A clog in your sewer line can lead to a wide range of problems and expenses. Leaky pipes, broken fixtures and water damage to your home or business are all expenses that can occur. It is important to investigate a potential problem at the first sign of trouble.

What signs should you look for?

• One of the first signs that you could have roots in your sewer line comes out of the bathroom. Yes, the bathroom. If you suddenly notice that water is backing up out of the toilet or a drain, you could have a clogged sewer line. 
• Believe it or not, your home will attempt to tell you when something is wrong. Except the language it uses will be more in the way of gurgles. For example, after you hear a wash cycle finish, listen to other water sources in your home such as a sink or drain. If you hear what sounds like a gargling of some sort, odds are you have a drain issue.
• If you begin to notice tree roots near your house, you may want to be extra cautious and have your drains inspected by a professional regularly. It is always best if you can stop a problem before it starts. 

 If you find yourself experiencing any of these signs, it is important to contact a licensed plumber right away. They will be able to correctly diagnose your problem with either a camera or other device and determine if a chemical or manual removal is necessary.

Tree roots in sewer lines may not seem like that big of deal. After all, most of us would think that all we have to do is cut down and remove the offending tree. Problem solved. But did you know that tree roots will continue to live underground and grow for years even after the tree has been removed?

In fact, tree roots in sewer lines can cause all sorts of major problems, including flooding and the build up of hydrogen sulfide. Commonly referred to as "sewer gas" or "stink damp", hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas that smells like rotten eggs. The gas is created when organic matter decays in an environment without oxygen gas, such as sewer lines. The gas is extremely poisonous, but it's also very flammable, and therefore very explosive. Remember that classic scene with Cousin Eddie in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? That's the level of lethal stank we're talking about here.


So what's a simple, cost-effective way for getting rid of tree roots in sewer lines? We've already ruled out removing the tree above ground, since the roots go on living anyway. Digging down to replace the clogged pipes can be costly, time consuming, and labor intensive, and doesn't truly solve the long-term problem as the roots will continue to grow if left unattended. Chemical treatments designed to kill the roots and unclog your pipes can save you a lot of time and money.

Easy-to-apply and safe for the environment, chemical applications such as RootX foaming root killer use a herbicide called Dichlobenil to decay and remove tree roots from sewer lines. The treatment also leaves behind a thin layer of herbicide to keep new sets of roots from invading and clogging your pipes. It also saves you a ton of time, as a full application takes only 30 minutes. The picture included below shows just how effective RootX is.


So there you have it. Not only is RootX a proven way for getting rid of tree roots in sewer lines, but it's also quick, easy, and cost-effective.

Winter has a tendency of wreaking havoc on our homes and our businesses. It is often not until we have the below zero windchill when we remember that old drafty window or pick up a new snow shovel after the one from last year broke. Not to mention, all the bags of salt we must keep on hand for those icy days!

 Luckily, most of these scenarios are ones that do not hit the pocketbook too hard. Plumbing issues during these winter months have been known to be a little more expensive. The things you want to try and avoid are frozen pipes, cracks and leaks, and any type of flooding. Here are a few preventative maintenance tips that will help keep your home running efficiently

• Insulate Exposed Pipes- Any water pipes, indoor ones included, that are exposed to cold drafts run the risk of freezing. Avoid this by insulating these pipes, as the risk for freezing is heightened with any time they are not in use.
• Avoid Consecutive Showers- Try to space out showers during the day. This helps maintain a consistent water pressure and temperature. If this cannot be avoided, then try to wait at least 10 minutes between them. 
• Check Water Flow- Remember to turn on every water valve in your home randomly. Unused pipes have the ability to freeze quickly if they are not used. Write little reminders on the calender in order to help you remember if need be. 
• Avoid Grease in Pipes- This is one that stands true throughout the entire year, not just winter. Grease and oils are hard on pipes and drains, so try to think twice before letting any go down your garbage disposal. Catch any unwanted grease prior to it going down the drain. If you let it harden it can easily be emptied into a trash can. 
• Keep drains running smoothly. If you notice a delay in a water drain, treat it quickly to prevent a larger clogging issue from happening.

If you suspect you have a treatment with your septic system or pipes, contact us today!