What Type Of Trees Cause The Most Damage To Sewer Lines?

When it comes to homeowner maintenance, plumbing and sewer lines shouldn't be overlooked. Sewer lines can suffer damages from a variety of forms, such as tree roots, clogs, and pipe shifts. But when it comes to tree damage, certain types of trees are often the culprit. Here, we'll look at what types of trees cause the most damage to sewer lines, and what homeowners can do to protect their pipes from tree roots.

Tree Root Invasion

The leading cause of compromised sewer lines is tree root invasion. When a tree's roots spread, they'll often find their way into pipes and cause blockages, breaks, and other costly issues. Depending on the type of tree, the root invasion can build up over time, eventually leading to a broken sewer line.

The most common trees responsible for sewer line damage are maple, willow, box elder, and birch trees. While these trees are also among the most beautiful and popular across North America, their roots spread quickly and aggressively, which can easily cause damage to underground utility lines. Oak trees are also commonly responsible for sewer line damage, as their roots can be particularly strong and dense.

Sewer Line Damage

Tree roots invading sewer lines can cause a variety of issues. Tree roots can get stuck in the pipes, causing blockages and buildup. These blockages can lead to backups and overflows, as well as a drop in your water pressure. In some cases, tree root invasion can also cause the pipe to burst, which is both expensive and messy to fix. It's important to note that your insurance company may not cover this damage if it can be linked to tree root invasion.

Inspecting for tree root invasion can help you identify potential problems before they become unmanageable. If your home is located near a large tree, it's a good idea to have a plumbing inspection done every year or two to ensure that your sewer lines are clear from tree roots.

Clogged Sewer Lines

In addition to tree root invasion, sewer lines can also be clogged by other debris. Common causes of clogged sewer lines include grease buildup, foreign objects, and hair. It's important to note that tree roots aren't the only problem when it comes to clogged sewer lines; other debris can also block water flow or cause buildup.

Prevention is always the best remedy when it comes to plumbing issues, so make sure to monitor your water line regularly. If you notice a drop in water pressure or drainage, it's important to have it inspected right away to avoid further damage. Any suspicious clogs or obstructions should be removed as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs.

When it comes to sewer line damage, it's important to identify and act quickly. Tree root invasion can be particularly difficult to detect, as it often occurs slowly and is difficult to monitor. However, if you keep an eye out for tell-tale signs such as blockages and decreased water pressure, you can often prevent more serious issues from occurring. If your home is located near trees, make sure to inspect your sewer lines every few years, and remove any dangerous roots before they cause more damage.