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For expert plumbing services, including sewer lateral maintenance and addressing tree root damage, call (973) 748-0141 for assistance.
Mature trees enhance landscapes with their beauty and shade, but they can also lead to significant tree root damage to sewer pipes. The roots are drawn to sewer pipes because they offer a desirable environment filled with water, nutrients, and oxygen—essential elements for tree growth. In addition to sewer blockages and backups caused by FOGG (fats, oils, grease, and grit), tree roots growing inside sewer pipes are among the most costly plumbing services required by our customers. Roots from trees on private property and parkways throughout the service area contribute to many of the sanitary sewer service backups and damaged sewer pipes we face in our community.
Every homeowner is responsible for sewer lateral maintenance—the pipe connecting household sewer systems to the main sewer line, typically located in the street. Since these pipes are buried and often hidden from view, homeowners may not recognize potential issues in their laterals until it’s too late.
The warm water flow inside sewer pipes causes vapor to seep into the cooler surrounding soil, attracting tree roots to follow the vapor back to its source. This source often stems from a crack or loose joint in the pipes. Once tree roots penetrate these openings, they rapidly grow toward the abundant nutrients and moisture. Inside the pipe, these roots can form hair-like masses that may trap household fats, oils, grease, grit, and tissue paper, significantly impacting sewer lateral maintenance.
A warning sign of trouble from roots is slow-draining systems. Homeowners may first notice this when they hear gurgling sounds from their toilets. If the situation is ignored, it can lead to a total blockage. As roots continue to thrive, they exert pressure at the entry points, which can break the pipe and may result in its total collapse. Severely damaged pipes due to root intrusion will necessitate replacement.
Homeowners should be mindful of the location of their sewer laterals and cleanout pipes, avoiding planting certain types of trees and hedges near sewer lines. It's advisable to place trees at least 10 feet away from sewer lines to reduce the risk of root damage. Selecting smaller, slow-growing plant species with less aggressive root systems can help ensure that they remain manageable within their planting areas.
If tree roots infiltrate your lateral, they are likely to cause eventual blockages. The most effective preventive measure is scheduling regular cleaning of your sewer lateral. Common plumbing services for removing roots from sanitary sewer lines include augers, root saws, and high-pressure jetting. It's also crucial to maintain the structural integrity of your sewer lateral; any weakness can provide roots a gateway into your system. Resolute offers video inspections, root removal from lateral sewer lines, maintenance, and lateral replacement services to proactively safeguard against tree root damage.