According to The Plumbing handbook ¨The average household plumbing system represents an investment of about fifteen percent of the value of the house.¨ That is a significant portion of your personal wealth. You use it more than any other part of your homes infrastructure, and most of the time do so without thinking.
Yet it is important to think ahead in regards to your plumbing system’s maintenance – so you are not faced with the impossible-to-ignore-problems of back flow into your home due to negligence. The following are a few less thought about steps for preventative maintenance for your home drainage system:
Are you a fan of the countryside? Finally purchased your dream home of several acres of rolling hillocks and cozy forest scattered upon your property? Or maybe you just have that one big, beautiful shade tree in the front yard that is a perfect spot for relation on a hot summer’s day?
If so, there is one threat to your drainage system you may need to start paying attention to: Tree roots. When most homeowners think of damages associated with tree roots, they tend to focus on driveways or sidewalks, as this is easily visible to the naked eye. Tree roots are naturally inclined to follow a source of water for nutrients, and once they have achieved a hold (say from a loose or old pipe system) they can cause major blockages from the hair-like structures catching debris running through your pipes. If your home is twenty-five years old or greater, the materials used for your pipes are even more susceptible to tree root damages. But how do you know when those roots are threatening your system if you can see it?
It’s much harder to visualize the damage roots can do underground, but here is a way to help: You have to picture how a tree’s roots spread. Many people assume that the roots consist mainly of a taproot which goes straight down, similar to how a carrot looks. In reality, once a tree has developed past its sapling stage, the roots will spread laterally.
According to Takoma Tree Experts, the root system of a tree can be two to three times the size of a tree’s canopy.¨ Meaning, if a tree has a twenty-five foot canopy, it will have a fifty to seventy-five foot spread of roots. That is seventy-five feet of thirsty roots wanting to tap into your steady water supply!
This spread can be problematic to your drainage system, causing damages that if left unchecked may require you to repair or entirely replace busted pipes. Luckily, there is an easy solution for this issue – and you won’t have to turn your favorite shade tree into timber either! There are root killer products available that are designed to target small issues in your pipes that you can usually apply without professional assistance.
However, if you are experiencing sluggish draining, clogs, or backflow already, you need to call in the experts. If extensive damage has already taken place, DrainTech’s trenchless sewer repair may be the best bet for you. They can replace the busted pipes without digging up your prized lawn, using materials that are much more resistant to greedy, water-seeking roots.
Unsure if tree root damage is happening to your system? No problem. Call us at (937)222- 8888 to have one of our Drain Tech specialists conduct an inspection today.
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