Tree Root Problems: Understanding Their Impact on Sewers

Trees, tree roots, and sewer facts...  

Sewer pipes deteriorate with age and can often separate and crack due to ground shifting and heaving. Video inspection can accurately determine the condition of your lines.  

Roots from trees growing near your sewer lines can invade cracked portions of sewer pipes. Typically, sewer lines are laid at a depth of 2 metres or more.  

At this depth, the tree roots are classified as anchor roots, while the finer, fibrous roots known as feeder roots are usually found within the first metre of soil.  

While anchor roots can surround intact sewer pipes indefinitely without causing blockages, it’s the cracks in your pipes that lead to issues. A cracked sewer line allows sewage and water to leak, as well as air to escape into the ground, creating the right air, water, and nutrient conditions similar to those at the surface.  

At the location of a line leak, anchor roots can grow delicate feeder roots that may enter the sewer pipe and create blockages, leading to significant tree root issues.  

Red Alert Sewer & Drain offers cost-effective preventative sewer cleaning and regular sewer line maintenance through annual or bi-annual preventative cleaning and video inspections. This ensures your drains and sewer lines remain clear and flowing smoothly. Preventative maintenance for your sewer lines can save you thousands in damages, costly insurance claims, and major headaches!