Keep your pipes healthy with these gardening tips

You may already know tree roots can cause plumbing and drain problems. But did you know your garden can cause a number of issues that affect your home plumbing system, as well? Here are some tips for yard and garden maintenance that may help you avoid expensive plumbing repairs.

A well-trimmed lawn is an excellent solution for reducing weeds. It also makes your property look terrific, but grass clippings can cause problems if they are allowed to overwhelm your drainage system. Clumps of clippings tend to build up in hard-to-reach areas. They can form a rotting mess that dries into hard, obstructive plugs. These can clog drains, damage pipes and cause backed up sewer lines and basement flooding.

Just like trees, shrubs and hedges have roots that are attracted to sources of water. They can grow through the wall of your sewer pipes to cause a host of plumbing mishaps. This can cause problems like broken pipes and blockages, which may require expensive repairs. Regularly trim shrubs and hedges to help control root growth. Perform seasonal pruning to ensure the development of healthy leaves and flowers during the following growing season.

Garden debris and fallen branches aren't just a nuisance. They should be removed on a regular basis. If allowed to accumulate, this material will turn into a heavy, damp, steaming pile of organic fertilizer. That means it will provide a nutrient boost to any plant life in the area. If this happens to occur near your sewer line, roots can infiltrate your pipes. It will make the ground more difficult to dig through if excavation becomes necessary. This additional labour will result in a higher cost for any plumbing repairs.

Many people perform garden maintenance and cleanup at the same time of day or on the same day(s) of the week. It is easier to stay on top of chores, and plant life seems to respond better, as well. It is also a good idea to schedule a drain camera inspection of your sewer lines at the beginning or end of the growing season each year. This will allow you to identify any potential plumbing problems before they cause trouble. This can also keep future repair costs to a minimum.