April Showers Bring May Flowers (and Unexpected Plumbing Problems!)
Many homeowners think that once they survive a harsh winter without frozen pipes, they're safe for the rest of the year. This couldn't be any further from the truth. Once the snow thaws, roots can burst through plumbing systems, causing leaks, clogs, and other issues.
Homeowners should know how tree roots and plants can threaten the home's plumbing system. If a homeowner can recognize the signs of root intrusion, they can prevent any further damage from disrupting the home's integrity.
Be Aware of Intruding Tree Roots
Tree roots threatening a plumbing system rarely show external signs. Even when experiencing a moderate problem, one can step out onto their property, take inventory, and see nothing wrong. Yet, beneath the surface is an entirely different story.
During the spring, tree roots crave nutrients, prompting them to seek moist soil. This may cause them to grow around pipes, especially those with a history of leaks. Sometimes, seeds that fall into sewer lines can sprout, even without consistent sunlight.
Cutting down a tree threatening a plumbing system may not necessarily work in one's factor. Just because the tree itself dies doesn't remove the roots already embedded in the system. Before taking a swing at that old oak tree, one should consider reaching out to a professional plumber.
Intruding Tree Roots Can Cause a Host of Problems
- A change in water pressure: A faucet with good water pressure will have clear pipes leading up to it. A faucet with roots or plants in the system will have weak water pressure – or take a long time to get to a decent pressure.
- Sinkholes: First things first: sinkholes caused by root intrusion only happen in serious instances – meaning the problem's been undetected for some time. Sinkholes don't just happen in one place; they can happen throughout a property away from the initial source of the leak. To preserve the home's (and resident's) safety, one should contact a plumber as soon as they notice a sinkhole on their property.
- Clogs: Ideally, there should be nothing going through a pipe but water or waste. Sprouts, roots, and even seeds can disrupt water flow in the home.
Other signs of root intrusion include foul odors around drains, leaks, and collapsed pipes.
Solutions to Root Intrusion
Fixing root intrusion issues is not a DIY project. It's something that requires a professional's training and experience. A plumber can cause a host of technologies to locate the source of the problem without tearing up the home or its surrounding property.
If one hasn't yet experienced root intrusion, they can prevent the problem from happening by:
- Flushing salt down the toilet: Many plants won't grow if there's salt in the soil or surrounding area. One should take rock salt and flush it down the toilet every so often. Then, they should wait a few hours before using the toilet again. This will ensure the system absorbs the rock salt and prevents plant growth.
- Using herbicides: Some over-the-counter herbicides claim to kill root intrusion. There are many brands on today's market, some of which work better than others. Homeowners should limit how often they flush herbicides and drain cleaners down the toilet; however, the entire system could degrade with prolonged use.
A professional can also install root barriers around certain pipes. This would prevent roots from affecting the system, and it can serve as a long-term solution. They can also explain whether repipe services could further protect the system.
About Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc.
Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. is open 24 hours to service the greater Colonial Heights, VA, area. These professionals offer repiping services, rebates on new HVAC systems, and discounts on their website. Interested parties needing home improvement help can call these professionals today to learn more.
