Can Tree Roots Damage a Sewer Line Over Time in Las Vegas?

If you’re a Las Vegas homeowner with mature landscaping, you may be wondering if tree roots can damage your sewer line. We’re going to explain how tree root intrusion impacts sewer lines in Las Vegas, common signs you have a sewer line issue, what to do, and more. Read on for a complete guide to tree root sewer damage.

Understanding How Tree Roots Can Damage a Sewer Line Over Time

The underground pipes that make up your sewer line are susceptible to tree root intrusion, which can cause clogs in your main sewer line.

Tree roots are drawn to moisture, so when there’s a small crack or loose joint in your sewer line, the roots often find their way in. Even the tiniest crack can release water vapor into the soil, attracting tree roots to grow toward, and eventually into the line.

Once tree roots have entered the pipe, they don’t stop growing. Over time, the roots will expand and branch out, which can trap debris, like food waste, hair, and grease. Minor intrusions can quickly escalate into full-blown blockages that cause pipe walls to crack further.

In Las Vegas especially, trees can travel farther and more aggressively searching for water in the dry desert soil. Once you have a tree root intrusion problem, you may experience slow drains, backups, or low water pressure at home.

Hydro jetting is one recommended solution used to treat tree root intrusion. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water jets to break through and remove clogs from inside your pipes. Drain snaking is another option, depending on the location and severity of the root intrusion. Professional plumbers can sometimes use a drain snake for drain cleaning in Las Vegas.

The team at BEST Plumbing conducts camera inspections to view the inside of your sewer line in real time, helping to determine the best course of action. Depending on the condition of your pipes, you may need sewer line repair. We offer advanced trenchless options to minimize damage to your property and reduce restoration costs.

Common Signs and Symptoms

How do you know you have tree root intrusion in your sewer line? Here are a few signs that indicate you have a sewer line issue that needs professional service:

• Slow drains: If you have multiple slow drains throughout the house, you may have tree root intrusion. When multiple drains are impacted, it means that the issue lies in the main line.
• Frequent backups: If you experience recurring backups in your sinks, showers, or tubs after clearing them repeatedly, it signals that tree roots may be the underlying cause.
• Gurgling sounds: Gurgling or bubbling noises coming from your drains or toilets mean you may have a partial blockage in your sewer line. It’s an early sign that there may be a deeper issue within your pipes.
• Persistent sewage odors: If your sewer line is cracked or damaged, it can let sewer gases escape into your yard or into your home. If your drains consistently smell unpleasant, it’s worth having your sewer line checked out by a licensed plumber.
• Soggy or sunken areas in the yard: When underground pipes are severely damaged, it can cause surrounding soil to shift or become waterlogged with sewage.

Watch for these signs and symptoms to catch tree root intrusion early. Catching sewer line issues early can help prevent the need for full sewer line replacement.

What Las Vegas Homeowners Should Do

If you suspect that you have tree roots in the sewer line, here’s what to do.

1. Don’t ignore the warning signs: If you experience any of the symptoms we mentioned, do not ignore them and put off calling a professional. Minor tree root intrusion can quickly turn into a major problem
2. Call a licensed plumber: You should call a licensed plumber in Las Vegas as soon as possible for a sewer line camera inspection. The professional plumber will use the camera inspection to pinpoint exactly where the tree root intrusion is and the severity of it.
3. Skip DIY fixes: Root-killing chemicals from big box stores or drain augers might temporarily help relieve the symptoms of tree root intrusion, but they won’t solve the issue of a damaged pipe. The short-term solutions only delay the inevitable pipe deterioration.
4. Ask about repair options: After the camera inspection, the plumber can recommend the best courses of action. These solutions might include hydro jetting, drain cleaning, or trenchless methods, such as pipe lining or pipe bursting.

When to Call BEST

You should never ignore the warning signs of sewer line issues. Putting off an inspection can lead to extensive damage and more costly repairs. Sewer line issues can cause health risks if not taken care of in a timely manner. A professional plumbing company can assess the situation and recommend the best repair option.

If you notice multiple signs of tree root intrusion in your sewer line, it’s time to call BEST at (702) 970-4911 or schedule online.

Schedule with BEST today.