Roots & Sewer Lines
Tree roots growing inside sewer pipes are the most expensive sewer maintenance item experienced by BC residents. Trees roots require oxygen to grow, which means they are unable to grow in pipes that are completely full of water. This is why tree roots will damage and clog sewer lines but not water lines.
How do roots find the sewer lines?
Roots thrive in the warm, moist nutrient rich atmosphere above the water surface inside sewer lines. The flow of warm water inside the sewer line causes some water vapour to escape and condensation on the pipe in the cold soil surrounding the pipe. Tree roots are attracted to the water vapour leaving the pipe and they follow the vapour trail to the source of the moisture, which may be joints or even small cracks in the sewer pipe.
How do roots enter the sewer lines?
Upon reaching the crack or pipe joint, fine hair like roots will penetrate the opening to reach the nutrients and moisture inside the pipe. Concrete and PVC pipes will allow root intrusions to a lesser extent than clay tile pipe.
How do roots find the sewer lines?
Roots thrive in the warm, moist nutrient rich atmosphere above the water surface inside sewer lines. The flow of warm water inside the sewer line causes some water vapour to escape and condensation on the pipe in the cold soil surrounding the pipe. Tree roots are attracted to the water vapour leaving the pipe and they follow the vapour trail to the source of the moisture, which may be joints or even small cracks in the sewer pipe.
How do roots enter the sewer lines?
Upon reaching the crack or pipe joint, fine hair like roots will penetrate the opening to reach the nutrients and moisture inside the pipe. Concrete and PVC pipes will allow root intrusions to a lesser extent than clay tile pipe.
Can Roots Cause a Blockage?
Once roots are in your sewer lines they will eventually cause a blockage. Inside the pipe, the fine roots will continue to grow until they completely fill the pipe. The root mass inside the pipe becomes matted with grease, tissue paper, and other debris discharged from the residence. Homeowners will notice the first signs of a slow flowing drainage system by hearing gurgling noises from toilet bowls.
How can I Prevent Sewer Blockages?
If you have lots of trees growing on your sewer lines, the best way to prevent a blockage is to schedule an annual cleaning. The common method of removing roots from sewer lines involves the use of an auger (snake). You may even wish to hire a plumber to video your sewer lines to determine its condition and if any repairs are needed. As roots continue to grow, they expand and exert considerable pressure at the crack or joint where they entered the pipe. The force exerted by the root growth will break the pipe and may result in total collapse of the pipe.
What if my Sewer Line Breaks because of roots?
In BC, if a failure occurs on your side of the property line (not on city property) then you are responsible for covering the cost of repairs. Homeowners should be aware of the location of their water and sewer lines and refrain from planting certain types of trees near the lines.
Once roots are in your sewer lines they will eventually cause a blockage. Inside the pipe, the fine roots will continue to grow until they completely fill the pipe. The root mass inside the pipe becomes matted with grease, tissue paper, and other debris discharged from the residence. Homeowners will notice the first signs of a slow flowing drainage system by hearing gurgling noises from toilet bowls.
How can I Prevent Sewer Blockages?
If you have lots of trees growing on your sewer lines, the best way to prevent a blockage is to schedule an annual cleaning. The common method of removing roots from sewer lines involves the use of an auger (snake). You may even wish to hire a plumber to video your sewer lines to determine its condition and if any repairs are needed. As roots continue to grow, they expand and exert considerable pressure at the crack or joint where they entered the pipe. The force exerted by the root growth will break the pipe and may result in total collapse of the pipe.
What if my Sewer Line Breaks because of roots?
In BC, if a failure occurs on your side of the property line (not on city property) then you are responsible for covering the cost of repairs. Homeowners should be aware of the location of their water and sewer lines and refrain from planting certain types of trees near the lines.
