Most people want to have trees and bushes in their yard, as they help provide shade, increase property value, and improve the aesthetic value of your home. However, depending on where your trees and various other plants are located, they can also become a hazard to your sewer system. Tree roots are naturally attracted to the wastewater in your sewer lines, which acts as a kind of natural fertilizer. Depending on where your roots are located, they may start to grow around or even into your sewer lines, causing destructive clogs and sewage leaks. It’s important to deal with this issue sooner rather than later, or you could end up facing severe property damage. Keep reading to find out the top five signs you’re dealing with root intrusion, and remember that you can call Carter Services for all your essential plumbing needs.

5 Common Indicators That There Are Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line

Strange Smells: One of the top signs of a broken sewer line is the smell of sewage wafting up through your drains. While a sewer smell does not always indicate a break in your line, if you find it permeating not only in one room, but inside and outside of your house, there is a good chance your line is leaking. If this is the case, there is also a good chance that a tree root has infiltrated the line, so you should call a professional plumber to schedule an inspection ASAP.
Clogged Drains: Clogged drains are another one of those plumbing problems that can occur for a myriad of reasons. However, much like the smell of sewage mentioned above, frequent clogged drains around your property may indicate that you’ve got a larger problem on your hands. When tree and shrub roots make their way into your sewage system, this can end up leading to obstructions around your property. Remember, toxic drain cleaners are never a good idea, as they wear down your pipes, and while a drain snake may work for minor clogs, for persistent, severe blockages, professional assistance is usually required.
Frequent Back-Ups: Everyone’s drains and toilet becomes backed up occasionally. However, if wastewater has backed up in your drain lines more than once recently, you may want to call a professional for assistance, as you could be dealing with a sewage leak caused by root intrusion. It is important to keep in mind that sewer water can not only cause a ton of expensive property damage, but that it also presents a serious health risk to anyone who comes in contact with it, so it is essential for everyone in your household that you deal with this issue right away.
Increased Rodent or Insect Activity: Rodents and insects flock to any nasty-smelling areas where filth has built up. As a result, if tree roots have entered one of your sewer lines, causing it to rupture, there is a strong likelihood that rats, mice, and various bugs will soon begin to appear in and around your home. If the presence of vermin and insects has recently increased around your property, make sure to call a plumbing and drain company after you have called a pest control provider to see if you are dealing with a wastewater issue. Rodents and insects are especially likely to show up outside of your house if you are also dealing with…
Moist Patches in Your Yard: Remember when we mentioned that sewer water acts as a natural fertilizer? When roots wrap around and eventually penetrate your sewer lines, wastewater may start to seep into the ground below your property, eventually making its way up to your yard where it will create lush, moist patches in your grass. If you have noticed especially green patches around your yard or little hits of pooling water, call a plumber immediately, as what you are seeing is evidence of the exact spots where root intrusion has occurred.

To schedule sewer line repair today, call Carter Services now at (310) 872-1898. You can also simply click here to request an appointment online.