Even a small, insignificant leak can allow tree roots to breach your plumbing system and cause blockages, clogs, and collapse of the pipes.
If tree roots grow too close to your sewer pipes, they can invade the pipe, causing a blockage and potentially creating a crack or structural collapse if left unchecked. None of the above are good for your home plumbing, but unfortunately, tree roots in sewer lines are relatively common.
Snaking the line with a root cutter is one of the most common ways to remove roots. But be sure the heads and bits used on the ends are specifically designed for cutting out roots. Some heads can expand to adjust to the exact inside diameter of the pipe, completely cutting the roots down to the inside face of the pipe.
Are tree roots in a sewer line covered by insurance? Not usually. While insurance may help cover damage to your property caused by tree roots, it generally won't cover costs associated specifically with the sewer lines.
Tree roots can grow into sewer pipes in a matter of weeks or take several years, depending on conditions. Symptoms include slow drains, strange odors, and sinkholes in your yard. Tree roots seek out moisture from even the smallest pipe cracks.
Does homeowners insurance cover water line breaks? Most homeowners insurance policies will not cover water line breaks unless a line has undergone sudden, significant damage. For example, if you dig in your yard and accidentally damage the water line running from your meter, repairs and cleanup may be covered.
Try Copper Sulfate
Copper Sulfate is also effective in killing roots in your sewer line pipes. You can get it at your local hardware store. Just pour about half a cup down the toilet and flush as many times as needed to wash it off.
Hydro jetting costs $475 on average but range from $350 to $600. A plumber can give you a quote and get rid of your sewer clog. Having to keep your plumber on speed dial is no fun for any homeowner. If chronic sewer clogs are giving you issues, it might be time to call in the big guns.
PVC pipes have a plastic that can resist the growth of tree roots, making them an excellent choice for areas where trees are present.
A noticeable increase in your water bill charges can be expected if you have tree roots in the pipes. These can cause cracks in your pipes, which means that you're wasting water without you knowing about it.
Silver maple tree
They might be prized for their vibrant colour in autumn, but their root systems are one of the most invasive of all. As the roots enlarge, silver maple trees have been known to crack driveways, pavements, foundations and pipes. It's best to avoid planting this tree altogether.
Slowly flowing drains are often the first sign of root damage. If you flush your toilet and it drains very slowly or you hear a gurgling noise, there's a good chance roots have entered the pipes. Note: The risk is especially high in older homes or properties with large trees nearby!
If the roots are not completely removed, they can continue to grow and eventually lead to new tree growth. However, this process takes many years and is not guaranteed. Herbicide can also be used to kill the roots to prevent regrowth.
How Often Should I Use Root Killer? It is encouraged that root killer is applied to pipes close to trees and vegetation every 30 to 60 days. Applying the solution should be a part of a regular drain cleaning process to help prevent the problem in the future.
Regardless of whether the location is residential or a larger municipality, sewer jetting is vital to keeping storm drains and sewer lines in peak condition, helping prevent damage and mitigate further deterioration of the sewers.
Typically, professional plumbers will start with a snake, since most clogs are relatively minor. But hydro jetting may be the best option for clogs in multiple drains or severe clogs that continue to recur.
Why is hydro jetting so expensive? Hydro jetting is usually pricier than other options, including snaking and chemical drain cleaners. This is because there is expensive technology, plus a very advanced level of skill required.
Average Cost to Unclog a Sewer Line
Clearing a clogged sewer line costs $250 to $800, depending on where the clog is located, what causes it, and the necessary cleaning.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roots In Sewer Lines? Standard homeowners insurance policies won't cover roots that get into your sewer lines.
Copper Sulphate is another option for killing tree roots in sewer lines. It's a chemical product that you can use to kill roots and is available at most hardware stores. Mix copper sulphate with water and pour it into your pipes according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Rock salt, Epsom salt, and even table salt are popular chemical methods of killing tree roots and removing them with greater ease. Consider this method before removing a tree's stump, as it can take care of the whole setup at once.
It just depends. Insurance policies may cover repiping if there is significant damage due to a fire or natural disaster. If there is extremely cold winter weather and your pipes freeze and then burst, your insurance policy may cover related expenses, but not always.
Reasons for denial can range from the nature of the damage itself—such as gradual damage that occurred over time—to issues with how the claim was filed, including missed deadlines or insufficient documentation. Furthermore, unreported property modifications can also lead to complications during the claims process.
If these are damaged or break, the homeowner might be responsible for the repair. A standard homeowners policy does not cover the service lines running into the home—unless you've added service line coverage.