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17 Aug 2025

How Tree Roots Can Damage Your Septic System and What to Do

How Tree Roots Can Damage Your Septic System and What to Do

Trees are a true wonder of nature. They provide a sense of beauty, security, and shade; they are a habitat and marvelous to look at. They get along with almost every existing component of our daily lives except one—our septic systems. As valuable as they are, when they’re searching for the water and nutrients they need in order to survive, they may pose a serious risk to your septic system components through root invasion. In this article, we’ll go over how this happens and what some of the precautions you can take can be.

How Does Damage Happen?

Tree roots can damage your septic system in a few different dimensions. Let’s discover.

Tree roots initially enter the septic tanks through small fractures; once they are able to get in, they block the water flow, which disrupts the way wastewater is distributed across the drain field. As they grow, these roots put a large amount of pressure on almost all components of the septic system, which can end up with septic pipes collapsing, causing a massive waste leak inside your property, which is a health and an environmental hazard. If the leak is large enough, you may need a total replacement of the septic system.

Signs To Be Aware Of

Some indicators that root infiltration may be occurring in your septic system are:

  • You have slow-draining sinks and toilets.
  • Abnormally green and wet spots in your backyard
  • Bad smells coming from both outside and from your sinks.
  • Odd sounds coming from inside your walls.
  • Obvious backup from the toilets or sinks.

What Can You Do?

When it comes to plumbing systems, the best approach is always prevention, and prevention happens through mindful everyday practices and regular inspections. Here are some of them.

  • If you are working on a yard renovation project, make sure to know the location of your septic tank and drain field, and don’t plant any trees with roots that go deep close to these areas.
  • Put in place physical barriers underground to keep roots from getting to your system.
  • Call professional plumbers for septic pumping and inspection regularly to detect issues at early stages and prevent them from growing.

How Is This Situation Treated?

Mechanical removal: As the name suggests, in this technique, the professionals find out the pipes that roots have invaded and physically remove them.

Chemical treatments: These agents are used carefully to avoid harming the environment. For smaller roots, the most common one is potassium chloride, and for larger ones, sodium chloride is preferred.

Protect Your Investment

Tree roots may appear aesthetic and innocent all the time, but once they damage your septic system components, they can cause costly repairs. However, if you are aware of the early signs and take the necessary precautions and regularly seek out the help of a professional septic company for septic cleaning, you have nothing to worry about. At Rooter Septic Services, we offer a wide range of septic services, including maintenance and repairs. If you suspect potential root damage, contact us today and let us inspect the area. Call us today to schedule your appointment.