Can trees break sewer pipes?
Many people have the misconception that tree roots can damage sewer lines. Tree roots will only invade sewer lines that have already cracked because of aging/drying joints or the earth settling. Most old sewage lines in Baltimore are made of deteriorative terra-cotta lines. When a sewer line breaks or leaks, a tree will thrive in the newly found water and nutrients. Unfortunately, the only real solution to a tree invasion on a sewer line is to replace the lines with watertight PVC or cast iron lines. Postponing fixes include the use of inexpensive drain cleaning products containing copper sulfate or periodic routing in the spring and fall when roots are the most active. Removing the tree will not solve the problem. Many people incur the unnecessary expense of removing trees around their property only to find that the problem still exists. Tree removal permits are issued only if doing so is required to repair a leaking sewer.
