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Roots are a common culprit in clogged and damaged sewer lines. If you have trees in your yard, it’s important you understand why this problem occurs and some precautions you can take to protect your sewer line. The root removal team at Service Plus Plumbing in Canterbury, CT, share some tips below to help you avoid a backed-up sewage system.

A Guide to Root Removal & Protecting Your Sewer From Tree Roots

Why It Happens

root removalRoot systems grow outward in search of water, oxygen, and nutrients. If a tree's roots aren't getting enough nutrients in the soil around them, they will continue to seek them out. Unfortunately, the sewer line buried in your yard contains precisely what your tree needs. 

A growing root is powerful enough to break through the plumbing wall, but your line will be at a much more significant risk if it has any cracks in it. The moisture seeping through these fissures attracts the root, then provides an easy route into the pipe. Once the root is inside, it will continue to grow, blocking the line and eventually collapsing the pipe.

How to Prevent It

Determine where your sewer line runs through the yard, so you know if any trees are growing nearby. Try to keep trees at least ten feet away from the pipe, so their roots have some room to spread out without requiring frequent root removal. If you’re going to plant new trees in the yard, choose smaller trees with slow-growing roots. Some good choices include paperbark maple, cypress, or flowering dogwood. Have your plumber conduct a pipe inspection once a year to spot and remove any threatening roots before they become a problem.

If you have been experiencing a slow sewage system, act quickly to save yourself time, money, and a lot of aggravation. If roots are growing into your line, Service Plus Plumbing team will conduct a video inspection to find the problem, then use a water-jetting root removal technique to remove the threat. They offer 24-hour emergency service, so contact them at (860) 234-9346 anytime to schedule one of their skilled plumbers.

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