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Tree roots in your pipes are more likely to be a problem if you live in an older home. Homes build before the 1970s often have sewer pipes constructed of clay, concrete, or cast iron. Unlike the plastic pipes used today, which are fused together and almost impervious to root intrusion, older pipes are susceptible to roots growing into them at the joints. This creates clog points inside the pipes, which can cause sewage to back up into your home. Your drains will run more slowly, sewer water may back up into your bathtub, and there’s a good chance of potential water damage.

How can you tame the tree roots to prevent flooding and potential water damage? There are a few different methods.

  • Call a plumber. Your plumber can use a sewer cleaning machine to mechanically clean your sewer and cut roots out of your pipes. This can be an effective way to clean clay, plastic, concrete, and cast-iron pips. You can also ask for a plumbing inspection, and your plumber can use a sewer inspection camera snake to look for problems with your line, including gaps holes, structural problems, or root intrusion. Having regular inspections and maintenance done by a plumber can catch problems before they cause any damage.
  • Use chemical root killers. You can kill tree roots by flushing rock salt down your toilet. However, this method can also kill the entire tree, as well as surrounding plants. There are also specially formulated root killers that will kill the roots inside the pipes without harming the trees. Some foaming root killers will actually leave behind a residue to prevent new roots from entering the pipes. Make sure that whatever you decide to use is environmentally responsible and also legal to use in your area.
  • Prevent the problem before there are issues. You can create a barrier between your trees and your pipes, either with chemicals or with wood or metal. If you choose a physical barrier like that, you’ll bury the wood or metal about six inches to a foot deeper than the pipes, running them vertically along the sewer line. You can also landscape carefully, planting sewer-friendly trees with small root balls and keeping them a safe distance form your sewer pipes.

If your home has sustained water damage as the result of a sewage backup, you are going to need help with the clean-up. Contact the experts at Pacific Flood Restoration, because we offer full-service, 24-hour, on-call emergency services in San Diego, California, and we’ve earned a reputation for being dependable, on time, courteous, and ethical. No matter the extent of your damage, our trained technicians have the experience, proven techniques, and state-of-the-art equipment to restore your home, fixing whatever damage it may have sustained. We serve the following cities: San Diego, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Marcos, Chula Vista, Poway, El Cajon, Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, San Clemente, and Solana Beach. Call 760.516.8549, or contact us through our website.

Contact Our Team Today to Get Started With Your Restoration Consultation