Marietta's Preferred Sewer Repair Company Since 1986

  Getting to the root of clogged sewer lines

That beautiful shade tree in your yard is often the source of a clogged pipe requiring sewer line repair. That's because that tree has thousands of feet of roots constantly searching for moisture and warmth. And your sewer line is a natural target.

Steady source of water. Due to the warm air circulating in your sewer line, water vapor routinely escapes to the surrounding soil. This water vapor attracts roots. The roots seek tiny cracks, slightly loose joints, and other openings. This allows the roots to tap into a sewer line, a very dependable source of sustenance.

Clay tile pipes are most susceptible to root invasion, but newer concrete or PVC pipes are not immune from the penetration of roots.

Warning signs. Once they penetrate your sewer line, fine roots will spread through your pipes. Normally the roots will cause other debris to back up and bog things down before they completely fill the pipe. If your drainage system has started to slow down, or if you’ve heard a gurgling sound from your toilet bowl, it’s time to act.

Other causes. Although tree roots are the number one reason for sewer line damage, there are other ways your sewer line can become clogged or broken. Foreign objects that won’t dissolve can become lodged in the line. Age, general deterioration and extreme changes in temperature over a period of time can also cause a sewer line to buckle or break. And in some instances, a sewer line can be misaligned due to ground shifting or improper installation.

Kendrick Plumbing can provide a video sewer inspection to see if sewer line repairs are necessary. The miniature camera finds out exactly what and where the problem is without the big expense of “exploratory” plumbing. Video inspection can also confirm the structural condition of your lateral pipes. It can tell you if an auger or high-pressure flush can solve the problem, or if more extensive repairs are necessary.