Just when you thought you had seen the end of your plumbing problems, plant life adds a whole new obstacle to your maintenance regimen. When shooting for aesthetics, many homeowners overlook the repercussions certain trees and shrubs can have on plumbing fixtures.
While new plants may be beautiful, they could jeopardize your septic and plumbing systems. When enhancing your lawn’s appeal with shrubs and trees, it’s vital to know where and how different plants should be grown to avoid a plumbing emergency.
Types of Trees That Can Affect Plumbing Fixtures
Trees add beauty, personality, and shade to your yard. Unfortunately, their roots present a significant threat to your plumbing fixtures. Depending on the type and direction of the root’s growth, you may experience blockage in your pipes. Here are the trees that most frequently grow into plumbing lines and fixtures:
- Birch trees are favored by homeowners who appreciate graceful, slender trees. Birch roots usually grow a 4- to 8-inch-thick mat-like structure, but they still present a threat to nearby pipes. Birch trees need no less than twenty feet of space between plumbing fixtures and your home’s foundation to ensure no damage is done.
- Citrus trees are a tasty source of lemons, oranges, and more. Although these trees yield wonderful fruits, they’re infamous for their damage to plumbing fixtures and are banned by many HOA’s for this reason. When planting a citrus tree, the placement must be at least 6-8 feet from the foundation of your home to avoid damage.
- Oak trees are notorious for their longevity and strength, though they’re also infamous for damaging foundations and plumbing fixtures. Because oak trees grow slowly, they can penetrate pipes at a sneaky pace that takes a while to notice. Oak trees should be planted a minimum of 15-30 feet away from important fixtures on your property.
Do Citrus Tree Roots Damage Plumbing?
Homeowners often ask, “Do citrus tree roots damage plumbing?” The short answer is yes — citrus tree roots can damage plumbing under the right conditions, especially older sewer and water lines.
Citrus trees, including lemon, orange, lime, and grapefruit trees, have wide-spreading, moisture-seeking root systems. While their roots are not always as aggressive as those of willows or poplars, they are still drawn to small cracks, loose joints, and aging pipes where moisture is present.
Once citrus roots find a water source, they can slowly grow into sewer or drain lines, leading to:
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Recurring clogs
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Slow drains
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Cracked or collapsed pipes
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Sewer backups into the home
This risk increases significantly in homes with older clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg sewer pipes, which are common in parts of Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA.
Why Citrus Trees Can Be a Risk to Underground Pipes
Citrus trees may appear harmless above ground, but below the surface their roots are constantly searching for moisture and nutrients. Plumbing issues can arise because:
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Roots grow outward, not downward, often spreading well beyond the tree’s canopy
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Even tiny pipe leaks attract roots, encouraging intrusion
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Roots can exploit pipe joints and hairline fractures
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Root growth accelerates during warmer months when water use increases
If citrus trees are planted too close to sewer lines, water mains, or drain pipes, the likelihood of plumbing damage increases over time.
Preventive Growth Barriers
There are many methods you can use to protect yourself from expensive plumbing repairs, and one of the most cost-effective options is to have a preventive growth barrier installed.
A preventive growth barrier is an assemblage of walls implanted into the ground around a plant that’s main job is to redirect the growth of roots. A professional landscaper can help install a growth barrier to make it easier to plant a yard without root-related complications.
When to Call a Professional Plumber for Root Damage
If you suspect tree roots — including citrus tree roots — may be affecting your plumbing, professional inspection is key. At D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we help homeowners throughout Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA identify and resolve root intrusion before it leads to major pipe failure.
Common warning signs include:
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Frequent drain clogs
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Gurgling toilets
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Slow drains throughout the home
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Sewage odors
A professional camera inspection can confirm whether roots are present and determine the best solution to protect your plumbing system long-term.
Experts In Plumbing Repair
Putting up with the complications of plant-related plumbing damages is no thrilling endeavor. If you’ve done your calculations and a plant’s roots still managed to come in contact with your pipes, it’s best to turn to the experts at D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. Here at D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we make it our top priority to repair your plumbing and protect your plumbing fixtures from any additional damage. If you require immediate plumbing repair, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
