Everyone knows that Toronto is full of beautiful trees along its streets and in its green spaces, but all those trees can harbour a secret danger to your home’s plumbing system. Perhaps the most overlooked and frequent reason for sewer clogs is the invasion of tree roots. At Santos Water Service & Drain, we have seen homeowners who were annoyed by slow drains and backed-up sewers, only to discover that tree roots were the problem. Knowing this issue and how to prevent it can save you a lot of panic and expensive maintenance.
How Tree Roots Invade Sewer Lines
Tree roots naturally seek out water and nutrients. Sewer lines, especially older ones made from clay or cast iron, can develop small cracks or joints that allow roots to enter. Once inside, the roots can grow with such abandon that they eventually form thick mats, clogging wastewater flows. Over time, this can lead to:
Drains Slow: Water drains slowly in your sink, tub or toilet.
Backup: Toilets or showers can back up, creating an occasionally unpleasant smell.
Sewage Backflow: Major clogs can cause sewage to flow back into your home or yard.
The situation is acute in Toronto, where the aging infrastructure of older neighbourhoods makes them especially vulnerable. Root invasion is more likely in homes with mature trees near sewer lines.
Signs You May Have Tree Root Problems
Tree root problems are not always readily apparent. Here are some warning signs to be on the lookout for:
Funny Water Sounds: Interesting noises from drains or toilets typically accompany a blockage.
Clogs in other drains: If more than one drain is draining slowly, it’s a sign that roots are likely the problem.
Foul smells: Those constant sewer smells coming from your yard or basement could be a sign of buildup.
Constant backups: Regular overflows or clogs are an early warning sign of root invasion.
Prevention and Solutions
Avoiding root-caused sewer clogs is a matter of good landscaping and maintenance:
Regular checks: A CCTV inspection of your sewer can detect root growth before it becomes a significant issue.
Root barriers: Add physical root barriers to keep roots from entering sewer lines.
Professional cleaning: Root blockages can be cleared by hydro jetting and root removal.
Repipe: A complete replacement of old, clay, or damaged pipes with new PVC will prevent future invasions if the issues are more severe and frequent.
At Santos Water Service & Drain, we specialize in diagnosing and eliminating tree root stoppages. Our equipment is top-of-the-line, and we ensure that we clean your sewer to keep your home’s plumbing working efficiently.
Don’t Let Tree Roots Take Over
Tree roots, despite being invisible, can be the bane of your sewer system. Failing to address the problem will only result in costly repairs and a whole lot of hassle. Taking stock of the risk and addressing it promptly can help homeowners in Toronto preserve their homes and enjoy the benefits of mature trees without plumbing headaches.
If you think tree roots are causing trouble for your sewer lines, call Santos Water Service & Drain now. Our professionals can inspect, diagnose, and resolve your sewer problems quickly, so you can get back to enjoying your unclogged plumbing.