One of the most common problems
of drain pipes and sewer pipes becoming clogged or cracking is tree roots. There is usually a crack, hole, or separation along and inside the pipe causing it to leak. Any moisture leak from a cast iron, clay, or PVC pipe attracts root intrusion and thus clogging up the pipe.
When warm water is allowed to flow in a drainage pipe that creates condensation on the pipe’s exterior of the buried pipe. The mixture of moisture and the humidity creates a perfect environment for roots to grow. Tree roots can travel long, unbelievable distances. They travel under roadways and structure seeking moisture. When they find a concentration of moisture like that from a drain or sewer pipe leak, it begins to grow even more in that area.
And The Roots Just Keep Going
And they don’t stop at growing around the pipes, they also will find even the smallest crack, hole, or separation and the hair-size roots enter the pipe and begin to grow inside. They expand and keep growing, more roots come from that root and all that growth is intruding inside the pipe.
The first step many will take has the drain and sewer pipes cleaned out. This is usually done by with jet powered water, mechanical snakes or rooter equipment, and/or chemicals. The hope is that these roots will die out and not cause the pipe to collapse and fail.
Pipe Lining Is the Better Solution
Today, contractors and plumbers have a process of lining sewer and drain pipes with a seamless “sleeve” or liner seal. This eliminates water leaks in the system and the attraction and supports any root growth is ended. This is often referred to as pipe rehabilitation and is performed only after the pipe has been cleaned out. This liner method is done trenchless, which means the landscape or roadways are not torn up during the process. It has proven to be less expensive as well as longer lasting.