Common Plumbing Problems in the Spring

Is Your Landscape Hurting Your Plumbing? 

Many people consider spring the best time of year, but it can present some unique challenges for homeowners. With seasonal rains and stable temperatures, the plants and turf in the landscape around the home burst forth with rapid growth. While this sets the stage for the beauty of spring, deep underground, this surge of growth could be wreaking havoc on underground plumbing. 

Plumbing problems can happen at any time of the year, but some problems tend to manifest during certain seasons. Here is a quick guide to dealing with a common spring plumbing problem. 

Invasive Tree Roots 

A new network of roots has to form on every plant to feed the flowering and growth of grass, trees, and shrubs. As plants compete for nutrients during the spring, more and more roots seek new sources of nutrition. When plumbing lines, especially sewer lines, are damaged, roots are likely to seek the home’s sewage or runoff as a source of nutrients. Once the roots sense the presence of fresh energy sources, they will rapidly grow in the direction from which the nutrients come. This means a huge surge of growth right into sewer pipes or underground plumbing. The resulting tangle of roots can have huge implications for the home’s plumbing. 

Complications From Invasive Tree Roots 

Tree roots can only invade sewer lines when the line is compromised. However, once the tree roots are inside the pipe, they rapidly expand, causing more damage. This creates a cascade that compromises the pipe, so more roots feed off the effluent inside. The most common complication resulting from this situation is massive sewer clogs. As the bolus of tree roots starts to form, homeowners may notice that toilets have trouble flushing and drains drain a little more slowly. After a few days, sewage may return to the home at the lowest points, like floor drains or first-floor bathtubs. 

If the roots in the sewer line don’t cause immediate clogs, they can still cause other complications. With a damaged sewer line, sewage is more likely to leak out. This can cause backyard flooding through vigorous turf growth or standing sewage. While these problems are gross, they are surprisingly easy to deal with. 

Solutions for Root Blockages 

The best method for dealing with invasive trees and plant roots is prevention. Not allowing roots to invade a pipe means homeowners never have to worry about the resulting problems. This can be done by repairing sewer line problems quickly and installing root barriers around underground plumbing. Additionally, limiting the number of trees and shrubs in the path of the sewer line is a good idea. 

If tree roots are already in the line, there are two main solutions. Drain snakes are powerful drills that can cut through the toughest clogs. Hydro jets are a more modern approach that uses high-pressure water to do the same thing. By scheduling a professional for drain cleaning, the blockage can be removed, and sewer line repairs can be completed so the problem doesn’t return. 

About All Clear Plumbing

All Clear Plumbing works efficiently and honestly to provide plumbing solutions. This family-owned company offers prompt service and makes a no-mess guarantee. Call today for plumbing service in Belleville, NJ. 

Contact Information:

All Clear Plumbing

54 Greylock Ave
Belleville, NJ 07109
United States

Ivan Gonzalez
(973) 450-8660
https://www.allclearnj.com/