Your septic system is responsible for removing waste and wastewater from your home, so it stands to reason that it needs to be kept in good working condition. While that means regularly pumping your septic tank and being careful about what goes down your drains, it also means keeping a close eye on any large trees on your property. Tree roots can do a lot of damage to a septic system, and you need to know how to prevent that damage if you want to avoid some very expensive repairs.

How Tree Roots Affect a Septic System

Tree roots naturally grow towards sources of water and nutrients, and there’s no better source than an underground sewer line. The roots of a large tree can invade a sewer line through tiny leaks and cracks, plugging up the line or breaking it apart altogether. Even if your sewer line is undamaged, the pressure from heavy tree roots can still cause an older sewer line to collapse.

All of this is obviously very bad for your home and septic system, but it can also cause problems for your trees. The wastewater flowing through your sewer line may contain chemicals from household cleaners that can be absorbed by your trees, causing them to become diseased and possibly bear fruit that is unsafe to eat.

Signs of Tree Root Infestation

The best way to know if you have a tree root infestation in your septic system is to schedule an inspection with a plumber or septic company. However, you’ll likely notice signs of trouble before an inspection takes place. These include slow drains, gurgling sounds coming from your sinks, foul odors, and patches of strangely lush grass in your yard.

Preventing a Tree Root Infestation

If you have large trees on your property, you need to take steps to prevent their roots from invading your sewer line. Strategic planning is the best way to go about this. Plant trees with shallower root systems in your yard, and have root barriers made from plastic installed around your sewer line. If you do have a root infestation, a septic service or plumber may be able to get rid of the invading roots with copper sulfate septic treatments or hydro-jetting, which involves spraying water at a high pressure to get rid of roots and other obstructions in your sewer line.

Tree roots can cause a lot of issues with your sewer line, but you can avoid most of these issues with regular inspections, proper planning, and knowing when to call a professional. Pay close attention to signs of root invasion, and don’t hesitate to call a professional if things are getting out of hand. If you have concerns or require real estate septic inspection services, contact Tampa Septic Company in Tampa, FL.