With summer arriving, many homeowners are taking advantage of the nice weather to do landscaping projects in their yards. What they may not be thinking of is how some of their new plants may affect their sewer lines hiding below the surface of their yard. While flower and vegetable gardens will have little affect on their sewer pipes, small seedling trees may cause big problems down the road.
Consider Sewer Lines When Planting New Trees
Trees need water to survive, using their long roots to find the best source of moisture in your yard. Most likely, the most plentiful source of water in your yard will be your sewer or septic pipes. As that tree grows, tree roots will seek out those pipes if they are close enough, working their way in through joints. Eventually, these strong roots can block, crack and break your sewer pipes, causing a seriousproblem.
The best way to avoid this issue is to plant trees as far away from your sewer lines as possible. Also, research the root depth possibilities for the trees you are planting. Many trees can grow roots that are dozens of feet long, making it difficult to keep those roots away from pipes in a smaller yard.
If you already have trees in your yard which are near your sewer or septic lines, keep an eye and nose out for problems. You may notice low level drains becoming slower if there are root blockages in your sewer pipes. If a pipe is cracked, you may notice a distinct odor in your yard, or a wet area above where the pipe is located. Tree root invasion of your sewer lines calls for professional sewer line repairs and should be remedied as soon as possible by calling your local sewer or septic company.
Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Sewer
