While large trees can be great for providing shade and adding curb appeal to your home, they can often wreak havoc on your sewer line. This is due to tree root infiltration, which happens when the roots of a large tree grow too close to an underground pipeline. These roots can extend into the sewer line and create blockages and other serious issues that will affect your home. Fortunately, our team provides tree root infiltration services in San Antonio, TX.
Call George Plumbing for tree root infiltration services in San Antonio, TX, today!
How Tree Roots Infiltrate Sewer Lines
Sewer lines are convenient sources of water and nutrients for plants, so tree roots naturally grow near them. If a sewer line has any holes or cracks, tree roots can extend into them. A sewer line can crack or leak due to corrosion or shifting soil, especially if the line is several decades old. Even a small opening can release enough water to attract tree roots, which can invade the pipeline and create severe blockages.
While tree roots usually invade sewer lines through cracks and holes, they can also be attracted to intact pipes that release sewer vapors into the surrounding soil. If these tree roots are strong enough, they can break into or crush the pipe, invading the line while possibly destroying it.
- No drainage in multiple plumbing fixtures
- Noxious odors in and around your home
- Puddles forming in your yard
Warning Signs of Root Intrusion
As with any plumbing problem, the best way to know if you have a root intrusion problem in your sewer line is to contact a plumbing service and schedule an inspection. George Plumbing Co. offers services for tree root infiltration to find and fix an issue. However, you’ll likely still see signs of a problem before you call us. Signs of a tree root intrusion include slow drains, frequent toilet backups, foul smells, and gurgling sounds.
Common Damage Caused by Root Growth
Root growth can do a lot of damage to your sewer line, often before you realize that there is a problem. As with most issues, it’s always best to tackle a tree root invasion before things get out of hand.
- Sewer line blockages
- Sewage backups in your home
- Collapsed sewer lines
- Health hazards caused by exposure to sewage
Professional Root Removal and Sewer Repair
The first step in fixing a root-related sewer problem is determining where the problem lies. Our team will perform a more thorough inspection of your drains and sewer line to make sure.
Once we’ve located the problem, the next step will be to get rid of the invading roots. This usually involves hydro-jetting your sewer line to get rid of blockages, but we may also need to use a special tool to cut away thicker tree roots. After removing the roots, we’ll discuss options for repairing the damage to your sewer line.
Protect Your Sewer Line From Future Root Growth
The best way to prevent tree roots from invading your sewer line is to stop them from reaching your line in the first place. Physical barriers made from plywood, plastic, or fiberglass can be installed around the sewer line. You can also mix copper sulfate into the soil immediately surrounding your sewer line. The copper sulfate will kill the portion of the root that grows close to it without killing the tree itself. Otherwise, preventing root invasion is a matter of planting sewer-friendly trees as far away from your sewer line as possible.
If you suspect that tree roots are invading your sewer line, don’t hesitate to call George Plumbing Co. for assistance. Our tree root infiltration services can remove troublesome tree roots before they destroy your sewer line and your plumbing. Our plumbing company has been named the Best of SA 2025 Curator’s pick. We’ve also been named a Nextdoor Neighbor Favorite, and we are a multi-year winner of the Angi Super Service Award.
To learn more about our tree root infiltration services or to schedule service for your home in San Antonio, contact George Plumbing Co. today.
Frequently Asked Questions
We will be happy to answer any questions that you might have about our tree root infiltration services. These are some of the more common questions we receive.
Why Do Tree Roots Target Sewer Lines?
Sewer lines are excellent sources of water and nutrients for trees. Roots naturally target them, especially if they are leaking water into the surrounding soil. Sewer lines can also release sewer vapor into the soil that attracts tree roots.
What Symptoms Indicate Root Intrusion?
Common symptoms of root intrusion include gurgling drains, slow drains, frequent toilet backups, and foul smells. You may also notice unexplained wet spots or sink holes in your yard. Our team can complete a closer inspection of your sewer line to determine the extent of the problem.
How Do Professionals Remove Roots Without Damaging Pipes?
The safest way to remove invading tree roots is through hydro-jetting. Hydro-jetting involves spraying high-pressure water to dislodge blockages from your sewer line. We can also use a special tool to cut away thicker roots that don’t respond to hydro-jetting.
