5 Ways to Protect Your Plumbing from Tree Roots
5 Ways to Protect Your Plumbing from Tree Roots
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5 Ways to Protect Your Plumbing from Tree Roots
Oct 10, 2022

5 Ways to Protect Your Plumbing from Tree Roots

Tree roots are attracted to plumbing pipes as they provide a constant source of water and nutrients. They’ll slowly creep towards your plumbing, and before you know it, you’ll be dealing with expensive repairs and major disruptions to your everyday life.

Let’s walk you through some of the ways you can protect your plumbing from tree roots.

Use Slow-Release Chemicals

Another effective way to protect your plumbing from tree roots is to create a barrier between the trees and your plumbing. There are different options available to you when it comes to creating a barrier between the plumbing pipes in your lawn and tree roots. One type of barrier is to use slow-release chemicals like copper sulfate crystals and potassium hydroxide to inhibit the growth of tree roots within the vicinity of your plumbing. Spread these chemicals near your plumbing to prevent tree roots from breaking into your pipes. The best thing about these chemicals is that they kill tree roots growing towards your plumbing without harming the tree. You can find these chemicals in most home improvement stores.

How to use slow-release chemicals to kill tree roots.

  • Step 1: Pour half a cup of copper sulfate or potassium hydroxide crystals into your toilet and flush your toilet until the crystals are no longer in the bowl.
  • Step 2: After 10 minutes, repeat step 1 two or three times.
  • NOTE: Do not pour slow-release chemicals into sinks or tub drains, as they could cause piping problems.
  • Step 3: Let the last half a cup of copper sulfate or potassium hydroxide crystals sit in the toilet overnight. Flush it in the morning.
  • Step 4: Sprinkle the crystals around the problem area to deter tree root growth into your plumbing.

Install A Physical Root Barrier

You can insert physical root barriers that redirect roots away from your plumbing. The barriers should be installed 6 to 12 inches deeper than the pipes and run vertically next to your plumbing in order to be effective.

Plant Trees and Shrubs in Appropriate Locations

Careful planning of your landscaping while considering your trees’ root systems and the location of your plumbing is an effective way to prevent damage to your plumbing. Ideally, you’ll want to limit the number of trees and shrubs you plant close to your plumbing. Plant larger trees far away from your plumbing to limit the possibility of tree roots growing into your pipes.

If tree roots have already grown into your pipes, you should call a plumber in Dubois, PA and have them removed through hydro jetting.

Need Plumbing Repair Service in Your Home? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing

When you’re in need of reliable plumbing repair service in your home or business, you can rely on the plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing to get the job done right. Our plumbers have the expertise, experience, and advanced tools to perform dependable plumbing repairs. Whether you are in need of pipe repair, water heater repair, sump pump repair, or sewer line repair, reach out to Mr. Rooter Plumbing.