Tree Root Penetration – A Problem For Sewer Lines

Invasive tree roots are the biggest culprit when it comes to causing damaged, blocked and broken sewer lines. As the tree roots grow underground they can pass through small cracks into your pipes where they continue to grow. This leads to severe blockages, which in turn results in waste water back up into your home. In addition, they can cause your pipes to break, collapse and need sewer repair Chicago or even a replacement. Older homes have outdated pipes, coming to the end of their lifecycle and so are more susceptible to tree root damage.

Why Tree Root Penetration Happens

Waste water and sewage are a source of nutrition for the tree, as they contain all the nutrients that trees need and it is in a form that can be used by the roots. The roots themselves are underground and when they come to sewage pipes they can pass through any gaps, cracks or openings and penetrate into the pipe. Once inside they continue to grow until they form a blockage. If they don’t penetrate they can wrap around the pipes, the consequence of which is fractured pipes, leaks and other problems to the system.

Defense Against Tree Root Penetration

There is a way to protect against tree root penetration: trenchless pipe repair, which involves pipe lining. This is a minimally invasive technique which will fix your sewer lines and prevent future root penetration.  Lining is where a pipe is created within an existing pipe. This pipe is created out of a special epoxy-impregnated liner, which hardens and cures to form a new pipe within the existing one. It maintains the strength of a new pipe without damaging the existing structure or landscaping. The new pipe creates a strong barrier through which tree roots cant penetrate.

Benefits Of Pipe Lining

Pipe lining also manages a whole host of other problems that may be present in the system, such as: leaks, corrosion and disconnected pipes. breaks, blockages, root intrusion, calcium build-up, water damage, mold, sewer backups and flow capacity. Pipe lining extends the life of your existing pipework for up to 50 years. It is a long term cost effective solution. The alternative to pipe lining is replacement of your sewer line which involves excavation of the floor where the problem is, this is much more expensive and inconvenient and time consuming in comparison to pipe lining.

Sometimes the best course of action is catching the problem early  in the first place. If you have issues such as slow drainage, recurring blockages or clogs and soft sinkholes in your yard, call in the professionals to determine if tree roots are causing the problem. 

Contact us at Chicago Water Connection Inc, our team is experienced and trained, we have the knowledge and skills to keep your sewer line in top condition.