Tree roots are opportunistic. While they will not crack a sound sewer service or water line, they will exploit cracks or failures in the lines. The best defense against having tree roots in lines is to make sure that your lines are in good condition and that they're not cracked. If you suspect that tree roots are growing into your sewer line, you can have the roots cut out using a process called "rodding".

When homeowners suspect they have a blocked sewer line between their home and the main City sewer, they should contact Toronto Water for assistance: 416-338-ROOT (7668). First response to sewer line blockage, inspection and emergency repair service will be provided by City staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week. After normal business hours, response will be limited to emergency situations where the sewer service lines are completely blocked. See similar questions...

Roots grow toward water vapor or moisture, by a continuous process (hydrotropism) occurring at the very end of the root. The root grows one cell at a time enabling it to enter the small cracks and joints, which may be present in your pipe. After a root enters a pipe, it divides hundreds of times to form a large mass of tender root ends. This root mass will accumulate a thick coating of grease which will collect up on the root mass until a blockage occurs. See similar questions...

The drain must be snaked and cleaned out, and then certain products may be used to prevent roots form growing any further. If it is a major problem, or if your pipes are blocked, they may need to be replaced. See similar questions...

Local hardware stores have a chemical for removing tree roots. This will kill the roots that are in the service line. See similar questions...

The Ordinance does not allow for trees to be removed due to sewer complications. Often trees are blamed for sewer line problems when in actuality the problems associated with tree roots are primarily caused by aging porous clay pipes. Once replaced with new plastic pipes tree roots no longer seek out the pipes as they are non-porous. Violations can be reported to (510) 670-5500. The Public Works Agency's Arborist will inspect the violation and provide a response if requested. See similar questions...

If a tree is growing well, a survival mechanism is to explore the soil for supplies of oxygen, nutrients and water. It is our belief that tree roots do not cause sanitary line leaks. However, if a water vapor source or a water leak is available, the tree root will seek the water location as a survival reaction. There is doubt at this point, given an available water vapor source or a leak, that the tree root can make a minor problem significantly worse. See similar questions...

The Los Angeles County Fire Department has eight fire stations that serve the City of Pomona. Each station is staffed with career fire fighting personnel who are trained to provide citizens with the highest level of fire and rescue assistance. Fire stations are strategically located throughout Pomona to provide quick assistance to area residents. In the event of fire or rescue emergency, the primary station will be on call to assist you with support from other stations, as needed. See similar questions...

Most people know that tree roots stabilize a tree. However, that is only part of their job. Most people don't realize that roots absorb oxygen out of the soil. Tree roots absorb air, water and nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus from the soil then convey these elements to the rest of the tree. All of these are essential for the trees growth and overall health. Tree roots also store starches that are produced during the growing season. See similar questions...

The growth characteristics of many species is to develop surface roots. Silver maples are one example. Many times, surface roots occur when the tree roots are looking for water, the soil is too hard, or the soil is saturated with water. Surface roots can impact sidewalks and driveways. See similar questions...

Tree roots can normally grow to that of two and one-half times the height of the tree. The area under the canopy of the tree is commonly referred to as the critical root zone. The amount of critical root zone lost is directly related to the amount of die-back in the crown of the tree. In an oak tree, if more than 30 percent of the critical root zone is lost, the tree will die. However, soft wood trees, such as box elder, can tolerate far more root disturbance. See similar questions...

The answer is yes if there is a leak and the leak is in the proximity of tree roots. Tree roots seek water. If a water source is available because of a leak, or an opening in a leech field line and there are tree roots in the area, they will quickly invade the area and take advantage of the available moisture. How many times have you gone for a walk and noticed sidewalks cracked or heaved out of place because of tree roots? Unfortunately this problem is all too common. See similar questions...

No. In six years of controlled use, there has been no indication of damage caused from the spike or cross member entering the root ball. Any piercing will, at worst, cause the roots to grow around the impediment. See similar questions...

Tree roots do not cause drains or sewer pipes to break, but they will invade and clog drains that have pre-existing cracks and resultant leakage. Drains are usually six to eight feet below ground level, while tree roots grow almost exclusively in the upper two feet of soil, because they not only need nutrients, but also oxygen to survive. See similar questions...

Tree roots will certainly contribute to sidewalk failure, but they are not the initial cause of heaving. There are a number of factors that contribute to sidewalk failure: the method of sidewalk construction, type of soil under and surrounding the sidewalk, proximity of the sidewalk to the tree's buttress roots, and others. There are several things that can be done to repair the sidewalk and maintain the health of the tree. See similar questions...

A sewer ejector pump is the answer. Kits come with the sump basin, sewer ejector pump, check-valve. The waster line is run into the sump basin, pumped through a checkvalve into the sewer line that grades with gravity. A vent pipe needs to be run also, (you can't pump out without replacing the air, it's like trying to suck air out of a bottle) If you add a high water alarm, which is a good idea. See similar questions...

Each property owner is responsible for maintaining the sewer line (lateral) from the property to the connection with the City's sewer main. The lateral will often continue off the property out to the sewer main, which is generally near the middle of the street. The City cleans all sewer mains at least once per year, more often in some areas. If you have questions about your sewer line, call (714) 990-7691 and ask for the Street Division Supervisor. See similar questions...

If you think the problem may be in the main sewer line, call the Public Works Department at (803) 285-9431. They will check the main sewer line and sewer tap to see if the problem is there. This may save you a bill for a plumber’s visit to tell you that your sewer lateral is clear. See similar questions...

A utility pipe that carries wastewater from the connected laterals to the wastewater treatment plant (via sewer force or gravity main). Yes. Upon request and only to households that have sewer cleanouts located at the resident’s property line (near the sidewalk), Redwood City will provide a cleaning (snaking) service from the cleanout to the sewer main line. See similar questions...

The customer is responsible for the sewer lateral from the house to the main sewer line in the street. See similar questions...