Had a similar issue myself, but went with HDPE pipes instead of PVC. Supposedly they're even tougher against roots. Been about five years now and still holding strong... fingers crossed it stays that way.
Interesting, HDPE's definitely tougher long-term, but I've always wondered about its environmental footprint compared to PVC. Did you look into that at all before choosing? Curious how they stack up sustainability-wise...
I wondered about that too when I was replacing my sewer line last year. From what I remember, HDPE actually comes out ahead environmentally compared to PVC, mostly because it's easier to recycle and doesn't release as many nasty chemicals during production. PVC manufacturing can be pretty rough environmentally, especially with chlorine involved. HDPE's production isn't perfect either, but it seems to have a lighter footprint overall.
That said, I'm not sure how much practical difference it makes for something buried underground for decades... I mean, ideally we're not digging these things up again anytime soon, right? 😂 But I guess every little bit helps.
When I was researching, I also read that HDPE pipes tend to be more flexible and resistant to cracking from soil shifts or tree roots (which sounds like exactly your issue). PVC is rigid and can crack under pressure or shifting ground. My neighbor had a PVC line crack after only 5 years because of tree roots pushing against it. Not fun. He ended up redoing the entire thing with HDPE anyway—so maybe going with HDPE from the start saves some hassle down the road?
Did you end up DIY-ing your installation or hire someone? I tackled mine myself and let's just say... my back still hasn't forgiven me. 😅
"My neighbor had a PVC line crack after only 5 years because of tree roots pushing against it. Not fun."
Yeah, this is exactly why I went with HDPE for mine. First-time homeowner here, and honestly, the peace of mind alone made it worth it. Glad you got yours sorted!
Had a similar issue a few years back—roots cracked right through our PVC line. Switched to HDPE after that mess, and it's held up great so far. Plus, it's recyclable, which was a big selling point for me. Definitely worth the extra upfront cost to avoid digging up the yard again in five years...
