect the smell inside, it’s likely you may have a toilet or drain problems as well.
Sinkholes
Often when there are sewer line problems, there will be signs in your yard. Look round your yard for signs such as damp grass, greener grass, or even sinkholes. These are all signs that tree roots may have grown against your sewer lines and caused cracking or splits. When this happens, water and even sewage will begin to leak out of the pipe. If you notice any sinkholes, you should call a plumber who can fix the problem. If left unchecked, a leaking sewer line can cause more damage to your yard and home.
How to remove tree roots from your home’s sewer line
There are a few ways that tree roots can be removed from sewer lines. If you have noticed the above signs that would indicate that your home has issues with the sewer line, it’s best to call in the help of a plumber. Don’t try DIY removal techniques, as these are likely to make the situation worse. A professional will be able to use a fiber optic cable with a camera at the end to inspect the sewage line. This will allow the plumber to determine the best way to proceed. One of the following methods will then be used to remove the tree roots:
Mechanical removal
One of the best ways to remove tree roots from sewer lines is with a mechanical auger. Digging up tree roots will get rid of them for good. The professional will also be able to replace the section of pipe that has been damaged.
Chemical removal
If the sewage line hasn’t been damaged but tree roots are growing too near to the pipes, a plumber may recommend using a chemical to treat the roots. Chemicals such as copper sulfate can be used to kill tree roots and stop them from growing. Don’t attempt to poison the tree roots yourself; always consult a professional as using chemicals can be dangerous. You also don’t want to end up weakening the tree and having it fall on your home.
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio
Looking for a plumber? If you live in San Antonio, TX, put bluefrog Plumbing + Drain or speed dial. When you need a professional, the company will be there for you!
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain is a long-running business that’s well established and has an excellent reputation. They are available for all types of plumbing work, from leak detection, sewer line repair, drain cleaning, and plumbing appliance installation.
If you need a plumber, don’t hesitate to contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio today!
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