Why roots enter sewer lines
A sewer line carries water and nutrients, and even small leaks at a joint or crack can draw roots toward it. Once a root finds an opening it grows inside the pipe, thickens, and catches paper, grease and debris.
Older clay and cast iron pipe, which has many joints, and deteriorated pipe such as Orangeburg are more vulnerable than modern PVC or ABS. Homes with mature trees near the side sewer are the most common candidates.
Signs of roots in your sewer line
- Slow drains throughout the house
- Gurgling toilets or drains
- Repeated backups in the lowest drains
- A line that clogs again soon after it has been cleared
- Mature trees near the path of the side sewer
How roots are confirmed
A sewer camera inspection shows whether roots are present, where they have entered, how heavy they are and whether the pipe is cracked or offset. That decides whether the line needs cleaning, repair or both.
How roots are removed
A cable machine with a cutting head can cut heavy roots, and hydro jetting clears fine roots and cleans root debris from the pipe wall. Both remove the roots but do not repair the opening they came through, so roots can return.
How to keep roots from coming back
- Repair or line cracked or open-jointed pipe; trenchless pipe lining seals joints from the inside
- Have the line inspected and cleaned on a schedule if you have mature trees and older pipe
- Find out where your side sewer runs before planting large trees or shrubs near it
- Replace pipe that is beyond repair
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tree roots break a sewer pipe?
Roots usually enter an existing crack or joint, but as they grow they can widen the opening and contribute to further damage, especially in older pipe.
How often will roots need to be cleared?
It depends on the trees, the pipe and how open the joints are. If roots keep returning, a camera inspection can show whether the pipe needs repair rather than repeated cutting.
Will pipe lining stop roots?
A liner seals cracks and joints, which removes the openings roots use. It needs a pipe that is suitable for lining, which a camera inspection will show.
Related Services
- Video Camera Pipe Inspection
A waterproof camera shows what is inside your drain or sewer line, so problems can be found without digging.
- Hydro Jetting Service
High-pressure water jetting that clears grease, scale, roots and stubborn blockages from drain and sewer lines.
- Trenchless Sewer Line Repair
Sewer line repair using pipe lining or pipe bursting that avoids digging a long trench through your yard.