Tree & Shrub Roots Can Cause Big Problems with Your Sewer & Drain Lines

Words of advice for home owners in Jasper, Huntingburg, Germantown, Evanston, and other Southwestern Indiana Communities

Mature trees add beauty and shade to landscapes, but their roots can cause extensive damage to sewer pipes. Roots grow into the pipes because they like it there! Sewer pipes contain water, nutrients and oxygen…the essential elements for tree and shrub growth and overall health.

Aside from resulting blockages and backups, root invasion can lead to expensive repairs…or perhaps even total sewer lines replacement.

The flow of warm water inside sewer pipes causes vapor to escape to the cooler soil surrounding the pipe. Tree roots grow toward the vapor to the point of its source. The source of the vapor is usually a crack in the pipes or a loose joint. Once the tree roots reach the crack or loose joint, they will grow through the opening to reach the plentiful nutrients and moisture inside. Once inside the pipe, the roots will continue to grow and, if not disturbed, they will eventually fill the pipe with hair-like root masses. These masses can act as a net as they catch household fats, oils, grease, grit (FOGG), tissue paper, and other debris flowing through your drain lines.

How can you tell if you already have problems with root invasion?  An early warning sign is a gurgling sound from your toilet that accompanies a slower-than-normal flush.

As roots continue to grow, they expand and exert pressure at the crack or joint where they entered the pipe. That pressure can eventually break the pipe or cause it to collapse beyond repair.

There are two things you can do to prevent future growth while correcting minor root invasion before the problem gets any worse:

• Contact Messmer Mechanical today to order a supply of Root X.  It’s an organic root killer that also prevents future root growth inside your pipes.  It’s also chemical free and won’t damage your tree or shrub roots.
• Next, be careful where you plan your next tree or shrub.  Just be sure it’s not close to your sewer drainage line.

If you’re concerned about damage that might already (or soon could be) causing you problems, contact Messmer Mechanical today and request our inline video inspection service.  That way, we can tell you exactly what, if anything, is going on.

You can also order Root X directly from us as it is not available in supermarkets.  We look forward to our next opportunity to serve your home plumbing needs.

812-482-6766
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