Underground piping is an essential part of modern infrastructure, running beneath streets, yards, and buildings to transport water, sewage, and other utilities. Most people rarely think about what’s happening below ground, let alone consider the impact that trees can have on these pipes. However, tree roots are one of the most common causes of clogs and pipe damage. As trees grow, their roots naturally seek out moisture, often finding small cracks or joints in underground pipes and forcing their way inside. Over time, these roots expand, trapping debris and causing blockages that can lead to costly repairs. While many homeowners worry about grease buildup or foreign objects clogging their pipes, tree roots silently cause just as much, if not more, destruction.
What do they do?
Tree roots are naturally drawn toward underground pipelines of all kinds—water, sewer, and even drainage systems—because they provide a steady source of moisture. As trees grow, their roots instinctively seek out water, especially during the peak growing seasons of spring and summer when root expansion is at its highest. Feeder roots, which can be as thin as a strand of hair, extend outward in search of even the smallest sources of moisture. When these fine roots detect condensation or leaks from underground pipes, they grow toward them and begin to exploit any weakness.
Once a root reaches a pipe, it will search for vulnerabilities such as small cracks, loose joints, corroded areas, or weak points in the material. Given time, the root will penetrate these openings, gradually forcing its way inside the pipe. As it establishes itself, the root grows thicker, worsening the initial damage and restricting water flow. A once-minor crack can quickly become a major issue as the root expands, further breaking apart the pipe structure.
The damage caused by tree roots doesn’t stop at cracking and infiltrating pipes. Once inside, they act like a net, collecting grease, grime, debris, and other buildup, which leads to severe blockages. These blockages slow drainage, cause backups, and put additional pressure on the pipeline, leading to eventual collapse in extreme cases.
Some trees to avoid:
- Willows (Weeping Willow, Black Willow, etc.)
- Willows have highly invasive root systems that aggressively seek out water sources.
- Their roots spread far and wide, often causing damage to sewer and water lines by penetrating weak spots in pipes.
- Poplars (White Poplar, Eastern Cottonwood, etc.)
- Known for their fast growth, poplars develop extensive root networks that can invade and clog drainage and sewer pipes.
- Their roots can travel long distances, making them especially risky near plumbing systems.
- Silver Maple
- Silver maples have shallow yet wide-spreading roots that can lift sidewalks and invade underground utilities.
- Their roots are highly water-seeking, making them a frequent cause of cracked and blocked pipes.
- Oak Trees (Red Oak, Pin Oak, etc.)
- While slower-growing than some other invasive species, oaks have deep, strong roots that can exert pressure on underground pipes.
- Their roots will seek out even the smallest cracks, gradually worsening any existing damage.
As clumps of tree roots form, it eventually causes obstruction in the pipes. If root damage is left unnoticed or untreated the roots can collapse your entire system overtime. To help early detection and prevent major repairs, there are a couple of symptoms that are likely to be present.
What to lookout for:
- Slow drainage/backups: the bigger the obstruction in the pipe, the slower the drainage from tubs and sinks will be.
- Toilet backups
- Higher water bill: this is caused by wasting water/ continuous flow of water.
- Gurgling: this means water is having difficultly moving through the pipe and is flowing around an obstruction.
- Odors emitting from your drains: as roots build up, they capture water, debris, and decays in your pipes causing an odor.
- Low water pressure: roots will cause a weaker water flow- this may not be something that is noticed immediately but will be noticed in faucets and tubs.
- Greener areas in your yard: if the crack(s) in the pipes are severe enough to allow for continuous water flow, greener areas will appear in your yard due to the endless water supply.
- Dips/sinkholes: if the damage is severe enough, pipes can fully collapse in on themselves sometimes creating a void.
Prevention Measures:
- Remove the threat: the best way to prevent future issues is to ensure that no roots can reach the pipes. Don’t plant or cut, instead dig up the roots.
- Know where your pipes are: it is important for homeowners to know where their pipes are. You’d be surprised at how many don’t know. You can find the records at your local health department, clerk’s office, HOA, or building contractor.
- Barrier: if removing is not an option, create a physical barrier between the tree and the lines. Think of it as an underground wall.
- Regular inspections and maintenance:
- Chemical treatments: chemical treatments that are on the market that are poured down the drains. The inhibitors kill off any root systems that have found their way inside. Usually the doses are small enough to not cause harm to the tree itself. But keep in mind; this is not a permanent solution.
Awareness is the most important key for preventing pipe issues due to trees. Educating yourself to know what to look out for is the best way to prevent future problems from ever occurring.
skiwi Pipe Bursting is here to be your solution provider. We specialize in underground pipe repair and replacement, as well as locating services. If you think we can be of assistance, reach out!
