During the summer months, waste accumulates and dries in the pipes of our house, community of neighbors, offices, schools, etc., in short, all the plumbing installations around us. With the appearance of the first rains, most of the components of the evacuation network are in obstruction, preventing its correct operation.
It seems sensible to think that these incidents are contemplated every year and are prevented. However, in reality, few public administrations and communities of neighbors carry out inspections and revisions of their sewage network at this time of the year.
Another reason for clogging and obstruction in sewerage and drainage installations is roots in sewer line. Although it might seem a simple problem to solve, roots in sewer lines are pretty often the culprit of clogs where there are trees, abundant vegetation, or simply in areas where there are green spaces such as terraces or gardens.
The roots of trees and other vegetation enter the soil, searching for moisture and the nutrients it harbors. In this search, they tend to enter the pipes, wells, maintenance holes, pits, etc., all the elements of sewerage and sanitation where we can logically locate water.
These problems are aggravated when, for example, we are in front of hidden maintenance holes, which are filled with roots and collapse any installation without even knowing about its existence.
By penetrating these ducts, the roots manage to nourish themselves and thus meet their needs and cause severe clogging by obstructing pipes and causing a lack of humidity in the area.
With time, the natural evolution of the roots causes fissures or breaks in the pipes. It can cause water logging or structural damage and aggravate the problem of the roots because the dispersion of the liquid causes a more incredible lushness in the bush or tree.
Sometimes the only way to discover roots in a sewer line is through a TV camera inspection of the sewage system, which allows you to see inside the pipes and find the real problem.
To remove roots in sewer lines and prevent new growth, several options, such as chemical and mechanical solutions, address the problems in and around the pipes and more complex solutions that include cutting the root system. Hence, root extensions die and can be more easily removed. However, all of these techniques require significant time, energy and can be costly. Therefore, a final option for pipes that have suffered extensive damage is to replace them.
● Removing roots mechanically
Several techniques can be used to remove roots mechanically with cutters and augers or push or pull them through sewer pipes. These methods address the problem for the time being but do not prevent roots from growing into subsequent lines.
● Use chemicals
Chemicals, such as copper sulfate and foaming agents, kill roots in a matter of hours, but it will take time for the roots to empty. Foaming agents line the pipes in a manner that copper sulfate and offer longer-lasting protection against new growth.
● Line pipes
Once the roots have been removed from the pipes, there are options to prevent future growth, creating a barrier against the roots. For example, a process called slip lining involves feeding a seamless liner through the tubes. Inflatable liners can also be inserted as a barrier.
