Where would BC be on the world stage if it wasn’t for our extraordinary abundance of trees? They make the space more beautiful and the air even fresher, so who could possibly have anything against trees?
For starters, anyone in Kelowna who has ever had a tree-root induced plumbing problem would be sure to raise a hand. Tree roots have been the natural enemy of plumbing since we first moved the works inside, and both are here to stay. Here are some ways you can keep trees from causing a serious problem with your home’s plumbing system.
Kill the Roots, Kill the Tree
In many hardware stores, you can find solutions that will kill tree roots that are clogging your plumbing pipes. This is a terrible idea for a few reasons, not the least of which is the environmental hazard you’re literally pouring down the drain. With all the work we do to keep our waterways clean, does it really make any sense to start deliberately adding toxic chemicals to the mix?
Furthermore, when you do enough damage to the roots, you will ultimately destroy the tree. That hardly seems fair. After all, it’s not the 300-year-old tree’s fault someone built a house too close to it!
Remove Tree Roots Safely
Professional tree root remediation will usually involve finding the clog with a special camera to locate the exact source of the problem. In some cases, rooting out the roots (HA!) will involve using the very same chemicals we just advised against using. However, rather than liberally pouring them down the drain, a professional plumber can apply the remedy right at the source, thereby dramatically reducing the amount of chemical solution that needs to be used.
When you’re pretty sure your plumbing problems are the result of the trees in the surrounding area, and if yours is an older home that’s a good guess – and it’s time to call in a professional. This step can save your pipes, save the trees, and save the environment. A plumber has the tools and equipment to help clear drains and sewer pipes of the blockage that tree roots can cause.
Tree roots got you down? That certainly a good reason to call a Kelowna plumber! Give us a shout at (250) 681-0089 and we’ll be on our way to clear up your trouble with trees.
