The Grass Is Greener, But Are the Pipes Safer?
Trees are sprouting new leaves, tulips are popping up from the soil, and the grass is coming out of its dormant state, but what about underground? With all the movement of roots and moisture, what is happening to the main plumbing to and from homes? Most people would say it's nothing to worry about, but with all the extra growth and precipitation, nature may cause some early-in-the-year home issues.
Intruding Tree Roots
It's no secret that trees begin to bloom once the weather warms. The little green buds are enough to send most people into joyous shouts and dancing, but what they don't see is as the trees awaken, so do their root systems. Producing new foliage is no easy task; therefore, tree roots begin spreading, looking for all the nutrients they can to help it with their job.
This sudden spread can lead them unknowingly to the underground pipe system. With water being the number one nutrient a growing tree needs, sewer and water lines are the optimal place to catch a drink from. This can lead to bursts and cracks in the plumbing where the lines are weakest, like joints and worn areas, so the roots can wrap around and invade easily.
Problems from Intruding Roots
As tree roots invade a home's plumbing system, the effects on the home can be seen in multiple different ways. The main way homeowners are alerted to a problem under their foundations is a spike in their water bill and water usage. Once a water or sewer line begins leaking water, there is no way for the water to stop flowing.
Some other ways homeowners can know if something unnatural is happening is by noticing a drop in water pressure from the main floor faucets. The taller the house, the harder it is to get high water pressure to the top floor, but main floors should have no issue receiving great water pressure. So, a drop in water pressure from the kitchen sink or a downstairs washroom may indicate something is amiss underground.
If a tree root punctures a sewer line, the drains will take longer to drain, and the outside air around the home may begin to smell rotten eggs from sewage leaking into the dirt surrounding the house.
What Can Be Done?
Once a tree root has taken refuge in one of a home's main plumbing lines, the experts will need to be scheduled to accurately assess the next step. Usually, the plumbers will run a few checks by running a wire with a camera at the end through the piping before diagnosing the problem. Then, if it is determined a root has caused the problem. The professionals will have to extract the root from the pipe and either replace the section of piping altogether or cover the cracks with a sealant to keep the underground piping from having the same issue later on.
After the job is complete, the team may suggest a few ways to cease the spread of unwanted roots by setting up root barriers around the home's plants, gardens, and trees. This root barrier creates a wall between a certain area and a plant's root system, keeping each safe from the other. This way, homeowners can live with peace of mind, and trees, plants, and flowers can bloom and grow without damaging their support systems.
About Cajun Plumber
This family-owned business has been servicing its community for over ten years. Their unwavering promise of expert analysis and friendly service has created a business that people can trust. Their team of qualified, professional plumbers will quickly, accurately, and efficiently find and fix any home plumbing issues. Call them today for all plumbing services in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas!
