If your home in the Atlanta, Georgia area has PVC pipes for your outdoor plumbing – you can rest assured that your pipes are more resistant to invasion of tree roots than other forms of piping.

But know that no material is NOT fool proof when it comes to the growth of roots from trees or other plants.

The reason PVC pipes are more impenetrable than other pipe materials is because they have fewer and tighter fitting joints and they are less likely to crack and leak. These two factors make them a superior piping product.

Can PVC Pipes Crack?

If the temperature is consistently at or below the freezing point (32 degrees faherenheit or less) – and water is inside the PVC pipe – then yes, this situation can cause it to crack and burst.

But generally, PVC pipes are highly resistant to root intrusions.

Why Are Tree Roots Attracted To Pipes?

The tips of tree roots can naturally detect the slightest differences in the level of moisture nearby so they are attracted to the warm water flow that is in sewer pipes in your yard. They then will grow in the direction of that water source and begin the process of searching for a way in to the pipe.

Here, in the Atlanta area we don’t often experience drought conditions but when we do – tree roots will seek water and they will travel a good distance to get it.

How Do You Know If You Have Tree Roots In Your Sewer Pipes?

The best and most thorough way to identify if the sewer pipes in your yard have been invaded by tree roots is with a sewer camera inspection. It’s the most efficient and cost-effective solution.

A sewer camera inspection can detect the following:

  • Broken pipes
  • Cracked pipes
  • Collapsed pipes
  • Buried backflow devices and buried cleanouts
  • Foreign objects in pipes
  • Off grade pipe (no slope or a “belly in the pipe”)
  • Leaking joints and offset joints
  • Root obstruction and Infiltration
  • Blockages and Corrosion
  • Sewer taps

The inspection can help you detect current problems, if there are any. Here are some tips on how you can help to minimize the problem of tree roots seeping into your PVC pipes.

1) Plant trees at least 10 feet away from any sewer lines – if possible. This isn’t a foolproof prevention but it will take the tree roots much longer to get to your pipes if they are further away to begin with.

2) Plant trees that are considered to be “safe” – because they are smaller and grow more slowly. A few are:

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Root Damage To Pipes?

You want to be as preventive as possible when it comes to the problem of tree roots in your pipes because most homeowners insurance policies do not cover this type of damage.

Although this is a very common problem, especially in heavily wooded areas. The majority of basic homeowner plans do not cover damages from tree roots or from other plants because it is an issue that can – with proper maintenace – be detected early and treated.

Of course, check with your insurance agent on the details of your policy.

If you have any questions about your PVC pipes – call the experts at Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-505-8570.