While trees can greatly enhance your property’s curb appeal, they can also pose a risk to your plumbing. Tree roots are naturally drawn to water, which can cause them to grow toward your pipes over time. Left unchecked, they can penetrate or crush your pipes, resulting in a wide variety of plumbing issues. Here are some telltale signs that tree roots are to blame.

How to Tell You Have Tree Root Plumbing Problems

1. Sinkholes

As roots grow into the pipes, the penetration will cause water leaks. As water continues to leak into the yard, it will create soft spots in the soil. Eventually, this could cause sinkholes to form in overly saturated areas.

Typically, sinkholes will appear in an area close to where the roots have damaged your pipes. If left unchecked, sinkholes close to the home could eventually pose a threat to the foundation as water leaks continue.

2. Slow Drains

Root penetration will create gradual blockages within your plumbing. This will cause drains throughout the house to empty slowly. This is perhaps most noticeable with the toilet, which will produce a gurgling sound when flushed.

While it may be helpful to use a snake to clean the drains and remove other potential obstructions (such as hair), a house-wide issue is a common sign that tree roots are to blame.

3. Foul Odors

Tree roots inside the pipes will keep waste from your kitchen and bathrooms from draining as it should. As this debris gets trapped, foul odors will start to build up around the drains. A musty odor is the most common smell that indicates a potential blockage in your pipes.

From sewer snaking to emergency service, you can trust Valley Mechanical in Naples, NY, for all your plumbing needs. Serving the Ontario County area for over 20 years, their licensed, bonded, and insured technicians will provide prompt and reliable service for your family. To learn more or to request a service visit, check out their website, or call (585) 374-6866.