How to Tell If Tree Roots Are Growing in Your Sewer Line
Ignoring clogged plumbing is never a good idea. But what if you’ve tried sneaking around and submerging a slow-draining sink—and maybe even enlisting the help of a professional plumber—and still can’t figure out what’s causing the clog? If you live in a home, it may be time to check if tree roots are blocking your drain pipes. Here’s why this happens and signs that root-clogged pipes are causing your plumbing problems.
What causes roots to grow in pipes?
Large trees can have extensive root systems: some parts may be visible on the surface of your lawn, while others spread underground in search of sources of water, oxygen and nutrients, such as cracked sewer pipes. Even a small crack creates enough moisture to attract tree roots on or near your property, allowing them to penetrate the pipe and grow until it becomes 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 the tree has been removed, its roots may remain inside your pipes for years.
How can I tell if tree roots are in my sewer pipe?
Since your sewer line is underground and difficult to access, you’ll want to look out for signs that tree roots may be growing inside it . These include:
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Slow moving drains in sinks, bathtubs and/or showers.
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Gurgling sounds from toilets
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Backup toilets that don’t flush completely
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The smell of sewage and/or sulfur (rotten eggs) inside or outside the home or coming from the drain.
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Lower water pressure
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A whistling or knocking sound coming from your tubes
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Visible sinkhole on your lawn
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Parts of your lawn are waterlogged.
What should I do about tree roots in my sewer pipe?
If tree roots seem to be clogging your sewer line, you’ll need to decide whether it’s time to bring in a professional or try one of these DIY options :
Foamy Root Killer
This is a root killer made specifically for this purpose and not something you would use in your yard, although it can also be purchased at any hardware or home and garden store. Make sure the product you purchase contains dichlobenil. To use it, pour the powder into the toilet and flush. Foaming will begin when the powder comes into contact with water.
Rock salt
Take two pounds of rock salt and divide it into four half-pound portions. Pour the first half pound of salt into the toilet and flush until it disappears. Repeat this process with the remaining 1.5 pounds of rock salt, then leave the toilet alone—no flushing, flushing, etc.—for 12 hours. Try flushing the toilet again. If it is still clogged, then this is a job for a professional.
Copper sulfate
While copper sulfate does the job, it is also toxic to people and other animals and is banned in some areas, including many California counties . Be sure to check your local laws before using it. If you are safe and decide to use copper sulfate, you will need to pour half a cup into the toilet, flush it until it is flushed from the toilet, then gather all the people and pets living in your home and leave it for several hours while your house is ventilated.