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Trees and Sewer Lines
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Trees and Sewer Conflicts
The Indianapolis Urban Forestry Team often receives calls from distressed property owners who are experiencing sewer backups. Following a backup, property owners will discover roots in their sewers and place blame on street trees for their sewer problems. However, tree roots only invade sewer lines that have already broken due to earth settlement, dried joints or age. Broken sewer lines or joints leak sewage into the ground. Adjacent roots from trees or shrubbery, which need moisture and nutrients, soon invade the surrounding area. Roots enter the defective pipe and eventually block the flow.
If you suspect that tree or shrubbery roots are invading your broken sewer line, treat the line with copper sulfate.
Copper sulfate only kills the roots it contacts, not trees or shrubbery and it will not harm the bacteria in septic systems. In fact, the Indianapolis Water Company often uses it to remove algae from our drinking water. Most plumbers and garden centers stock small cans of copper sulfate. Larger bags are available and are often cheaper. As always, follow the instructions on the product label for use.
Applying copper sulfate once in the spring and once in the fall should prevent your sewer from clogging again.
Most importantly, always administer copper sulfate through the toilet bowl; the chemical can eat through metal drains and plumbing fixtures.
Please remember, property owners are responsible for the costs associated with any damage made to the lateral line from their home to the City's sewer system, including damage caused by trees.