Root intrusion is one of the most common ways a plumbing system can be damaged. Roots from nearby trees or plants can grow into pipes and cause extensive damage, leading to costly repairs. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to protect your plumbing from root intrusion. This blog post will discuss some of the best ways to keep your system safe.
Install a Root Barrier
One method of preventing root intrusion in plumbing systems is installing root barriers. Root barriers are typically made of a material impervious to roots, such as plastic or concrete. They are installed around the perimeter of an area where root intrusion is likely to occur, such as along a sewer line. The purpose of a root barrier is to physically block roots from growing into the sewer line or other pipes. Root barriers can be an effective method of preventing root intrusion, but they must be properly installed and maintained to be effective.
In addition, root barriers are not always 100% effective, and roots may still find their way into pipes even when a barrier is present. You should have a plumbing company that you can rely on to come and check your root barriers every year to ensure that they are in good condition and effective at preventing root intrusion.
Inspect Your Plumbing System for Any Cracks or Leaks
Regular maintenance and inspections are key when it comes to protecting your plumbing system from root intrusion. By regularly checking for any cracks or leaks in your pipes, you can nip the problem in the bud before it has a chance to cause serious damage. Not only do leaks and cracks waste water, but they can also allow roots to enter the system and cause damage. In addition, leaks can erode the surrounding soil, destabilizing your home’s foundation.
If you do find any cracks or leaks in your plumbing system, it is important to have them repaired as soon as possible by a professional plumbing company in Lighthouse Point, FL. Attempting to repair them yourself could worsen the problem and cause even more damage to your pipes.
Avoid Planting Trees Near Your Plumbing
Planting trees near your plumbing can be a recipe for disaster. Tree roots are attracted to the moisture and nutrients in the soil around pipes and can quickly grow into the piping. Once roots have infiltrated a pipe, they can exert enough pressure to cause the pipe to break or collapse. In addition, roots can block sewage lines and prevent wastewater from flowing freely. As a result, tree roots are one of the leading causes of plumbing problems.
To avoid root intrusion, planting trees at least 10 feet away from buried pipes or sewer lines is best. This simple precaution can help prevent costly repairs and avoid the hassle of dealing with a clogged sewer line.
Maintain Your Landscape
A healthy landscape is not only aesthetically pleasing but can also play an important role in preventing root intrusion in plumbing systems. Roots are attracted to moisture and can quickly grow into pipes in search of water.
To prevent roots from entering pipes, it is important to maintain a buffer zone between the pavement’s edge and the landscaping’s start. This buffer zone should be free of vegetation and slope away from the pavement to encourage water to drain away from the edge of the pavement. By taking these simple steps, you can help to prevent roots from damaging your plumbing system.
Sealing and Insulating the Pipes
One method that can be used to prevent root intrusion in plumbing systems is sealing and insulating the pipes. This can be done by coating the outside of the pipe with a root-resistant material or by wrapping the pipe in an insulation sleeve. This will create a barrier that roots will be unable to penetrate. In addition, insulating the pipes will help protect them from temperature extremes, which can also damage and break the pipe. When using this method to prevent root intrusion, it is important to regularly check the sealant and insulation to ensure that it is still effective. You can schedule an appointment with a professional plumbing company in Lighthouse Point, FL, to have your pipes inspected and sealed every few years to ensure they are still protected from root intrusion.
Regularly Cleaning Your Drains
Drainage systems are an important part of any plumbing system, and it is important to keep them clean to prevent root intrusion. By regularly cleaning your drains, you will help to remove any organic material that roots may be attracted to. Most of the things you flush down the drain, such as hair and food, will decompose and release nutrients into the soil that roots can use to grow. In addition, by regularly cleaning your drains, you will help to remove any buildup of grease or soap scum that could provide a foothold for roots to enter the pipe.
You should hire a plumbing company to clean your drains at least once a year. A plumbing company will have the necessary equipment to effectively clean your drains and remove any future blockages that could cause problems.
Don’t Wait Until Root Intrusion Causes Havoc in Your Home
The best way to deal with root intrusion in plumbing systems is to prevent it from happening in the first place. By taking some simple precautions, you can help to protect your pipes from damage. If you have noticed signs of root intrusion, such as slow drains or clogged sewer lines, it is important to act quickly and contact a professional plumbing company. A plumbing company will inspect your pipes and determine the best action to take to prevent further damage.
We Are the Plumbers You Can Rely On!
If you are concerned about root intrusion in your plumbing system, or if you have already noticed signs of damage, MainLine Plumbing can help. We are a professional plumbing company serving the Lighthouse Point, FL area for many years. We can inspect your plumbing system and determine the best action to take to prevent further damage. We also offer various other plumbing services, such as drain cleaning, leak detection, and pipe repair. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We are the plumbing company you can rely on!
Author Bio:
Andrew Dilaurenzio
The primary contact at Mainline Plumbing Service, you can contact Mainline Plumbing Service by phone using this number 954-466-9803. They provide 100% guaranteed customer service. They do it all. Water heaters, sewer camera video inspection, drain cleaning, slab leak repairs, leak detection, sewer line repairs, and much more.