While many homeowners know not to treat their toilets like trash cans, there is another potential cause of plumbing damage at the other end of the system: trees. If a tree root gets close enough to your pipe, you will quickly require the services of a plumber. Here’s everything you need to know about the situation.

Why Do Roots Move Towards Plumbing?

Since trees need water and moisture to survive and grow, their root systems are always on the lookout for new sources. If a pipe in your plumbing system has an opening—like in a drain field—or it is cracked, nearby roots will begin to move toward it. Over time, the root can even puncture a pipe or stretch across it, deforming the plumbing. 

What Are the Warning Signs?

Since all of this action is playing out on a subterranean level, watch for signs of interference in your bathroom. When a tree root is clogging your system, you may notice all your drains taking much longer to process water. There’s also a chance you’ll hear an odd gurgling sound in your toilet, which develops when wastewater seeps into air pockets surrounding the clog. If you notice any indicators of tree root interference, call your plumber as soon as possible. 

What Can Professionals Do?

Once your plumber arrives, they’ll inspect the system to determine where the roots are causing a disruption. For limited disturbances, they can often use root-clearing chemicals. If the tree has infiltrated and cracked the pipes, they may need to replace affected sections. 

If you believe a tree root is in one of your pipes, contact a reliable plumber ate Wild West Plumbing Heating & Drain Service in Kalispell, MT. The locally owned and operated, fully licensed team of professionals offers a variety of plumbing services including pipe repair and clog removal. They are also available for emergency plumbing work if the problem is urgent. To schedule an appointment with the experienced crew, call (406) 752-1244. Learn more about the company by visiting their website.