April 8, 2024
A Plumber In Dallas Addresses Springtime Root Intrusion for Dallas-Fort Worth Plumbing Systems
As Spring unfolds here in Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving and the surrounding areas, nature goes full bloom with plants and flowers. While this seasonal transformation is beautiful, it can also cause plumbing problems for homeowners and business operators in the Dallas and Fort Worth Metroplex. Plumbers in Dallas and Plumbers in Fort Worth usually see a surge in plant and tree growth during the Spring, which can lead to root intrusion of underground plumbing pipes, causing clogs and potential damage to properties. This can have devastating effects on plumbing systems and cause issues that might require attention from a professional plumbing service. Let’s take a look a little further, and hopefully save you from requiring any costly plumbing repairs or emergency plumbing service.
Springtime Growth and Root Intrusion on Your Plumbing System
‘Tis the Season! Spring is a time of heightened growth for plants and trees. The warmer temperatures and increased sunlight stimulate root growth and those roots seek water and nutrients to nourish the budding foliage.
Roots and Underground Pipes are a match NOT made in Heaven. Plumbers in Dallas know that underground plumbing pipes provide an attractive source of water for thirsty roots. As trees and plants extend their root systems in search of moisture, they may infiltrate your plumbing pipes through small cracks or joints, causing blockages and potential damage.
Here’s what we tell our Dallas plumbing customers to look for:
- Slow Draining or Clogged Plumbing Fixtures: If you notice slow draining or recurrent clogs in toilets, sinks, or showers, it could be an indication of root intrusion on your plumbing system. We see this a lot in plumbing in Dallas homes and businesses.
- Unexplained Increases in Water Bills: Persistent root intrusion can lead to leaks in plumbing pipes, causing unexplained increases in water bills. Keep an eye on your water usage patterns, and if anything looks like an unexpected increase, you may want to have a professional plumber do some leak detection and figure out if your plumbing system is a victim of root intrusion.
- Sewer Odors: Foul odors emanating from plumbing drains or sewer cleanouts could be a sign of root intrusion. Roots can trap debris, leading to unpleasant smells. Sometimes, simple drain cleaning can handle these problems, but if it is roots invading the plumbing system, it may require a little more involved work from your professional plumber.
- Lush Patches of Grass: When doing plumbing service in Dallas in the Spring, we often see patches of unusually lush and green grass in the vicinity of buried plumbing pipes. To the professional plumber or the trained eye, this might be an indication of roots that are drawing moisture from the pipes. Keep your eye out for these unexplained lush patches.
Here are some steps you can take for remedy or prevention of roots in plumbing:
- Professional Plumbing Inspection: Schedule regular plumbing inspections, especially in the Spring, to identify root intrusion early. Professional plumbers can use video camera inspections to pinpoint the location and severity of the plumbing issue.
- Root Removal Techniques: If root intrusion is detected, professional plumbers employ specialized equipment and techniques for leak detection and root removal. This may involve hydro-jetting to clear the pipes and cutting or treating the roots to prevent regrowth into your plumbing system.
- Barrier Installation: Installing root barriers around vulnerable plumbing pipes is a preventative measure that many professional plumbers can help with. These barriers are designed to redirect roots away from the pipes, mitigating the risk of plumbing pipe intrusion.
- Strategic Planting: When landscaping, consider the proximity of trees and plants to underground plumbing lines. Strategic planting can help minimize the likelihood of root intrusion. Choose trees with non-invasive root systems if possible and avoid any plumbing problems from the get go.
- Regular Maintenance: As a professional plumber in Dallas, me and my Fort Worth plumber buddies all encourage our customers to implement regular maintenance practices, including root treatments and inspections, to keep any plumbing system in optimal condition. Prevention is key to avoiding the costly plumbing repairs associated with severe root intrusion.
- Consult Professional Landscapers: Engage the services of a professional landscaper who can assess the health and growth patterns of trees on your property. Their insights can guide you in making informed decisions about potential risks and avoid any costly plumbing repair.
- Expertise in Root Intrusion Remediation: Professional plumbing services in Dallas and plumbers in Fort Worth with expertise in root intrusion remediation can provide tailored solutions for your specific situation.
- Video Camera Inspections: Most plumbers in Dallas and plumbers in Fort Worth offer video camera inspections. This advanced technology allows for a detailed examination of the plumbing system, and helps with accurate diagnosis and targeted solutions.
- Timely Response to Emergencies: Nobody wants to call an emergency plumber, but when you do need emergency plumbing service, it’s good to know ahead of time who you can call and who you can count on. Choose a plumbing service that offers prompt responses, especially in emergency situations. Swift action can minimize the impact of root intrusion and prevent extensive damage.
Guest Writer: Tito Cockbern, Plumber