If you have large trees on your property, then you need to keep an eye out for any signs that the roots might be damaging your pipes. As those roots continue to grow, they could crack or clog your pipes, and that will be a very difficult problem to fix if you don’t take care of it right away.
Slow Drains
Practically everyone will have to deal with slow drains at least a few times over the years, and that plumbing issue is usually caused by a small clog. That being said, you could have a much bigger problem if multiple drains throughout your home are slow. When multiple drains are slow or completely backed up at the same time, then you probably have a major clog in your sewage line.
Sinkholes
Sinkholes are more common than most people realize, and that issue is sometimes caused by damaged pipes. When a pipe is clogged with roots, the leaking water could saturate the nearby soil. Over time, that might result in the soil collapsing multiple feet. While you might be able to fix the sinkhole yourself, the damaged pipe will need to be replaced by a professional plumber.
Unpleasant Odors
One of the most common side effects of a damaged sewage line is an unpleasant odor. That odor might be noticeable inside your home, but it will typically be much more pungent out in your yard where the sewage line has been damaged. Another place where the odor might be particularly bad is inside your basement. As soon as you notice any overwhelming smells on your property, you should immediately contact a plumber for emergency repairs.
Drop in Your Water Pressure
In addition to damaging sewage lines, tree roots can also make their way into water supply lines. If that occurs, then you will probably notice a gradual decline in the water pressure throughout your home. When the roots have completely filled the water supply line, you might not be able to get anything more than a few drips from your faucets, spigots, and showerheads. Some people also notice that their dishwashers and washing machines no longer work properly when they have damaged water supply lines.
Once you have taken care of the plumbing damage, you should speak with a local arborist about your options for preventing future problems. The arborist might suggest that you pull the tree out, stunt its growth, or move it to another part of your property.
