If your home or property is located in a wooded area, chances are, you’ll end up with a tree root problem in your drain pipes. When this happens, it results in a blockage, which typically restricts the flow of water and wastes down the drain pipes.
Perhaps, you’re wondering if there’s a safe way to get rid of tree roots from your drain pipes or sewer line without breaking the pipes or replacing them. The good news is that there’s indeed an effective method for eliminating tree roots invasion in your sewer line. This is where hydro jetting comes into play. So, yes – hydro jetting does work for tree roots. But before we dive into that, let’s look at some tell-tale signs of tree roots in your drain pipes.
How do I know if tree roots are growing in my sewer line?
Trees naturally love moisture, and if you live in an area with lots of trees, you may have to brace yourself for this. In fact, tree roots are one of the major causes of drain clogs in many American homes, if not the number one reason. Over time, they’ll spread far into the sewer line, causing clogs, which may eventually lead to a sewer backup.
Here are some tell-tale signs of tree roots growing in your sewer line:
Sinkholes in your yard: Sinkholes in your yard are more or less a definitive sign that tree roots have made their way into your sewer lines. You want to act fast once you notice this.
Gurgling drain sounds: When you hear gurgling sounds emanating from your toilets, especially when you flush, you can tell that water is not flowing well. This is not a conclusive indication of tree roots invasion, but it is a sign that characterizes the presence of tree roots.
Strong odors around the building: When you notice a foul smell somewhere around the outside of the house, that can be a sign of your clogged pipe, which can also be due to the presence of tree roots.
Keep in mind that tree roots take years to spread through drain pipes, so it literally would take a few years of neglecting your drain pipes to give enough room for tree roots to clog your drain line. Here, you see the importance of routine maintenance checks, which is recommended at least once every year.
What can I do to get rid of tree roots in my sewer line?
Call your local sewer and drain specialist. You may perform preliminary investigations using the tips above to confirm your suspicions. However, proffering a solution to the problem requires the experience and expertise of a trusted sewer and drain specialist.
Note that if you do not take action immediately, chances are, the problem will escalate. During high heat seasons, for instance, the tree roots will begin to expand inside the pipes. Soon enough, the pipes will crack, leading to spillage. That can be an ugly situation, and considering that you need to replace the pipes, the cost of fixing the problem immediately goes up.
So, can hydro-jetting clean out tree roots?
Yes, hydro jetting is an excellent declogging method that works for a variety of sewer and drain line issues. Among other drain cleaning services, hydro jetting stands out as the best option – and for very good reasons.
Hydro jetting works for several drain clog materials like general debris, food particles, and tree roots. It has been shown to be effective for freeing up slow-moving drains and other kinds of stubborn blockage in drain lines, including the removal of tree roots. One of the most significant advantages of using hydro-jetting to clean out clogged pipes is that you can apply it both in commercial and residential buildings.
How does hydro-jetting remove tree roots from sewer lines?
Hydro-jetting makes use of high-pressured water to flush out tree roots in drain lines. It does not use any mechanical or chemical cleaning methods. It only uses pressurized water! With water at pressure of about 4000 psi, even the most stubborn tree roots can be dislodged from the walls of the pipes. But before the process begins, the sewer and drain specialist you’ve invited will run an inspection camera through the drain line.
This allows them to identify the exact spot in the pipes where the tree roots are located. Once this is ascertained, the actual drain cleaning begins. So, the drain specialists inserts a nozzle into the drainpipe, turn on the machine, and water flows at a very high speed to dislodge any tree roots in the drains. Since hydro-jetting is versatile, it can course freely and easily through the pipes.
Does hydro-jetting break pipes?
Unfortunately, hydro-jetting can actually damage your drain pipes. In other words, it is not always the best drain cleaning solution. This is why you need to consult with a sewer and drain specialist for professional guidance. It is also why the technician initially inserts a camera to spot the location of the clog to get a physical confirmation of the roots.
Generally, hydro-jetting may not work for old pipes, pipes with poor seals, and those made of thin metal or PVC plastic. You can be sure that there’ll not be any damage if the pipes are well-constructed with tight seals and their insides are coated with an epoxy protective solution.
Contact NW Sewer & Drains if tree roots clog your drains
Do you have tree roots clogging up your sewer line? Or perhaps, you want to run a general inspection of your sewer and drain system. Feel free to reach out to us at NW Sewer & Drain, and we’ll be right at your doorstep. For more than 20 years, we have provided top-notch drain cleaning services to our clients.
Our hydro-jetting solution is highly effective in clearing sewer and drain lines of all kinds of debris and clogs. We are not only reliable but also affordable. We primarily service residential and commercial properties in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Shoreline, Renton, Lake Forest Park, Mountlake Terrace, Auburn, etc. If you are looking for an affordable and reliable hydro jetting service? Contact us today at 206-931-7728 to schedule an inspection of your drain lines.