sewer tree root removal Archives

If you’re facing drainage issues in your property due to tree roots infiltrating your drainage system, you’ve come to the right place. Below we will provide you with valuable insights, tips, and steps to effectively remove tree roots and restore proper drainage in Chicago. Whether you’re a homeowner or a plumber, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to address this common problem.

The Importance of Drain Cleaning

Drainage systems play a critical role in maintaining the overall health of a property. They ensure the efficient removal of wastewater and prevent water from accumulating, which can lead to serious damage and health hazards. However, tree roots can be a major obstacle in maintaining a fully functional drainage system. Their natural inclination to seek moisture and nutrients can cause them to invade your pipes, leading to clogging and blockages.

When left unaddressed, tree root intrusion can result in costly repairs and even structural damage. It is crucial to identify and resolve drainage issues caused by tree roots as soon as possible to minimize the long-term effects on your property.

Understanding Tree Root Intrusion

Tree roots are attracted to the moisture and nutrients found within drains and sewer lines. Their powerful growth can exert significant pressure on your pipes, leading to cracks, breaks, and leaks. Once inside the pipes, the roots can expand and form a dense web that traps debris and causes further blockages.

In Chicago, the most common culprits for tree root intrusion are city-owned trees, such as Silver Maples and Willows, as their root systems can be extensive and persistent. However, even trees in neighboring properties can potentially cause problems if their roots manage to reach your drainage system.

Signs of Tree Root Intrusion

It’s essential to be aware of the signs that indicate tree root intrusion in your drains. By recognizing these early warning signs, you can take proactive measures to address the issue before it escalates. Some common signs to look out for include:

Slow draining sinks, showers, or toilets
Gurgling noises coming from plumbing fixtures
Foul odor emanating from drains
Multiple drain clogs throughout your property
Visible cracks or pipe damage
Signs of water pooling or dampness in unexpected areas

If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to take action promptly to prevent further damage to your drainage system.

a plumber removing tree roots from a sewer line in chicago.

In many cases, professional drain cleaning services can effectively remove tree roots and restore proper drainage without the need for tree removal.

Tree Removal vs. Drain Cleaning

When faced with tree root intrusion in your drains, you may wonder whether tree removal is necessary. While removing the tree may seem like a logical solution, it is not always the most practical or feasible option. Here are a few factors to consider:

Property ownership: If the tree causing the issue is located on public property, such as a sidewalk, it is the responsibility of the city to address the situation. However, trees on private property are the owner’s responsibility.

Tree value: If the tree holds significant value, such as rare or mature species, removing it should be a last resort. Explore alternatives, such as drain cleaning, before deciding to remove the tree.

Environmental impact: Trees are vital for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Removing a tree can have ecological consequences, and it’s important to consider the environmental impact before taking action.

In many cases, professional drain cleaning services can effectively remove tree roots and restore proper drainage without the need for tree removal. This ensures a win-win situation, allowing you to preserve the tree while resolving the drainage issue.

Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service

While some homeowners may attempt DIY drain cleaning and tree root removal, it is often more efficient and effective to hire a professional drain cleaning service in the case of tree root intrusion. Here are a few reasons why:

Expertise: Drain cleaning professionals have the knowledge and experience to assess the situation accurately and provide targeted solutions. They can identify the extent of tree root intrusion, determine the best course of action, and employ specialized services to remove the roots.

Preventive measures: Professionals not only address the immediate issue but also offer preventive measures to minimize the likelihood of future tree root intrusion. This may include regular maintenance, the installation of root barriers, or other proactive solutions tailored to your specific property.

Time and effort: Tree root removal can be a labor-intensive process, especially if the roots have spread extensively. By hiring professionals, you can save time and energy while ensuring the job is done efficiently.

Safety: Working with drain cleaning equipment, such as high-pressure water jetters, requires proper training and precautions. Professionals are equipped with the necessary safety gear and know-how to handle potential hazards.

When selecting a professional drain cleaning service in Chicago, be sure to choose a reputable company with a track record of successfully addressing tree root intrusion. Reading customer reviews and seeking recommendations from trusted sources can help you make an informed decision.

a plumber in chicago using a technique known as hydro jetting to remove tree roots from sewer line.

Once the affected areas have been identified, the technician will employ various methods to remove the tree roots. This may include using high-pressure water jetters, mechanical augers, or chemical root treatments.

The Drain Cleaning Process

Now let’s dive into the actual process of removing tree roots from your drainage system. While each case may vary in terms of complexity, the following steps provide a general overview of how drain cleaning professionals approach tree root intrusion:

Initial assessment: The drain cleaning technician will conduct a thorough assessment of your drainage system to identify the location and extent of tree root intrusion. This may involve using specialized cameras or locating equipment to inspect the pipes.

Root removal: Once the affected areas have been identified, the technician will employ various methods to remove the tree roots. This may include using high-pressure water jetters, mechanical augers, or chemical root treatments. The choice of method depends on the severity of the intrusion and the condition of the pipes.

Pipe repair or replacement: In some cases, tree root intrusion may have caused significant damage to the pipes, necessitating repairs or replacements. The technician will assess the extent of the damage and recommend the appropriate course of action. This may involve patching up cracks, relining the pipes, or replacing severely damaged sections of the sewer line.

Preventive measures: After removing the tree roots and restoring proper drainage, the technician may suggest preventive measures to avoid future issues. This may involve installing root barriers, regularly maintaining the pipes, or offering advice on landscaping practices that minimize tree root intrusion.

Follow-up inspections: To ensure the effectiveness of the drain cleaning process, it is common for professionals to conduct follow-up inspections after a certain period. This allows them to verify if any further root intrusion has occurred and take corrective action if needed.

Maintaining a Root-Free Drainage System

Removing tree roots from your drains is just the first step in ensuring a root-free drainage system. To prevent future tree root intrusion, consider implementing the following practices:

Regular drain maintenance: Routine drain maintenance, such as periodic cleaning and inspections, can help identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

Root barriers: Installing root barriers near drainage systems can provide an additional layer of protection against tree root intrusion.

Strategic landscaping: When planting trees or shrubs, consider the distance from drainage systems. Select species with non-invasive root systems, and avoid planting them too close to pipes.

Avoiding harmful substances: Certain substances, such as grease, oil, and chemical drain cleaners, can damage pipes and contribute to blockages. Dispose of these substances properly and use drain-friendly products.

In Conclusion

Dealing with tree root intrusion in your drainage system can be a challenging task, but with the right knowledge and approach, you can effectively resolve the issue. We hope that this guide has provided you with valuable insights and guidance on how to remove tree roots in Chicago. Remember, when in doubt, it is always best to speak with a professional drain cleaning service to ensure a thorough and lasting solution. By taking proactive measures and maintaining a root-free drainage system, you can protect your property and enjoy efficient wastewater removal for years to come.

Tree roots pose one of the greatest threats to your home’s sewer lines. Every time you bury a pipe in your yard, you run the risk of tree roots interfering with it. Underground sewer lines carry nutrient-rich wastewater, and tree roots love nothing more than a nearby source of nutrition.

Tree roots and sewer pipes are a “match made-in-heaven”. However, it can cause you major plumbing problems when the two meet.

Tree roots spread out in search of available nutrients. If they find a spot in your yard where nutrients are easily accessible, they will try to make the most of that food supply. Your sewer pipes can serve as that accessible source of nutrition.

It happens only if sewer pipes leak. That is because the water inside sewer pipes is not accessible to plant roots if there is no leak. But the tiniest crack in a pipe will be exploited by plants. Once the root works its way into the break, it is only a matter of time before it fills the entire pipe.

Tree roots intrusion into sewer lines is one of the most common causes of sewer line damage. Early signs that your sewer line has tree roots are slow draining water and gurgling sounds coming from the toilet every time you flush.

The chances of this problem happening in your home increase with the age of the house. Older homes with old pipes prone to corrosion are more exposed to this problem, explains Keyrenter Premier Property Management. Tree roots intrusion in sewer pipes is also more likely if there are trees within 20 meters of your sewer lines.

Is there a way to remove tree roots if they find their way into your sewer lines? What can you do to prevent the problem? There are two aspects to dealing with the issue of tree root intrusion into sewer lines. You must get rid of the roots and repair the damage to your pipes.

This post deals with tree root removal only.

How to remove tree roots from your sewer line pipes

Below are three DIY options for removing tree roots from a sewer line. These options only work for removing small tree roots. If you try them and the problem does not go away, you will have to go for the fourth solution; getting a professional to solve the issue.

Use rock salt

Rock salt is not coarse sea salt or table salt. It is that stuff you throw on icy sidewalks. Rock salt helps remove tree roots because it draws the water from them. If you deprive them of moisture, tree roots become dehydrated and die. Rock salt can be bought online or at a local store; you need 2 pounds of it.

To do this, follow these steps;

Pour ½ a pound of rock salt into your toilet.
Flush the toilet as many times as necessary to push the salt into the lines.
Once the salt is gone, let it sit inside the pipes for at least 12 hours.
During this time, do not flush your toilets. It will give the salt enough time to do its work.

Note that rock salt will kill tree roots, the tree, and surrounding vegetation. Rock salt can also corrode and weaken pipes.

Use copper sulfate

Copper sulfate, also known as bluestone, will kill the tree roots inside your sewer line pipes. You can buy this cheap herbicide/algaecide at your local hardware or garden supply store. You only need a half cup of copper sulfate.

To use it, follow these steps;

Pour half a cup of copper sulfate into the toilet.
Flush until all the crystals get into the lines.
Open the windows in your home and leave the house for a few hours, taking your kids and pets with you.
Flush the toilet when you return.

Warning: copper sulfate is toxic to pets; it can kill them on contact. It is banned in certain places; before you use it, check the local legislation.

Use foaming root killers

Foaming root killers kill tree roots and keep them from growing back. This powder foams when it comes in contact with water. Tree roots hate the active agent in the powder – dichlobenil – and will stay away if they detect the substance.

To use the powder, pour it into your toilet and flush. It will locate the tree roots and kill them. It also leaves a residue that prevents future tree root intrusion. You can repeat this every month to avoid future problems with tree roots.

Cut the tree roots

This solution requires you to call a local plumber, and it works for both small and large tree roots. The plumber will first do a camera inspection of your sewer lines to know the exact location of the tree roots. Afterward, plumbers can get rid of the tree roots using a process know as high-powered hydro jetting service.

High Pressure Water Streaming Known as Hydro-Jetting is the Best Way to Cut Through Tree Root Infiltration in your Sewer Line.

—

Have tree roots growing into your sewer line that you need removed? We can help! Contact us below:

Category Archives: sewer tree root removal

Drain Cleaning Service: A Guide to Removing Tree Roots in Chicago