If you’ve been outside recently, it should be no surprise Kansas City has experienced some of the hottest days on record this summer, along with a continued drought in the region. Turns out, while we were all trying to stay cool above ground, tree roots were on a mission to find water underground. And the safest bet for thirsty roots? The pipes carrying all that water to and from your home.
THRIVING ROOTS IN TOUGH TIMES
Plants are survivors. When things get dry, they don’t just give up and wilt. Roots can stretch hundreds of feet to survive if necessary. Roots will enter even the smallest opening in a pipe if given the chance, creating problems for your plumbing system when you need water most.
And when the rains finally return, there can be even worse problems. With water now available above and below, tree roots will expand even further into your pipes, creating a direct link between your exposed pipes below ground and everything above ground. A recipe for disastrously blocked drains!
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
First off, there’s no need to start a fight with a neighborhood tree. If you haven’t experienced any root-related issues yet, regular plumbing check-ups are the smartest move. If there’s any possibility of roots invading, pros can catch the problem early and prevent potential blockages.
You may also consider planting trees more thoughtfully in the future. A little strategy in the landscaping department can go a long way toward keeping your plumbing lines clear. It’s also worth remembering that trees are more than a nice decoration – they provide oxygen and other important resources, so just mowing them all down is not usually an option. With better planning, pipes and roots can coexist without invading each other’s space, even during droughts.
BEYOND PREVENTION
If roots are already having a pool party in your pipes, plumbers know a variety of treatments to keep roots in check while they keep your system flowing smoothly.
- Pros can use advanced cameras to get a clear picture of what’s happening with your pipes. These tools help identify the extent of root intrusion and pinpoint the exact locations of blockages.
- Chemical treatments often come into play to manage the growth of tree roots within your pipes. These treatments are designed to discourage root expansion and prevent further intrusion, and they’re carefully selected to be safe for your plumbing system.
- Physical barriers are another key strategy in the battle against root blockages. Plumbers can install specialized barriers that create a protective shield within your pipes.
- And when all else fails, there’s hydro jetting. This powerful technique uses high-pressure water to break down and remove root masses as well as any other blockages, all without damaging your plumbing system. It’s like a plumbing reset button, restoring your pipes to their optimal functioning.
CONCLUSION
So there you have it – the rarely told story of how droughts can actually cause more drainage problems than heavy rains. The next time you’re watering your lawn or enjoying a rainy day, give a thought to the secret world under your feet. And if you ever find yourself in a root-related drain dilemma – remember, solutions are always a call away!
If you encounter a plumbing issue, don’t risk the quick fix. Get help from the plumbing professionals at Morgan Miller Plumbing, (816) 765-4843