Clogged Sewer Pipe

Hillcrest Plumbing & Heating has, for over 50 years, provided the experienced and qualified licensed plumbing experts covering a wide variety of plumbing services including addressing sewer and drainage issues, and by using underground video scoping and hydro-jetting, sewer maintenance and drain cleaning.

Why is this important? Well if you live in one of the beautiful communities of Surrey, Langley, Vancouver and surrounding areas in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, then you’ll understand that nature and urbanization sometimes clash – and it’s only natural that trees and shrubs grow towards sewer lines, the pipes are a bountiful source of the water, nutrients, and oxygen that roots crave.

Tree Roots Causing Blockages in Sewer Pipes

The problem is that when a root finds a leak in your lateral sewer piper to the municipal system, it will quickly grow into the pipe and inhibit the flow of waste, causing broken pipes and blockages - that can force unsanitary raw sewage back up into your home and lead to health problems, as well as the associated cost of cleaning, and possibly replacing these drainage pipes. It is your responsibly to keep your lateral sewer pipe in good condition. Once your lateral sewer pipe ties into the city sewer main, the city takes responsibility for the pipe from that point on.

Once a root clog happens, you will more than likely need a sewer expert like Hillcrest Plumbing & Heating to remove the roots and be sure your sewer and lateral pipe are both still structurally sounds and in good working condition. You can avoid costly repair bills by taking a few precautionary measures when planting trees and maintaining pipes:

• Determine sewer line location - it’s always a good idea to know where cables, lines, and pipes are buried before doing any landscaping or planting;
• Create a barrier - of a variety of barriers are available to discourage root growth into sewer lines. Spread these growth inhibitors, such as copper sulfate and potassium hydroxide, near the sewer line to prevent root growth into the area; and,
• Plant sewer-safe trees and shrubs – limit the amount of plants you place close to sewer lines; if you must plant near sewer lines, select slow-growing trees with a small root ball.

Knowing the Signs of a Root Clogged Drain

Key to understanding that a problem is developing is knowing the signs of a root clogged drain: frequent clogs, overflowing drains, slow flowing drains, gurgling sounds from a toilet bowl, and wet areas around washing machine floor drains. A root that enters the sewer pipe will continue to grow; it’s only a matter of time before it will become completely blocked and may rupture the sewer pipe.

If you notice any of these signs, call Hillcrest Plumbing & Heating to have your drains and sewer line inspected by running a camera probe through your lateral drain to locate damaged areas and so you can see the root obstruction and damage for yourself. The most common method to remove roots from sewer pipes is to use augers and water powered saws (hydro-jetting) to safely remove the roots in the sewer line to the inner walls.

If you have concerns about a clogged sewer pipe, or any of our commercial and residential plumbing services, contact Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating Ltd. at 1-604-879-5301 today.