Seasonal Tips and Maintenance: How to Prevent Root Intrusion and Sewer Backups

Spring and early summer bring new plant growth, which means tree roots naturally search for moisture and can find their way into small cracks in sewer pipes.

Remember that homeowners are responsible for maintaining and repairing the sewer lateral that connects their home to the public sewer system.

Helpful tips for homeowners:

• Know where your sewer lateral is located in relation to trees or large plants on your property

• Watch for warning signs, including:

  • Slow draining sinks or tubs

  • Gurgling noises from drains

  • Foul odors in the yard near the sewer line

  • Depressions or puddling in the yard

  • Unusually green patches of grass, which can indicate a leak

• Schedule periodic inspections, such as a CCTV camera inspection, especially if you have mature trees nearby.

• Consider preventative solutions like root barriers, targeted root treatments, or trenchless pipe repairs if problems are identified

Taking these steps can help prevent sewage backups, costly repairs and service reliability issues.