There’s nothing that can put your life on hold quite like a clogged sewer line. More often than not, the culprit of this most unpleasant predicament is that beautiful shade tree you and your family love so much. Yes, below the surface, your favorite tree has thousands of feet of roots constantly searching for moisture and warmth. And your sewer line, especially during the dry summer months, is the A-#1 prime target.

That’s because warm air flowing through the pipes causes water vapor to escape to the cold soil that surrounds it. So naturally roots grow toward this source. Once they’re on the scene, they seek tiny cracks, slightly loose joints, and other openings that will allow them to tap into this very dependable source of sustenance.

Older, clay tile pipes are most susceptible to invasion, however not even concrete or PVC pipes are completely impervious to their penetration.

Over time, and it really doesn’t take that long, the fine roots will spread through your pipes. And even before the roots completely fill the pipe, they’ll cause other debris to back up and bog things down. If you’ve noticed that your drainage system has started to slow down and perhaps heard a gurgling sound coming from your toilet bowl, now may be the time to act.

A video inspection of your sewer lateral will let you know exactly what and where the problem is. This relatively new technology can save you big money versus “exploratory” plumbing. It can also confirm the structural condition of your lateral, so you’ll know whether an auger or high-pressure flush can solve the problem or if more elaborate repairs are need.

To schedule a video inspection of your sewer lateral, call ARS today.