Ignoring clogged pipes is never a good idea. But what if you’ve tried unclogging and unclogging your slow-draining sink—and maybe even called in a professional plumber—and you still can’t figure out what’s causing the blockage? If you live in a house, it might be time to check to see if tree roots are blocking your drains. Here’s why that happens, and the signs that root-filled pipes are the source of your plumbing problems.
How do you prevent roots from growing into the main sewer pipe?
Large trees can have extensive root systems: while some parts may be visible on the surface of your lawn, others extend underground in search of sources of water, oxygen, and nutrients, such as burst drains. Even a small crack generates enough moisture to attract the roots of a tree on or near your property, allowing them to enter the pipe and grow until it is blocked.
But just because you don’t see a tree on or near your property doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods. Even if a tree is removed, its roots can still be lodged in your pipes for years.
Because your sewer line is underground and not easily accessible, you should watch for signs that tree roots may be growing into it. These include:
