How Tree Roots Affect Your Septic System
Trees are a wonderful addition to your property. The bright foliage and springtime blooms offer gorgeous scenery, and the outreaching canopies provide comforting shade. But, what’s happening below ground that you can’t see?
Unfortunately, trees can be a hazard for your septic system.
This article discusses how tree roots affect your septic system, as well as what you can do about it. You’ll understand the concerns, signs of tree root infiltration, and steps that you need to take if you suspect that you have roots in your pipes. In addition, you will learn what you can do to prevent tree root damage to your septic system.
Let’s begin.
Here’s Why Tree Roots Are a Threat to Your Septic System
Tree roots naturally seek out moisture to provide valuable nutrients for the tree. Unfortunately, your septic field is often moist and nutrient-dense. This attracts tree roots, which can lead to serious complications for your septic system.
Because roots are attracted to your septic field, they can become entwined in your pipes, septic drain field, and septic tank. This can lead to leaks, blockages, and structural damage. Unfortunately, you may be dealing with expensive and inconvenient repairs.
5 Signs Roots May Be Damaging Your Septic System
If you have trees near your septic field, then you need to know what to look for. Early recognition is essential to prevent serious complications and expensive repair bills. By looking for signs of root infiltration, you can address the problem before it grows.
Here are a few signs that tree roots may be growing into your septic system:
- Slow draining
- Gurgling drains, pipes, toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers
- Foul odors in your drains or lawn
- Sewage backups into your sinks, tubs, and showers
- Standing water or lush green grass over your drain field
When you’re dealing with one or more of these problems and you have trees in your lawn, then you may have tree roots that are affecting your septic system. It’s important that you reach out to a septic professional right away for a detailed inspection. Your septic expert can help you find the source of the problem, whether it’s tree roots or another issue.
How Do Roots Get in Your Pipes?
Roots are attracted to the water and nutrients carried by your septic system pipes. Sometimes, these pipes develop minor cracks or loose joints over time. This allows the wastewater to leak out, attracting tree roots. The tree roots then grow toward the moisture inside of the pipes. With high moisture and nutrient content, the inside of your pipes is the perfect environment for tree roots to grow.
The roots will continue to grow, leading to blockages and damage within your sewer pipes. This will lead to poor drainage, inadequate waste filtration in your drain field, and sewage backups. It’s important to address root infiltration right away to prevent long-term damage and costly repairs.
Can You Prevent Tree Root Infiltration?
The best way to keep tree roots out of your septic system is by keeping trees away from your septic field. You should never plant trees over your drain field, and you should plant them as far away from the area as possible. Without trees near your septic system, you won’t have to worry about roots growing into the pipes.
There are also root barriers and chemicals that some homeowners choose to use for their septic systems. You should consult with a septic professional before adding any chemicals or additions to your septic system. With professional guidance, you can be confident that your septic needs are addressed safely and effectively.
Here’s Why You Need to Act Quickly
If you suspect that tree roots may be infiltrating your septic system, then you need to act quickly to find a solution. Tree roots will grow quickly and effectively in the wet, nutrient-dense environment of your septic system. You will want to address any minor issues right away before they grow into serious, costly concerns.
When left alone, tree roots will continue to grow throughout your septic system. This can lead to damage in the drain field, pipes, and septic tank. You may develop damaged pipes, sewage backups, and inadequate drainage. Not only can these problems be expensive to repair, but they can also lead to damage and unwanted burdens on your property.
Instead of facing poor drainage, sewage backups, health hazards, and expensive repair bills, get professional assistance immediately when you suspect that you have tree roots in your septic system.
What Should You Do If You Have Roots in Your Septic System?
The moment you suspect that roots may be blocking your septic system, you need to contact a trusted septic company. You will need professional guidance to remove the roots and prevent them from growing back.
Your septic experts can help you determine the best repair plan. Whether a pipe needs to be replaced or you need septic drain field restoration, you can trust that your septic system will be working properly in no time. Just reach out to a local team – such as our reputable crew here at FreeFlow Environmental – to get started with your septic system repair.
Review: Here’s What You Need to Know About Tree Roots & Septic Systems
Tree roots are attracted to the moisture and nutrients in your septic system. If you have a pipe that is leaking or slightly cracked, then tree roots will quickly infiltrate your pipes and grow. This leads to backups, slow draining, gurgling drains, foul odors, and pooling wastewater in your lawn. If you notice any of these problems, you need to call a septic professional right away. Your septic team will help you find the best option to restore your septic system and protect your property.
Call FreeFlow Environmental Today for Septic Care You Can Count On!
If you are concerned about how tree roots affect your septic system or if you have another concern, you’ve come to the right place. FreeFlow Environmental is your local septic expert, and we’re ready to help today. Just contact us now, and we will start with a non-invasive septic inspection. We’ll find the source of your problems and deliver a solution that you can trust. Contact FreeFlow Environmental today to get started.
