Got Roots In Sewer or Drain…

What Causes Roots To Grow In Sewer or Drain Pipes?

Roots are attracted to water vapor that escapes through cracks or loose joints in sewer & drain pipes. This means roots will move towards and penetrate through cracks, loose joints or any openings in sewer pipes. Once the roots get into the pipe, they feed off the water and began to grow inside the pipe.  This happens even in the winter when trees appear to be dormant!!

Once inside, roots will continue to grow and fill the pipe to create a roots in drain mass that can become matted with grease, paper and other solid matter.  This is what eventually causes a clogged sewer; normally it takes a large root mass in your drain or sewer to finally clog the system.  Once a root clog happens, you will more than likely need a sewer and drain expert like Plumbing Professors® to remove the roots and be sure your sewer, drain and lateral pipe is still structurally sounds and in good working condition.  (We can even epoxy pipe line or CIPP a damaged sewer or drain WITHOUT digging, or use a high pressure water jetter to remove the roots without damaging the pipe!)

If you know you have roots take prompt action to get them under control.  As roots continue to grow within a pipe, they begin to expand and exert pressure at their point of entry.  This can result in a pipe rupture; a ruptured sewer pipe can be very costly to fix or replace.

Signs that a drain or sewer is becoming blocked include slow flowing drains, gurgling sounds from a toilet bowl and wet areas around washing machine floor drains.  Eventually a root that enters the pipe will continue to grow; then it’s only a matter of time before it will become completely blocked and may rupture the pipe.  Do not delay if you suspect you have roots in your drain.

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