By Stephen Jordan, Owner & CEO, SMJ Plumbing
Here in South Louisiana, we all enjoy a good-looking yard. Whether it’s flowering shrubs, decorative bushes, or a few trees around the house, landscaping adds a lot of curb appeal. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that those plants can sometimes create major plumbing problems underground.
You see, roots naturally grow toward moisture. If there’s even a small crack or weak spot in your sewer or drain line, roots can find their way inside. Once they do, they continue growing and begin trapping toilet paper, grease, and other debris flowing through the pipe.
Before long, you’ve got slow drains, recurring clogs, or even sewage backups.
And no, it’s not always the big trees causing the trouble. Smaller shrubs and bushes can have surprisingly aggressive root systems too, especially when planted near underground plumbing lines.
Signs You May Have Root Intrusion
Keep an eye out for:
- Frequent drain clogs
- Slow-draining sinks or tubs
- Gurgling toilets
- Sewer odors
- Multiple drains backing up at once
If these issues keep returning, roots may be the culprit.
The Good News
Modern sewer camera inspections allow us to see exactly what’s happening inside your pipes without tearing up your yard. Once we identify the problem, we can recommend the right solution, whether that’s root removal, hydro jetting, or pipe repairs.
A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way
Before planting new trees or large shrubs, it’s a good idea to know where your sewer lines are located. Keeping roots away from your plumbing can save you from expensive repairs later on.
At SMJ Plumbing, we’ve helped plenty of homeowners throughout Slidell solve root-related sewer issues. If your drains seem to have a mind of their own, it may be time to look below the surface.
After all, sometimes the biggest plumbing problems start with the prettiest plants in the yard.
And if roots are causing trouble, don’t worry—we’ll get right to the root of the problem.