The Root Cause: Proactive Tips For Ending Clogs And Sewage Backups
Drain line issues are some of the most annoying home maintenance problems that you will face as a homeowner. Because the drain lines are underground, developing problems can go unnoticed for years, allowing them to become difficult to address by the time they are found.
Luckily there are some things that homeowners can do to help limit future problems with clogs and sewage backups. If you are a homeowner who would like to avoid having your yard dug up to repair a long-term drain line issue, the following proactive tips can help you avoid this problem and enjoy a future with far fewer clogged drains.
Searching for moisture
The roots of rapidly growing bushes, vines, and trees are one of the leading causes of damage to drain lines. Plants that grow rapidly are constantly in search of water and nourishment, both of which are more likely to be available from a buried waste water drain pipe.
Moisture can form as condensation on the pipe and attract the roots. But the roots can also force their way into the seams of the pipe in search of water. Overtime the seams are pushed apart even further and the root then begins to grow and extend within the pipe.
Growing roots form clogs
Nutrients in the waste water provide extra nourishment, so these roots are able to grow and spread very quickly inside and outside the pipe. The roots that are growing inside the pipe begin to trap bits of debris, grease, and food particles in the waste water, forming a growing clog.
When the growing roots and trapped material becomes dense enough to stop or slow the flow of water, homeowners will be faced with toilets that no longer flush properly and clogged sink and shower drains. Soon the waste water has nowhere to go but back into the home.
Avoiding root problems
The most important step to avoiding root problems is to remove existing trees. bushes, vines, and landscaping plants that are most known to cause root problems with drains. Weeping willows, maples, and locust trees are common offenders, but it is wisest for home owners to simply avoid planting any trees, bushes, or vines near the area where there is a waste water drain line. If planting close to a drain line is necessary, homeowners will want to consider using root barrier systems to protect the integrity of their drain lines.
If you are experiencing drain issues and fear that roots have already invaded your home's drain lines, contact a reputable drain cleaning contractor in your area as soon as possible.
