Planning your landscaping? Great! But have you thought about how your yard design might affect your plumbing? Many homeowners don’t realize that what they plant and how they maintain their yard can damage their underground pipes. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you spot the common mistakes and avoid costly plumbing problems.

Are Tree Roots Wrecking Your Sewer Lines?

Tree roots love water. Unfortunately, your sewer lines carry just enough moisture to attract them. When trees are planted too close to these lines, their roots can grow toward the pipes, wrap around them, and even break into them.

The result? Clogs, slow drains, or full-blown sewer backups.

Tip: Avoid planting trees near sewer lines, especially fast-growing types like willows or maples. If you really want trees in your yard, choose ones with less aggressive roots and plant them far away from plumbing lines.

Is Overwatering Hurting Your Pipes?

We all want green lawns, but too much watering can do more harm than good. Oversaturated soil can create pressure on your underground pipes, causing them to crack or shift. Plus, all that extra moisture can lead to root rot in your plants.

Tip: Use a drip irrigation system that delivers just the right amount of water directly to plant roots. Always take soil type and weather conditions into account when setting up your watering schedule.

Could Poor Drainage Lead To Plumbing Problems?

If water tends to pool in certain areas of your yard after rain or irrigation, you might have a drainage issue. Standing water can put stress on underground plumbing and even your home’s foundation.

Tip – Make sure your yard slopes away from your home and has a proper drainage system. You might also consider installing French drains or grading the soil for better flow.

Are You Mowing Too Low?

It might sound odd, but cutting your grass too short can actually damage your pipes, especially if they’re shallow or near the surface. Lawn equipment can scrape or press on the ground hard enough to affect pipes.

Tip – Keep your grass at a moderate height and know where your underground utilities are before mowing or digging.

Is Improper Pruning Causing Root Stress?

Over-pruning weakens trees, which can affect their root systems. Weak roots might grow in unpredictable directions, potentially reaching and damaging underground pipes.

Tip – Prune responsibly or hire a professional arborist to maintain your trees in a safe and healthy way.

Other Common Mistakes To Watch For

• Improper grading – Can lead to water pooling around foundations and pipes.
  
• Mismatched or old pipes – Different materials may not work well together and could corrode or leak.
  
• Clogged gutters – Overflow can saturate soil and stress plumbing systems.
  

Let SWAN Protect Your Plumbing While You Enjoy Your Yard

A beautiful landscape shouldn’t come at the cost of your plumbing. If you suspect root intrusion, drainage issues, or underground pipe damage, it’s time to call in the pros.

Need help protecting your plumbing from landscaping problems? Contact SWAN Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, INC. for expert plumbing inspection and repair today!