As trees grow taller in spring and summer, their roots spread out underground—and sometimes straight into your plumbing system. These roots naturally seek out moisture, and your sewer line can become a perfect target. Once inside, they can cause serious blockages, backups, and damage.
Here are the top signs of root intrusion and why it’s important to act quickly.
1. Frequent Backups and Slow Drains
Roots that penetrate your sewer line can grow rapidly, creating blockages that affect the entire system. Over time, this leads to slow drains, recurring clogs, and toilets that back up more often than usual.
If you’re constantly reaching for a plunger or dealing with water pooling in your sink or tub, it could be more than a simple clog. Root intrusion might be the cause—and it’s a problem that requires professional help.
2. Unpleasant Odors from Drains
A strong, foul odor coming from your drains is another sign that something isn’t right. When roots trap waste and water inside the line, it can begin to rot, leading to persistent smells that won’t go away with regular cleaning.
These odors can smell like sewage or mold and may come from multiple drains throughout your home. That’s a red flag you shouldn’t ignore.
3. Changes in Your Yard or Lawn
Even if everything seems fine inside your home, your yard might be telling a different story. If you notice a section of grass that looks unusually green or lush, or find soggy patches with no clear explanation, it could be due to a sewer line leak caused by root damage.
This leak allows wastewater to seep into the surrounding soil, feeding nearby plants while wasting water and worsening the damage to your system.
Don’t Wait for a Bigger Problem—Call Birmingham Plumbing
Root intrusion doesn’t go away on its own. The longer it’s ignored, the more extensive—and expensive—the damage can become.
At Birmingham Plumbing, we’re experts in diagnosing and repairing sewer line issues caused by tree root growth. We use trusted, effective techniques to clear blockages, repair damage, and get your plumbing system flowing smoothly again.
Call Birmingham Plumbing today to schedule an inspection, or contact us online to request service. Let’s stop sewer issues before they turn into major repairs.
