Most of us have trees in our yards. They provide shade, food, and privacy; their beauty enhances the curb appeal of our homes. However, in some instances, your trees could be the cause of a plumbing nightmare.

A sewer line is a drain that transports wastewater and waste materials from our homes into the city’s sewer system. When a sewer line becomes blocked or damaged, it can cause all kinds of problems, including persistent clogs, bad odors, and sewage backup into sinks, toilets, and showers. These problems are not only capable of causing property damage to your home, but they can also create a health risk for you and your family.

There are many ways a sewer line can become blocked or damaged. Clogs can result from accumulations of grease, human hair, paper towels, food waste like bones and fruit rinds, and other materials. Sewer lines can become damaged due to age, corrosion, or movements in the ground, such as soil erosion or seismic activity.

Tree Roots are a Common Cause of Sewer Line Problems

You may be surprised to hear this, but tree roots are one of the most common causes of sewer line damage and blockages in Pomona. Tree roots are attracted to sources of water and nutrients. Your home’s sewer line offers both.

Thin, hairlike tree roots can infiltrate sewer lines through even the smallest of cracks and holes. Once inside the sewer line, they begin to grow in the water and nutrient-rich environment. As more roots penetrate the sewer line, they can reduce flow and create blockages in the pipe. As the roots grow in diameter, they place pressure on the sewer pipe, causing small cracks and holes to expand and enlarge, leading to major damage.

Preventing Tree Root Infiltration of Your Sewer Line

There are many steps local homeowners can take to prevent root-related sewer line problems. Installing root barriers made of materials tree roots can’t penetrate can provide effective protection. Certain chemical treatments can also be applied to inhibit root growth.

Be careful about what species of trees you plant in your yard. Any tree can sprout roots that can damage a sewer line; however, some species are worse than others. Avoid planting trees with fast-growing, aggressive root systems, such as sycamores, silver maples, willows, oaks, and elms that have. Plant any tree at least ten feet away from a sewer line.

Sewer Line Repairs for Root-Related Damage

If you’ve been experiencing persistent clogs, bad odors, and other symptoms that indicate there’s a problem with your sewer line, get in touch with Preferred Plumbing and Rooter Service without delay. We’ve been delivering expert sewer line inspection, maintenance, and repair services to homeowners in Pomona and throughout the Inland Valley since 2016. We provide the latest in video inspections, hydrojetting drain cleaning, and sewer line repair methods, including trenchless sewer line repairs.

Our team of licensed Pomona plumbing contractors possess the experience and equipment to repair just about any sewer line damage. Hydrojetting can clear even the most stubborn blockages, including tree root infiltration. Techniques like repiping and trenchless sewer line repairs allow us to replace a damaged sewer line without the need for messy and expensive excavation.

You can contact Preferred Plumbing and Rooter Service through our website or call us at (877) 298-8105 to schedule a visit from our team of Pomona plumbing professionals.