While trees can make your property look more inviting and help shade your home on hot summer days, they can also cause nightmares for your sewer lines. This is the case for all types of trees. So, regardless if you’re planning on planting a willow, oak, or pine tree, all their roots have the potential to wreak havoc on your vital sewer lines.
Why do tree lines cause problems for sewer lines?
These lines contain water and nutrients that tree roots actually seek out. If there is already a crack or opening in your sewer line, it’s only a matter of time before tree or shrub roots begin growing into it.
Once the roots grow into your sewer lines, they can prevent the proper flow of sewage materials away from your home. This can lead to dangerous and expensive backups into your home via drains and toilets.
How do I know if I have trees by a sewer line?
You will need to locate the sewer cleanout access point on your property. If you have one, it will likely be located near your foundation. If you live in an older home, you may not have a sewer cleanout installed. They weren’t always a requirement for home builders.
If you aren’t sure whether you have an access point on your property, you can contact the water department for your city. They will be able to send someone to your home to help you locate the access point if it exists.
Once you’ve determined the location of your sewer cleanout access points, make note of any trees that are already planted on your property in close proximity to them. If trees are nearby, it may be a good idea to have a sewer line inspection performed. This will enable you to tell whether any tree roots have invaded your sewer lines.
What if I have a sewer line that has been damaged by a tree root?
If it’s determined that you have a sewer line invasion, the tree and roots will need to be removed before they cause additional damage. Once this part of the problem has been taken care of, you will need to have your impacted sewer line repaired. If the damage is severe, the piping in the section will likely need to be replaced.
Interested in protection for sewer line issues?
Sewer and water line repairs needed because of tree root growth can be expensive, and it can be difficult to find someone to take care of the problem in a timely manner. That’s why we offer an Outside Sewer and Outside Water Line Protection Plan for homeowners.
The plan provides up to $14,000 in repair coverage per year for single-family homeowners:
- Up to $4,000 to repair, replace, or clear clogs and blockages for outside sewer lines.
- Up to $4,000 to repair leaks or breaks for outside water lines.
- Up to $4,000 for outside sewer lines and up to $1,000 for outside water lines in public sidewalk/driveway/road opening repairs.
- Up to $500 for landscape restoration reimbursement related to covered water line repairs and up to $500 for landscape restoration reimbursement related to covered sewer line repairs.
Certain exclusions apply. For more details of the Outside Sewer and Outside Water Line Protection Plan, see the Customer Agreement.
Ready to learn more?
Please call us at 888-801-5057 to learn more, or fill out our online contact form and someone will be in touch with you shortly.