Tree roots can be a big problem for sewer lines.A common rule of thumb when planning the building of a home or other structure is to ensure that all septic tanks are at least 100 feet away from trees.
However, due to oversight or simply not enough space, there are times where this rule is not applied and roots can wreak havoc on your pipe systems.
How do I know if my sewer line is broken?
When too close to the home, tree roots can be strong enough to bend or even break pipes leading to the septic tank.
In some instances the tree roots can actually expand and begin to grow into the pipes, which may take longer to notice and even longer to repair.
If you have been noticing some issues with the functioning of your septic tank or sewer lines, and think it may be due to a tree root, we suggest searching for the following signs:
Moist Soil and Land
If you have a septic tank and the land (plants, dirt, soil, etc) found near your septic tank is moister than usual, it’s a good indication that your septic tank has been broken. Once the tank breaks water escapes from the tank, leaving you with extra soft ground.
Foul Smell
A foul smell is probably the most obvious (and noticeable) sign that something is wrong with the septic tank. Once your pipe is broken not only is water escaping, but also the waste, causing a less than desirable smell.
Green Grass Sprouting
Combine the excess water, the compost, (in this case human waste) and the nutrients that come from the tree root itself and you have the perfect atmosphere to grow. However, we highly suggest finding other, more convenient, ways to start your own garden.
Everything Goes a Bit Slower
If it seems like your toilet is taking a bit too long to flush, or your drains aren’t draining quite as fast as before, you may have roots blocking the system.
You can attempt to manually unclog but if it is in fact a tree doing the damage you will be needing the services of a professional sewer cleaning plumber.
Now that you have established whether or not you have a root problem, you may find yourself with other questions.
How much does a sewer cost?
We are frequently asked the cost of replacing your sewer. This will directly reflect on how much of the sewer needs to be replaced.
Your septic tank has three major pieces; your tank, your waste pipe, and your distribution pipe.
In some cases one or two of these can be salvaged, however if the missing piece is not properly installed with the older pieces then you can expect even more damage.
Prices will vary depending on what service you use, but on average you are looking at about $3,000-$6,000, or rather $50-$100 per foot.
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing we are more than happy to guide you through every step of replacing your sewer system.
We will come out and assess the problem, speak to you on exactly what needs fixing and how we plan on going about it, and finally we will do the work to make sure your sewer tank is correctly repaired.