How Plumbers Help Keep Roots From Bursting Pipes
Trees are a beautiful addition to any yard but they often come at a fairly high price to your plumbing. Very often, they find their way inside of pipes and cause them to burst. Thankfully, plumbers can help you manage this destructive situation.
Tree Roots Are A Common Cause of Bursting Pipes
What may surprise many people is that tree roots are one of the most common causes of burst pipes in a back yard. There are a few reasons for this regularity. First of all, tree roots are common in a wide range of backyards. They are also among the strongest and most persistent of all growing objects. Once they decide to go somewhere, they are hard to stop. Even worse, they love to seek out pipes and make their home inside of them whenever possible.
Why Tree Roots Seek Out Pipes
There are several reasons that tree roots like to invade sewer pipes and cause them to burst. Understanding these reasons can make your plumbing situation easier. The biggest reason is that they detect the nutrients, warmth, and water that are inside of sewer pipes. As a result, they grow towards them instinctively.
If they can find a hole to break open, they will do so. If not, they will push against the pipe heavily and try to invade it in any way possible. And once inside, they will continue to grow and take up room inside of the pipe. This can then cause the pipe to burst as the roots get too big to be contained. Avoiding this frustration requires the professional work of a plumber.
Dealing With This Problem
There are several ways that plumbers can help a homeowner deal with this frustrating problem. The first step is to identify where the tree roots are getting into the pipes, carefully removing the affected pipes, replacing them, and redirecting the roots. This last step requires placing a strong barrier underground, such a cement wall, that pushes the roots away from the pipes.
It is also important to pay attention to tell-tale signs that the roots have gotten back into the pipes anyway. This isn't likely to happen, but if it does, you need to call a plumber again to inspect the pipes. Typically, you should notice a lack of water flow that is making it more difficult to get water to your home. You should also notice a gurgling noise coming from the drain.
If tree roots keep affecting your sewer pipes in the yard, it may be time to call a plumber to do a major replacement job. This may be a costly procedure, but it is one that can protect your plumbing system by relocating your pipes and making them harder to invade.