How Tree Roots Damage Your Plumbing System

A broken plumbing system can result in more than a few drips under the sink; it can snowball into costly and stress-inducing problems. Dripping pipes can lead to water damage to walls, floors, and ceilings, which can ruin drywall, insulation, and even the structural integrity of a building.

In both residential and commercial structures, water from plumbing issues can support the growth of mildew and mould, which are not only a nuisance to get rid of, but also unhealthy for indoor air quality and your health. A seemingly minor leak can become an expensive fix if not addressed quickly.

Aside from physical damage to a building’s structure, faulty plumbing can significantly disrupt your life or business. For homeowners, that might mean no hot water for a shower or a kitchen sink that will not drain. For companies, this could mean lost production time, customer inconvenience, or even a temporary business closure. Thus, regular inspections and prompt repairs are vital not only to avoid damage, but to make your living space safe and functional.

Main Ways Tree Root Intrusion Can Harm a Plumbing System

While there are several ways that plumbing pipe damage can occur at your home or business, one of the most common sources of such issues is tree root intrusion. This is when tree roots infiltrate and grow into your pipes. Damage to your plumbing system can be extensive in such cases, resulting in a variety of plumbing issues that can be severe.

Let’s discuss a few ways that you may experience root damage to pipes on your property so that you can get a full picture of how serious this plumbing issue can be.

1. Intrusive root penetration into pipe joints and cracks

Plant roots have a natural affinity for water, so your plumbing system is an attractive target, especially if it has older or compromised pipes. Roots may infiltrate plumbing lines by exploiting weak points, such as corroding joints where two sections of pipe intersect.

Over time, ground movement, improper installation, or normal wear can introduce tiny holes in these joints. The moment a root detects water leaking between such joints, it will begin to grow towards and eventually into the pipe, slowly displacing the joints and finding a hold within the system.

Roots do not simply work their way between pipe joints; in some cases, they also break through directly into the pipe walls themselves. This is particularly common in older materials, such as clay or cast iron, which are more prone to cracking and aging. All that is needed is a small hairline crack, and a root can permeate through. The crack will continue to enlarge as the root expands, finally resulting in a complete pipe burst and a costly plumbing catastrophe if detected too late.

2. Plumbing line shifting and misalignment

Roots do not simply force themselves into pipes; they actually push them aside. As roots spread out and become stronger beneath the soil, they can slowly push against plumbing lines, causing them to shift, sag, or even crack. Such misalignment, known as an “offset,” and the resulting sewer line damage disrupts the free flow of wastewater and allows debris to accumulate at the crevice, eventually leading to leaks or clogs.

Even though the roots may never reach the pipe, the resulting movement can destabilize the slope of your plumbing system, reducing its ability to drain properly. Leaking sewage into the surrounding space not only contaminates the ground, but can also lead to soil erosion, water damage to buildings nearby, and structural problems. Drain replacement is typically required if your tree root intrusion escalates to this point.

3. Blocked drain lines

When roots invade a plumbing pipe, they do not stop growing; they continue to branch out. These tiny, stringy roots grow rapidly in the damp, rich conditions of your sewer or drain line. As they grow, they create a matted mesh that traps solids, like toilet paper, grease, and waste. Before long, this creates a persistent clog that slows drains and, in the worst cases, forces sewage back up into your sinks, tubs, or basement.

What began as a mild, slow-draining sink can quickly become an outright plumbing nightmare if left unattended. Not only do clogs add stress to the pipes, but the encroaching roots themselves can crack or cave in the pipe from the inside out. The longer you ignore this tree root intrusion, the more damage the root system will do to both the pipes and your adjacent property.

4. Contaminated water supply

Although many homeowners are primarily concerned about sewer line damage, root damage to pipes can also affect freshwater supply lines. Not only do such lines leak water out, but they can let in unwanted materials too. When roots break through a pressurized water line, they may allow dirt, bacteria, or other contaminants into the potable water system.

This type of contamination poses a serious health risk to individuals who consume, cook with, or bathe in the contaminated water. Signs of freshwater pipe damage by roots may include reduced water pressure, discoloured tap water, or an unexpected increase in your water bill.

Repairing the issue as soon as possible is critical because long exposure to contaminated water has health consequences and requires expensive remediation of your plumbing and home water system.

Contact Advanced Plumbing & Drains to Quickly and Effectively Deal With Root Damage to Pipes

If you suspect you are facing an issue related to tree root intrusion that has caused plumbing pipe damage, you can count on Advanced Plumbing & Drains to help you with a quick, efficient, and effective solution.

We understand the severity of root damage, and our expert plumbers will trace the problem back to its source and come up with a comprehensive solution in no time, tailoring our approach to the specifics of the situation.

Our detail-oriented plumbers are equipped with the knowledge, experience, and professional equipment to solve even the most complex plumbing issues involving tree root intrusion.

In addition to being easy to work with, our professional plumbers are always prompt in responding to requests. They will get to you as soon as possible to ensure that your plumbing issue is taken care of before it escalates.

If you believe your sewer line damage already constitutes an emergency, we have emergency plumbers available to serve you 24/7. We also provide top-notch customer service and will answer questions and give advice on how to prevent further issues down the line.

For more information about our solutions for tree root intrusion, or to learn about our other plumbing services, call Advanced Plumbing & Drains at (866) 863-9539 or contact us here.