Signs You May Have a Tree Root Sewer Problem
Here in Buffalo, we have some pretty old homes. With old homes come old sewer lines and sewers. Whether you live in Kenmore, Tonawanda, Amherst, Williamsville, Cheektowaga, or any other surrounding area, there’s a strong chance you have a few nice trees in your area. Trees are an amazing addition to any property, adding shade and a living organism to watch grow each passing year. The problem is that a tree in your yard can also be an extremely costly issue for your sewer plumbing.
Today on the blog, we want to touch on how trees can be an issue and some signs that there may be a tree causing an issue with your sewer line.
What Issue Do Tree Roots Cause for Sewer Lines?
Having a tree in your yard can create a serious plumbing problem for your property. If tree roots are left unchecked and end up reaching your underground pipes, they can cause eventual cracks, blockages, and/or leaks. Tree roots are naturally seeking moisture, so naturally, your pipes are quite attractive to the roots. Depending on the tree type and condition of your soil, roots can quickly start to cause an issue with your plumbing pipes without you ever seeing a thing.
This ends up causing a property owner to need to make a decision: replace the pipes or remove the tree. If several pipes are damaged, this can be extremely expensive to fix. Removing the tree might be a good option if damage has yet to occur, which an experienced sewer cleaning expert can help you see.
So here are a few signs you may have a tree root problem with your sewer.
Slow Moving Drains
The first most obvious sign of a problem is you noticing any slowing of the drains in your home. This could be due to many factors, but a tree root invading an underground sewer line or plumbing pipe could be the issue. It’s always best to contact a WNY plumber asap in any of these scenarios.
Bubbling Noises
Your drains should flow simply and smoothly. This means everything is working as it should. If, however, you notice any gurgling or bubbling sounds, it’s obvious that water is having an issue moving through your pipes.
Toilet Backups
If tree roots are infiltrating your sewer line, it can cause your toilet to back up. The issue with this particular sign is that if other debris like toilet paper, waste, and other items start to come in contact with the roots, they can lead to more serious problems because they start to wrap around the roots, causing more significant blockages.
Smelly Drains
If your drains smell, it’s time to call a professional. Wastewater flow is affected if a tree root is interfering with the pipes, and eventually, water is going to accumulate in the pipes. This water build-up can cause bad odors that will find their way from the drain and into other areas of the home.
Change in Your Water Bill
If you notice all of a sudden that your water bill has gone up, and no one in the home is using more water, there’s a chance it could be leaking underground. The tree roots can cause cracks in the pipes, causing you to waste water without you knowing.
So, Will Insurance Pay for a Sewer Backup Due to a Tree?
The short answer is not usually. It will depend on your insurer and what coverage you have, but typically, standard home insurance policies do not cover damages due to a sewer backup. Typically, damages resulting from floods, pests, earthquakes, or tree roots are excluded from coverage. Insurance may help cover damage to the property if caused by tree roots, but it generally will not cover costs associated specifically with sewer lines.
Even if you do choose to get sewage backup endorsements (also known as sump pump discharge or overflow endorsements), it will only apply to damage caused by the backup, NOT physical damage to the actual sewer line.
The Bottom line is
If you are noticing anything wrong with your plumbing or any of the above signs, you should always call a professional to scope out the situation. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail, and waiting until it’s too late can be extremely costly when it comes to sewer lines and tree roots. If you’re questioning something on your property, we recommend you give us a call as soon as possible, and we’ll come give you a truly honest assessment of what’s going on.