Ever heard the phrase "rooter service" but have no idea exactly what it means? It's a plumbing term for sure, and you know it involves the pipes and drains in your home, but that's about where your knowledge endes. Not to worry! It's a common misconception understanding this type of service, when to call for it, and what to expect after receiving rooter service. Let's help you understand what we're talking about.
What Does Rooter Mean in Plumbing?
The term “rooter service” comes from the problem this service is meant to address: tree root invasions blocking sewer or plumbing lines. While the original design for the rooter machine is no longer used, its conception has led to several effective drain cleaning tools and techniques still in use today.
Modern rooter service is now a generic term that refers to any method of drain cleaning or pipe repair your plumbing service may use to address stubborn sewer line and drainpipe clogs that affect the function of your plumbing.
The Basics of Rooter Service
Rooter service was invented to solve the simple problem of tree roots breaking into and clogging underground sewer lines. The original rooter machine was built from a washing machine motor and roller skate wheels, which moved a long steel cable through underground pipes to clear away invading tree roots. This device became the design foundation of the modern-day plumber’s snake, which is a hand-cranked or motor-driven cable used to break up or pull up clogging material in a sewer or other drainage pipe.
While snakes are still used in many rooter service visits, other tools such as root-killing chemicals and hydro-jetting may also be used alone or in combination to address serious drain clogs that cause poor drain performance or complete sewage backups. Additionally, your rooter service may also include pipe repair in cases where your pipes have been corroded or damaged, leading to leaks as well as clogs and drainage issues.
When Should I Call for Plumbing Rooter Service?
Rooter service is designed to solve the commonplace problems of slow and clogged drains. Clogs and blockages can affect your plumbing in many ways, depending on the type of clog and where it is located. A clog inside one of your home’s drains will typically only affect the appliance or fixture nearest its location; these clogs are often comprised of organic debris such as food scraps, hair, and soap scum.
Alternatively, a larger clog blocking your home’s sewer line may show different symptoms, such as widespread drainage issues in several areas of your home or minor backups in tubs and showers when a toilet is flushed or your washing machine runs. In severe cases, you may experience wastewater backups that flood your home, causing damage and exposing family members to untreated sewage. Sewer clogs can also be due to debris buildup or non-flushable items in the pipes, or may instead be caused by tree roots invading and growing into your sewer line in search of water, forming a living, growing clog that cannot be removed without the help of your professional rooter service.
Tree roots, corrosion, and debris buildup can all threaten the healthy function of your home’s drains and sewer lines—that’s why we offer professional rooter service, to address your home’s plumbing needs quickly and completely. If you think you may be facing a tough clog that needs the attention of a plumber, please schedule an appointment for professional drain cleaning and rooter service from ARS/Rescue Rooter today!
