Video: How to Prevent a Broken Sewer Pipe

SAN FRANCISCO — Host, Sarah Rutan: Avoiding costly sewer line repairs in the future often means taking proactive steps today. We’re in San Francisco with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Joel Ledesma of Atlas Plumbing & Rooter to learn how you can prevent sewer pipe damage.

Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Joel Ledesma: Sewer pipe hazard number one, tree roots. Tree roots can be very aggressive in their search for moisture, especially during dry weather. Often sewer pipes are the nearest source of water. Tree roots are attracted by water vapor that escapes from the pipes to the cold soil surrounding them, especially near small cracks and loose joints. Once the roots have pried their way into the sewer system, they can fill the pipe completely with hair-like root masses. Tissue paper and grease and other debris in the sewage are caught in the roots, eventually leading to complete obstruction or even breakage of the sewer pipe.

Severe cause of root damage requires costly sewer replacements. Be aware of the location of your sewer pipe lateral on your property before planting any trees or hedges near the sewer pipe. And remember as a general rule, the tree roots will extend two and a half times the height of the tree.

Host, Sarah Rutan: To learn more from local top-rated companies, visit our Diamond Certified Expert Reports at experts.diamondcertified.org.