Root Intrusion in Sewer Lines: The Silent Threat That Could Be Costing You Thousands

Tree roots infiltrating your sewer lines might seem like a minor inconvenience, but this common plumbing issue can quickly escalate into a property owner’s worst nightmare. Roots can be one of the most damaging problems to discover in a sewer system. While that’s great for plants and trees, it can have a devastating impact on a sewer system. Understanding how professional cleaning and prevention strategies can protect your property is essential for every homeowner and business owner.

Why Tree Roots Target Your Sewer Lines

Roots grow in sewer lines because pipes are well-ventilated and provide an excellent water source. Roots naturally seek out water. That means they can potentially end up in your sewer line. Even the smallest vulnerability in your pipes creates an opportunity for invasion. Sewer lines that have even the slightest crack or misaligned joints can be an open invitation for roots.

Once roots find their way inside, the damage accelerates rapidly. When roots enter your sewer line, they usually start as tiny, hair-like strands sneaking through small cracks or joints. Once inside, they absorb water and nutrients, causing them to thicken and spread. Gradually, this growth can lead to complete blockages, resulting in slow drains, sewage backups, and even pipe damage or breakage.

Warning Signs of Root Intrusion

Recognizing the early warning signs of root intrusion can save you from costly emergency repairs. Other signs of tree roots in a sewer line are slow drains or gurgling toilets. If it seems like all of the drains in the home are slow even after using a drain cleaner or that more than one toilet in the house is gurgling, the sewer line could have a leak.

Additional warning signs include:

• Frequent clogs throughout your plumbing system
• Sewage backups creating health hazards and unpleasant odors
• Unusually lush grass in specific areas of your yard, particularly around the sewer line
• Sinkholes or soft spots in your lawn
• One tree growing significantly faster than others on your property

Professional Root Removal Methods

We highly recommend hiring a professional drain cleaning service or plumber to help you get rid of roots in your sewer pipes. Professional plumbers employ several effective methods for root removal:

Mechanical Root Cutting

Snaking the line with a root cutter is one of the most common ways to remove roots. But be sure the heads and bits used on the ends are specifically designed for cutting out roots. A mechanical auger, commonly known as a rooter machine, is often used to remove tree roots from sewer lines. The machine features a rotating blade that cuts through the roots, clearing the obstruction. While effective for clearing blockages, this method does not prevent future root growth.

Hydro Jetting

Sewer jetting is another common practice for root removal. Jetters consist of a high-pressure water pump, water tank, hose reel and ½ inch to 1-inch sewer cleaning hose. A sewer jetter is a great tool to remove piled-up root debris that remained in the pipe after using a root cutter. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to blast away tree roots and other debris from inside the sewer line. This method is more thorough than mechanical augers and can help clean the entire pipe.

Camera Inspections

A plumber can conduct a sewer camera inspection to know exactly where the roots are and fix the problem immediately. Hire a plumber or a drain-cleaning or sewer service company to ‘scope’ the line and identify any problems. Scoping involves sending a remote camera down the line for a visual inspection.

Prevention Strategies That Work

Preventing tree roots in the sewer line in the first place is much easier than removing roots from drain pipes after the damage is done. Effective prevention includes:

• Strategic Landscaping: If you plant a tree within 20 meters of a vulnerable sewer line pipe, the pipe is in trouble. Call 811 Before You Dig to know where your utility lines are. Having this information at hand will let you know the safe place to plant your tree.
• Root Barriers: Root barriers can be installed around your sewer line to prevent tree roots from encroaching on the pipes. These barriers are usually made from metal or plastic and create a physical block that roots cannot penetrate.
• Regular Maintenance: Be sure to have your sewer line inspected every two years, especially if you’ve had issues in the past.
• Chemical Treatments: Chemicals are great preventive maintenance tools after mechanically removing roots from the sewer line. They open, clear and prevent root-clogged drains and sewer lines.

The Cost of Neglecting Root Intrusion

Ignoring root intrusion can lead to catastrophic consequences. If left untreated, root intrusion can eventually lead to a complete collapse of the sewer system. The roots on the outside of the pipe will encapsulate the pipe, creating pressure that will cause the sanitary system to collapse and shut down. At that point, the last resort would be to dig up the sewer line, costing thousands of dollars depending on location.

Tree roots in a sewer line can cost a pretty penny to resolve, and if the damage is severe enough, sewer line replacement costs $1,253 to $4,701. However, Prevention will save you a lot more than money. Removing the roots and permanently putting an end to their stay in your sewer lines would cost you far less than when you have a critical issue like water backing up or a sinkhole.

Professional Service You Can Trust

When facing root intrusion issues, professional expertise makes all the difference. For nearly 40 years we have been serving the home and business owners of the Long Island and New York City areas with any of their plumbing needs. From the basic check of your water meter, to major trenchless water line replacement, we are proud to be there for you at any time on any day in the Suffolk County or Nassau County area.

For Long Island property owners, Sewer Cleaning Long Island, NY services from experienced professionals can provide the comprehensive solutions needed to address root intrusion effectively. Your complete plumbing, heating, sewer & drain and cesspool services experts. Family Owned And Operated Since 1983!

We are one of the only providers of trenchless sewer and water line services across both Nassau County and Suffolk County. Using our trenchless technologies, we are able to provide more efficient, convenient, and cost-effective sewer line services to residents and businesses across Long Island.

Taking Action Before It’s Too Late

Root intrusion in sewer lines is a serious threat that requires immediate attention when detected. An annual plumbing inspection can go a long way in providing peace of mind and preventing major damage before it starts. Annual inspections not only catch problems before they arise but also ensure the pipes stay clear after the removal of the roots is done.

The safest and most effective way to deal with tree root intrusion is to call a professional plumber. They have the necessary tools, knowledge, and experience to diagnose and resolve the issue without causing further damage to your sewer system.

Don’t wait for a plumbing emergency to force your hand. By investing in professional cleaning and prevention strategies now, you can protect your property from the devastating effects of root intrusion and avoid the significant costs associated with major sewer system failures. Regular maintenance and professional expertise are your best defenses against this common but serious plumbing threat.