7 Signs of Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line

Properly functioning sewer lines help remove wastewater from your home. However, several things can impair the functionality of the sewer line. Tree roots are one of those things that can damage your sewer line. Explore the possible signs of tree roots in the sewer line.

1. Soft Sinkholes in Your Yard  

When trees grow, their roots naturally seek out water sources, and your sewer lines are a tempting target. As the roots grow, they can infiltrate the pipes, causing blockages and damage. The pressure from the expanding roots can crack or collapse the sewer lines, leading to leaks and backups.

These damaged sewer lines compromise the stability of the ground above, resulting in soft sinkholes. When the soil collapses into the compromised pipe, it creates depressions in your yard. These sinkholes can be dangerous and unsightly, and they indicate a significant problem that needs immediate attention.

If left unaddressed, the tree roots will continue to infiltrate and worsen the damage to your sewer lines, leading to more frequent sinkholes. Contact a professional plumber who can assess the situation, clear the roots, and repair or replace the damaged pipes.

2. Slow Drains

As the roots grow inside the pipes, they begin to block the flow of water and waste. This leads to slower drainage in your sinks, showers, and toilets. The roots act like a stubborn barrier, restricting the smooth passage of wastewater.

Over time, the roots can further invade and expand within the pipes, causing serious damage. They can cause blockages, pipe misalignment, or even complete pipe breakage. Such only aggravates the slow drain issue.

3. Gurgling Drains

The gurgling sounds occur when air is trapped in the pipes due to the blockage from the roots. This trapped air is trying to escape, causing a distinct gurgling noise. The sound is a sign that your sewer system is struggling to function properly. If left unaddressed, these tree roots can further damage your pipes and cause pipe breakages.

4. Bad Odors

The sewer system is designed to contain and direct waste away from your home, but when roots interfere, this disrupts this process. The cracked pipes allow the foul-smelling sewage to escape, releasing an unpleasant stench. The odors can then permeate the surrounding area, including your yard, basement, or even inside your home.

5. Unexpected Increase in Your Water Bills

You may find yourself using more water to compensate for the reduced efficiency of your plumbing system. Flushing toilets multiple times, running faucets longer, or taking longer showers are common reactions. The increased water usage leads to higher bills that can catch you off guard.

Furthermore, the tree roots may cause leaks or cracks in underground pipes, leading to water seepage into the surrounding soil. This continuous leakage can contribute to a spike in your water bills as well.

6. Green Patch

The green patches you see above ground occur because the tree roots absorb water from the sewer pipes, causing the surrounding soil to become excessively moist. This excess moisture promotes the growth of grass and plants, resulting in those noticeable green patches.

7. Backed-Up Toilet

Once inside the pipe, the tree roots continue to grow, forming a tangled mass that obstructs the flow of wastewater. This obstruction restricts the passage of waste, leading to a backup in your toilet. The roots act like a barrier, preventing the proper drainage of water and waste from your home. As the backup occurs, you may notice that your toilet flushes slowly, if at all, and the water level rises instead of draining away.

Are you experiencing sewer line problems? Daytona Plumbing can help fix any sewer line or plumbing issues. Contact us today for professional residential and commercial plumbing services.