While trees add beauty and value to your home, they can also cause major problems if tree roots infiltrate the sewer lines. Knowing the early warning signs and taking proactive measures can protect your pipes from damage caused by invasive roots. 

If your toilets frequently back up, and nothing unusual has been flushed down them, it could be a sign of a root obstruction. Here are eight common red flags that indicate this is the case. 

Cracks or Loose Joints 

Tree roots can seriously impact your plumbing and sewer lines by obstructing drains, causing low water pressure and even breaking pipes. The best way to prevent root invasion is by keeping your trees well-groomed and getting them pruned regularly. 

Another good idea is to consider repiping your home with PVC piping rather than older metal pipes that are more susceptible to corrosion and leaks. PVC pipes are sturdier and can resist damage from tree roots. 

Some of the most common signs that tree roots have invaded your pipes include slow-emptying drains and gurgling noises. You may also notice areas of your yard that appear wet or sink and see a sudden increase in your water bill charges despite normal use. Other symptoms of this issue are a whistle-like sound when running water or banging pipes, which can indicate that the pipes have shifted and caused cracks or loose joints. These issues can lead to severe problems down the road if not addressed right away. 

Sewer Vapors 

While they boost curb appeal and offer shade on a hot day, trees can wreak havoc on home plumbing. That’s because a tree’s roots can invade the sewer line, creating a blockage that causes wastewater and even sewage to back up into your home. 

Fortunately, it’s possible to prevent this from happening by scheduling regular pipe inspections. These inspections can detect cracks and loose joints before they lead to serious problems. It’s also important to plant trees well away from your sewer line, and consider using pipes that are resistant to root invasion such as PVC or concrete. 

Unpleasant odors such as those reminiscent of rotten eggs are often the first sign of an invading tree root. Other signs include soggy areas in your lawn and frequent drain clogs that can’t be resolved with a plunger or other simple methods to unclog a drain. A professional plumber can install a barrier that stops roots from entering your sewer line. A plumber can also recommend planting trees far enough from your home to avoid a potential problem. 

Trees’ Need for Moisture 

Having trees in your yard is great, but make sure to plant them well away from sewer lines. The roots can easily grow into the pipes and cause damage.

Trees look for moisture and nutrients. Your plumbing line provides both, but a homeowner doesn’t often think about it when planting trees. If the roots infiltrate your home’s piping, you may notice slow-draining sinks, toilets and bathtubs, or water pressure that is lower than usual. You may also see puddles in the yard or foul odors that are coming from a drain or toilet. 

To avoid this, keep the tree’s soil moist at all times. This can be done by using a soaker hose or sticking your finger in the ground to check for moisture (be careful not to dig up the root system!). Chemical root inhibitors are available for quick fixes, but they’re not a permanent solution. A professional plumber can recommend a more permanent and eco-friendly solution. 

Trees’ Need for Nutrients 

Trees require water, nutrients and sunlight for survival. As roots grow, they search for these items in the soil around them. Often, they encounter and infiltrate underground pipes. This may cause cracked or broken water lines or even sewage line blockages. 

Symptoms of nutrient deficiency in trees include stunted growth, lack of vibrant leaves, yellow or off-colored foliage, and an uncharacteristic lack of new twig growth. A trained arborist can identify nutrient deficiencies and prescribe corrective measures to restore the health of the trees on your property. 

Homes with holly, yew or oak trees on the property are particularly vulnerable to damage caused by tree roots. These invasive plants have a tendency to grow in close proximity to a home’s foundation and can penetrate the sewer line through cracks or weak joints. Once inside, the invasive roots have unlimited access to water and “natural fertilizer,” causing blockages in the sewer line and severe plumbing problems for homeowners. If your plumbing pipes are affected by tree roots and you need plumbing assistance, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-melbourne/ can provide you with professional plumbing solutions.