{"id":441,"date":"2023-11-23T01:18:56","date_gmt":"2023-11-23T06:18:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.atlantisplumbing.com\/articles\/?p=441"},"modified":"2024-01-01T15:19:32","modified_gmt":"2024-01-01T20:19:32","slug":"how-do-tree-roots-get-into-pipes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atlantisplumbing.com\/articles\/how-do-tree-roots-get-into-pipes\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do Tree Roots Get Into Pipes?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The tips of tree roots can naturally detect the slightest differences in the level of moisture nearby so they are naturally attracted to the warm water flow that is in sewer pipes in your yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They will then grow in the direction of that water source and begin the process of searching for a way in to the pipe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there is a crack or loose joint anywhere in the pipe, the tree roots will find it and make their way in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Get Rid Of Tree Roots In Your Pipes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first step (if you haven’t already taken it) is to make sure that you do have tree roots in your pipes. The best way to do this is with a camera inspection service<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will determine the location of the roots and the extent of damage done to the pipe. It saves alot of time and money because the camera can show you and your plumber exactly what the problem is (was it a crack, a loose joint?) and what needs to be done to repair it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock Salt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can attempt to kill the roots in your sewer pipes yourself but USE CAUTION. Doing so can easily kill the tree \/ bushes themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To use this method:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Get 2 pounds of rock salt<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Pour 1\/4 to 1\/5 pound into a toilet and flush it several times until all the rock salt has been flushed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Repeat the process until you’ve gone through the entire 2 pounds<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Repeat this 2-3 times a month to destroy any roots that get into your pipes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Rock salt is poisonous to plants (hence the precaution that it can kill the tree \/ bush where the roots are coming from).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Prevent Tree Roots From Getting To Your Pipes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The best possible thing to do is to try to prevent the incidence of tree roots ever getting into your pipes in the first place. If you’re landscaping your yard, think about where and what kind of trees you will be planting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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