Plumbing Safe Landscaping in Orange County
You love your Lake Forest home, but if you’re being honest, your yard isn’t exactly turning heads. This spring, you’re ready to change that. But before you grab a shovel, we’re here to make sure you’re not planting yourself into a plumbing disaster.
What is the best way to plan for plumbing-safe landscaping, and how can you prevent a sewage surprise?
Plumbing with Sewage Lines in Mind
The safest way to landscape starts before you dig that first shovel full of dirt. Always start with determining where your sewer lines are located. Call your local works department or California’s 811 “Before You Dig” number to learn exactly where your sewage lines are. Trust us—the slight delay in planning is worth so much more than dealing with the consequences of leaking sewer lines!
Trees and other deep-rooted plants should be kept at least 10 feet away from your sewer lines to avoid trouble. Shallow-rooted plants are always a great choice to fill out your yard without risking plumbing problems.
There are also several barriers that can protect your pipes. Slow-release chemicals like copper sulfate and potassium hydroxide discourage root growth. There are also metal and plastic barriers you can buy to wrap around your pipes for an extra layer of protection.
Keep Your Plumbing Safe with Regular Inspections
Once your yard looks exactly the way you want it, you need to know the warning signs of a possible sewer line situation. Clogged drains happen. If they happen infrequently, it’s most likely a sign that the problem is in that drain—like your toddler stuffing the whole toilet paper roll into the toilet.
However, if you are seeing a pattern of frequent clogged or slow drains throughout your house, that’s a sign that the problem is deeper in your system. Tree roots are like thirsty toddlers, except instead of stealing your cup or drinking from the hose, they go right to the water flowing through your sewer lines! In the worst-case scenario, they can collapse your pipes and cause sewage leaks, which are hazardous to your health and a headache to repair.
Our advice? Regular maintenance and inspections reduce the risk of obstructed pipes.
Start Spring Right with Barker and Sons
Don’t let tree roots turn your dream yard into a plumbing nightmare. If you’re dealing with slow drains or want a sewer line check-up, call us today. We’ll make sure your plumbing is safe and sound so you can focus on choosing between fuchsias or poppies!
