Danger of Tree Root Sewer Line Invasion

Safely snuggled under your lawn are your sewer lines, whisking away the water and waste from your home. You depend on your sewer lines to keep doing their job day in and out, but they may be in danger. There could be an enemy stealthily moving underground to attack your sewer pipes. Are your sewer lines in danger of tree root invasion?

The beautiful trees in your yard that offer shade, windbreaks and privacy can be a big problem for your sewer lines. Trees need moisture to survive and their roots stretch out from their trunk base to find the moisture they need. Sewer lines are an enticing source of water, especially those made with jointed pipes. Tree roots can find tiny cracks in joints to squeeze through and access the interior pipes. Once a small root is inside, it can grow and apply pressure to the pipe, causing serious damage. In addition, the roots can clog the inside of your sewer lines, causing sewage backups.

Do You Have Tree Root Problems?

If you have large trees in your yard and older jointed sewer lines, you may want to have your pipes inspected. Many sewer/septic companies offer digital camera inspections. This method can view your sewer lines from the inside and detect any tree root issues. If there are tree roots that have infiltrated your sewer lines, hydrojetting performed by your sewer professional can remove the roots and clear the pipe.

It is important to understand the danger of tree roots to sewer lines. Avoid planting new trees near your sewer lines and proactively have your pipes inspected to detect any root penetration before it causes serious damage.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

Save Water and Energy with a Hot Water Recirculating System

Do you need to run your hot water for your shower a few minutes before it you finally can enjoy a hot shower? If you have a larger home, the pipes coming from your water heater can be long, filled with cold water. All that water is wasted when it goes down the drain. A solution to save on water waste and help lower energy costs is a hot water recirculating system that can be added to your existing plumbing system.

How Do Recirculating Systems Work?

There are a few different types of hot water recirculating systems. There are pumps that can be installed under sinks or over water heaters that deliver instant hot water to selected fixtures. A cross-over valve at the point of the fixture can be also used to deliver the hot water. The benefit is quick access to hot water when you need it, without wasting cold water in the hot water lines. The water in the lines is recirculated by the pump, keeping it in your plumbing instead of going down the drain.

There are on-demand, instant and traditional hot water recirculating systems. All offer quicker hot water without wasting the water in the lines. This can save thousands of gallons of water every year and help reduce energy costs. For those who want to save money off their utility bills or just care about limiting water waste, these devices can be an excellent addition to their plumbing system.

If you are interested in learning more about hot water recirculating system options, contact your local plumber. They can discuss the different options available and find the best solution for your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(404) 973-2471

Long-Term Plumbing Problems from Unexpected Freezing

Not all plumbing problems from unexpected freezing weather are immediately noticed. In areas unaccustomed to cold weather, many homeowners may have frozen or burst pipes during the cold snap. These usually cause major leaks and flooding that require emergency plumbing repairs. But there may be other long-term plumbing problems that could cause problems down the road.

Outdoor Spickets

Outdoor spickets that were not covered or insulated during the freezing weather may have had water freeze in the pipes. This can cause small cracks that may not cause issues until the spicket is used. Once the cold weather is gone, check outdoor spickets for leaks.

Pipes in Garages or Crawl Spaces

Like outdoor spickets, pipes in unheated areas like the garage or crawl space could have damage from freezing. Inspect these pipes and look for small leaks that need repair.

Sewer Lines and Septic Equipment

Pipes and septic equipment underground can be damaged from freezing. It is important to look for signs of underground leaks or sewer line problems. Wet spots, soil erosion or bad odors in the yard near sewer lines, septic tanks or drain fields could alert homeowners of pipe damage.

Irrigation, Pools and Other Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures

Any outdoor plumbing that was not completely drained and prepared for cold weather could be damaged during freezing weather. Inspect all pumps and equipment for damage when it is time to start using pools, spas, water features and irrigation systems.

Many people may not realize they did have damage to their water line from unexpected cold spells during the winter until spring. It is important to watch for signs of issues and call an experienced plumber if repairs are needed.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.
106-M Oakgrove Road
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441