Beware of Your Pipes With New Spring Planting

Ricky Pattillo • March 24, 2020
Beware of Pipes with Spring Planting
Spring is in the air, and it’s the perfect time of year to get outside and get started planting. But before you dig, there are a few things to consider. At Plumb Works Inc., we’ve got some tips to keep your yard looking beautiful and keep your underground plumbing safe now, and years down the line.  

General rule of thumb for planting near pipes

Whether you’re installing a new pond, adding some azalea bushes, or planting shade trees, it’s important to know what’s under the ground before you dig. Your local utility company can schedule an appointment to come to your property and show you where any water or utility lines are located. Avoid planting directly over any marked pipes and septic systems, and be sure to maintain a safe distance. Roots will naturally grow towards water, even if it’s the water in your plumbing lines, so it’s helpful to know the growth habits of what you’re planting. By considering the water needs, root depth, and canopy growth, you can choose plants that will thrive in your yard without the risk of plants damaging water pipes, creating the need for burst pipe repair

For people wanting to plant trees

Small, slow-growing trees and shrubs are ideal for planting near your home near areas where pipes are located. Japanese Maples, Crape Myrtles, and Magnolia trees provide beautiful seasonal foliage and flowers without extensive risk to plumbing systems. Evergreens like Blue Atlas Cedar and Japanese Privet stay under twenty feet in height and offer lovely year-round leaves that won’t block drains. Consult with your garden center for more recommendations, and don’t forget to call a local plumber to get your pipes inspected. Only plant near well-maintained systems that aren’t leaking, or you could end up with roots blocking water pipes. 

Plants to avoid having in your garden

If you’d like to plant trees or shrubs in your yard this spring, there are some that should be avoided unless they’re far away from your plumbing. Generally, you can estimate the root spread by measuring the mature canopy of the trees you’d like to install. The wider the treetop stretches, the further away you’ll want to plant it. Some can be tricky, however. Boxwood shrubs and birch trees are great decorative plantings, but with shallow, wide-spreading root systems, they easily get enmeshed in pipes. And for some trees, like the Ginkgo Biloba, it’s not so much the roots you have to worry about as the fan-shaped leaves that drop by the thousands every season, clogging gutters and drains. 

Do you have roots blocking water pipes, or leaking pipes attracting root growth? Plumb Works Inc. is your local plumbing expert, indoors and out. Call 404-524-1825 to learn more about the services we offer!


Frequently Asked Questions about Plumb Works Inc.

  • Where should I plant trees to avoid damaging underground pipes?

    Consult with your local utility company to determine where your utility lines are located. Maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from any marked pipes, and ideally more distance than the spread of the mature canopy. 


  • How do roots get into pipes?

    Roots will seek water wherever they can find it, including through loose joints or cracks in underground water pipes and plumbing systems.

  • Can tree roots break pipes?

    Older pipes are vulnerable to cracks where roots can enter and continue to grow. Eventually, root growth can block pipes and prevent water from flowing through. 

January 30, 2025
When running a business, plumbing might not be top of mind—until something goes wrong. A burst pipe, a backed-up drain, or a faulty water heater can disrupt operations, inconvenience customers, and lead to expensive repairs. Regular commercial plumbing maintenance helps prevent these issues, saving businesses time, money, and stress. But not all businesses have the same plumbing needs. Let’s take a look at why maintenance is crucial and what specific industries should focus on.  Why Regular Maintenance Matters Neglecting plumbing maintenance can lead to serious problems, including: ✔ Unexpected Downtime – A plumbing emergency can halt operations, costing businesses revenue and productivity. ✔ Expensive Repairs – Small issues, like a slow drain, can escalate into costly repairs if left unchecked. ✔ Health & Safety Concerns – Leaks and water damage can lead to mold growth, contamination, and even structural damage. ✔ Regulatory Compliance – Many industries must meet health and safety standards for plumbing systems, especially with backflow testing . Backflow testing must be performed annually in the State of Georgia for all businesses that connect directly or indirectly to the public water supply. By scheduling routine maintenance, businesses can catch minor issues before they become major problems, ensuring smooth operations year-round. Industry-Specific Plumbing Needs Restaurants & Food Service For restaurants, hotels, and commercial kitchens, plumbing problems can be disastrous. A clogged grease trap or backed-up drain can lead to kitchen shutdowns and health code violations. Regular maintenance should include: Grease trap cleaning or new grease trap installation . Drain and sewer line inspections. Water heater checks for dishwashers and sinks. Healthcare & Medical Facilities Hospitals, dental offices, and clinics rely on clean water and functional plumbing for sanitation and patient care. Preventative maintenance in these spaces should focus on: Backflow prevention to ensure water quality. Regular pipe inspections to prevent leaks and contamination. Water heater maintenance for sterilization equipment. Office Buildings & Corporate Spaces Large office buildings see heavy restroom use, making plumbing upkeep essential. Common maintenance needs include: Checking for leaks in restrooms and breakroom sinks. Maintaining water pressure for multiple floors. Inspecting sewer lines to prevent backups. Retail & Shopping Centers Customer restrooms, employee break areas, and utility sinks are all essential in retail spaces. Routine checks should include: Leak detection in public restrooms (especially for Mom & Pop shops in metro Atlanta with 1-2 bathrooms on site.) Water heater maintenance for stores with in-house cafés. Ensuring floor drains are clear to prevent flooding. Industrial & Manufacturing Facilities Factories and warehouses use plumbing for both sanitation and production processes. Preventative maintenance should focus on: Inspecting high-use pipes for corrosion. Checking for leaks in chemical or waste disposal systems. Ensuring emergency eyewash stations and safety showers function properly. Places of Worship Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship often have large gatherings that rely on the plumbing functioning correctly. With your patrons in attendance for long periods, on-site kitchens, and regular community events, regular maintenance is essential and should include: Checking restrooms for leaks, clogs, and proper water pressure. Inspecting and maintaining water heaters for kitchens and fellowship halls. Ensuring baptismal fonts and other specialty plumbing features are in good working order. Keeping sewer and drainage systems clear to accommodate large services and events. Schedule Commercial Plumbing Maintenance With Plumb Works A proactive approach to commercial plumbing maintenance saves businesses from expensive surprises. Scheduling routine inspections, cleaning drains, and keeping plumbing systems in top shape ensures smooth operations and regulatory compliance. If you own or manage a commercial property, don’t wait for a plumbing emergency. Invest in regular maintenance to protect your business, employees, and customers. Contact Plumb Works today to schedule a service or set up a custom maintenance plan that fits your industry’s needs.
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 We are excited to announce that Plumb Works has been recognized as the 2024 Residential Contractor of the Year, an accolade that speaks to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service and superior workmanship. This accolade, awarded by Plumbing & Mechanical Magzine, is given to contractors that foster long-standing customer relationships, a strong work ethic, and a deep-rooted commitment to quality service. You can read the full article here . What This Award Means to Us At Plumb Works, delivering quality service to our Atlanta community is at the core of everything we do. Our team works diligently to ensure each customer receives reliable, efficient, and friendly service, whether it’s a small plumbing repair or a large-scale project. Receiving the 2024 Residential Contractor of the Year award is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our plumbers, and we are truly honored by this recognition. Our Commitment to You This accolade is a reminder of why we do what we do. We believe that every home deserves dependable plumbing services that leave you confident in your system's performance. Whether you need routine maintenance, emergency repairs, or a complete overhaul, Plumb Works is ready to help. As we celebrate this recognition, we want to thank all of our loyal customers for your trust and feedback. You inspire us to improve and grow every day. Experience Award-Winning Plumbing Services with Plumb Works If you’re looking for a plumbing company that’s as dedicated to customer satisfaction as we are to solving your plumbing problems, look no further. Call Plumb Works today or fill out a form to schedule your next service and see firsthand why we’ve earned the 2024 Residential Contractor of The Year.
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