How roots get into a sewer line
Roots don't break healthy pipe. They find an opening, usually a joint that has loosened or a small crack, and grow in through it. Inside the pipe they branch into a mat that catches paper and debris. Older pipe materials with many joints, like clay, are especially prone to this.
Signs of roots in the line
- Drains that slow down repeatedly, often in the same pattern
- Gurgling in toilets and drains
- A main line that clogs again weeks or months after being cleared
- Large trees or shrubs near the sewer line
- Roots showing on a camera inspection
How we remove roots
We cut roots out of the pipe with a cable machine fitted with root-cutting blades, and use hydro jetting to flush out what's left. A camera inspection afterward shows how much was removed and what condition the pipe is in.
Keeping roots from coming back
Cutting roots clears the line, but as long as the opening and the tree are still there, roots can return. Depending on what the camera shows, the options range from periodic cleaning on a schedule, to repairing the damaged section, to replacing the pipe. We'll lay out the options and what each one involves.
Common questions
Will the roots grow back? +
Often, yes, if the pipe still has an opening and the tree is still there. How fast depends on the tree, the soil, and the pipe. A camera inspection helps decide between regular cleaning and repair.
Do I have to remove the tree? +
Not necessarily. The tree is rarely the only factor. The condition of the pipe matters just as much, and it's worth looking at the line before making a decision about a tree.
Can roots damage the pipe? +
They can widen existing openings and make small defects worse over time, which is one reason ongoing root problems are worth inspecting.