Is your home surrounded by trees? The lush greenery here in the Pacific Northwest is certainly a beautiful advantage that we have over other parts of the country, but it can also lead to serious problems with your sewer lines. In fact, roots are actually the main cause of sewer backups!

It's hard to notice sewer problems until something goes wrong, such as raw sewage in your basement or living area. As summer ends, it's the perfect time to assess your home's sewer lines so that you can unclog them and protect them from issues before the rainy season when the added volume of the rain to your system can lead to sewage disaster.

Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer, and Rooter wants you to avoid smelly pipes, stubborn clogs, messy leaks, and huge disasters, so they gave us the top things to consider right before the fall season.

If trees grow in your yard between where the sewer pipe leaves the house and joins the main line, it is a good idea to follow these tips and periodically check whether tree roots are beginning to infiltrate, no matter what time of year it is. This advice especially applies if you have older pipes, which tend to be less resistant to roots than modern plastic pipes.

One more thing to consider: The roots aren't the only part of trees and plants that can cause problems. Leaves, pine needles, moss, twigs, and dirt can all infiltrate your sewer lines too. Leaves fall in the autumn, and the Northwest rain encourages moss to grow, so it's important for you to keep up with your cleaning habits throughout the fall and winter.

Bob Oates has recently expanded its services into north King County and Snohomish County with the opening of its new North Shop. If you're in any of the new service areas up north, Bob Oates is eager to serve you and your home. Interested in working with Bob Oates and getting your home ready for fall? Call 206-789-4944 and mention you saw this segment or article for a complimentary inspection.

Want all the latest on dining, fashion, travel, events, and more delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe to receive exclusive newsletters and special offers from Seattle Refined! Enter your email address below to receive the latest updates.