Tree Roots in a Sewer Line: Causes, Solutions, and What to Do Next

Reading Time: 6 minutes

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Why Are There Tree Roots in My Sewer Line?

If you’ve discovered tree roots in your sewer line, you might be wondering how they got there in the first place. After all, the pipes are deep underground—how could roots manage to break through? The answer lies in the natural behavior of tree roots and the condition of your sewer pipes.

Tree Roots Seek Water

Tree roots naturally seek out sources of water to sustain the tree, especially during dry periods. Your sewer line, which carries wastewater and nutrients, is a prime target for roots seeking moisture. Even the smallest crack, leak, or joint in the sewer line can release water into the surrounding soil, attracting roots.

Once roots detect moisture, they start growing toward the source. Over time, the roots will find their way into the cracks or joints of your sewer pipe and begin to grow inside. Once inside the pipe, the roots can expand rapidly, causing significant blockages and even structural damage to the sewer line.

Older Pipes are Vulnerable

If your home is older, your sewer line is likely made from materials that are more prone to cracking and leakage, such as cast iron or terra cotta. These materials were common drain pipe material in older homes. We now know that these pipes deteriorate over time. Small cracks in cast iron pipes or broken sections of terra cotta pipes provide an easy entry point for roots.

Signs of Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line

Common signs that tree roots have infiltrated your sewer line include:

• Frequent backups or slow drains: Tree roots can partially or completely block the flow of water, leading to backups in your home’s plumbing system.
• Gurgling sounds: Air trapped by root blockages can cause gurgling noises in your toilets or drains.
• Sewage odors: If roots have caused a severe blockage, you may start to notice sewage smells coming from drains or outside near the sewer line.
• Pooling water in your yard: If roots have severely damaged your sewer line, you may notice water pooling or soggy patches in your yard where the sewer pipe runs.

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How Do You Clear Roots From a Sewer Line?

Once you’ve identified that tree roots are the problem, the next step is getting them cleared from the sewer line. Depending on the severity of the root intrusion, there are several methods professionals use to safely remove roots from sewer pipes.

Mechanical Root Removal

One of the most common ways to clear tree roots from a sewer line is through mechanical root cutting. This involves inserting a specialized machine into the sewer line through an access point. The machine has rotating blades that cut through and remove the roots, breaking them up and restoring the flow of water.

• Root-cutting machines: These machines are highly effective at cutting roots, especially when dealing with thick root blockages. After cutting the roots, we flush the roots and debris from the line with a hydro jetting machine.
• Pros: This method can remove even tough, established root systems quickly. It’s also relatively non-invasive, requiring no digging.
• Cons: While effective at cutting roots, this method doesn’t prevent future root growth. The roots will likely return unless the homeowner takes additional steps to repair the pipe or prevent regrowth.

Hydro Jetting

For tougher root blockages or when mechanical cutting isn’t enough, hydro jetting is another effective solution. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to blast away roots, debris, and buildup inside the sewer line. The high-pressure stream of water not only clears the roots but also cleans the interior walls of the pipe, flushing out any remaining debris.

• Pros: Hydro jetting is very effective for removing roots and cleaning the entire sewer line. It can also reach further into the pipe, ensuring a more thorough cleaning.
• Cons: Hydro jetting requires specialized equipment and should be done by a professional to avoid damaging the pipe, especially if the pipe is older or weakened.

Video Inspection

After clearing the roots from the sewer line, it’s essential to conduct a sewer camera inspection. This involves inserting a small camera into the line to visually confirm that all roots have been removed and to check for any additional issues, such as cracks or breaks in the pipe. A camera inspection also helps identify whether any further repairs or replacement are necessary.

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Are There Products That Will Dissolve Roots in a Sewer Line?

Many homeowners wonder if there’s a chemical solution to get rid of tree roots in their sewer lines. The answer is yes, but with some limitations.

Chemical Root Killers

There are chemical products available that can help dissolve roots inside a sewer line. These products are typically copper sulfate or foaming herbicides designed to kill the roots that have grown inside the pipe without harming the tree.

• Copper sulfate: This compound kills roots on contact, but it works best on smaller root systems. It may take several applications to fully dissolve the roots.
• Foaming root killers: These products expand inside the pipe, coating the walls and dissolving the roots over time. They’re more effective for larger root systems and can prevent future growth.

When to Use Chemical Treatments

Chemical root killers can be effective for minor root intrusions or as a preventive measure after roots have been mechanically cleared. However, they’re not a permanent solution for larger or more established root systems. Additionally, chemical treatments can take time to work, meaning they may not be the best option for urgent blockages.

Limitations of Chemical Solutions

While chemical treatments can be useful, they don’t address the underlying cause of the root intrusion: the cracks or leaks in the sewer line that allowed the roots to enter in the first place. Without fixing the pipe itself, the roots will probably return. You’ll need to apply the chemical solution regularly, though it may not be sufficient to keep roots away.

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No More Roots — Am I Good?

You might think that once we’ve removed the roots, we’ve removed the problem. However, that’s not always the case. Clearing the roots is just the first step in addressing the larger issue with your sewer line.

Roots Will Likely Regrow

Tree roots grow back, often faster than you’d expect. Even if the we removed the roots from the inside of the pipe, the crack or break that allowed them to enter remains. Without addressing the structural issue in the sewer line, the roots will find their way back in, leading to repeat blockages.

Sewer Line Replacement

If your sewer line is made from older materials like clay or cast iron, you may need to replace part or all of the line to prevent further root intrusion. A full replacement involves digging up and replacing the damaged section of the sewer line. However, trenchless methods like pipe relining or pipe bursting can often be used to replace the pipe without the need for extensive digging.

• Pipe relining: This method involves inserting a flexible liner coated with epoxy into the existing pipe. The liner inflates and hardens, creating a new pipe within the old one, sealing any cracks and preventing roots from entering.
• Pipe bursting: This involves breaking up the old pipe and replacing it with a new one using specialized equipment. It’s a more invasive option than relining but is effective for severely damaged pipes.

Sewer Line Repair

Oftentimes a full sewer line replacement is not necessary. Sometimes the best course of action is to skip the root clearing all together, and dig up the infiltrated section of pipe. The plumbers will cut out the section full of roots and replace it with a new, clean drain pipe. A plumber who specializes in drain work will have a sewer camera on hand to inspect the line and confirm there are no other areas of root penetration.

Preventive Maintenance

Once the sewer line has been repaired or replaced, it’s a good idea to implement a preventive maintenance plan to keep roots from becoming a problem again. Regular inspections and the periodic use of root-killing chemicals can help maintain a clear sewer line. Additionally, keeping trees and shrubs away from the sewer line will reduce the risk of future root growth.

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Tree roots in a sewer line are a common but serious problem that can cause blockages, backups, and damage to your plumbing system. While there are effective ways to remove roots and clear blockages, it’s important to address the underlying cause—whether it’s a crack, joint, or break in the pipe. At Aaron Services, we specialize in diagnosing and treating root intrusions, offering both short-term solutions and long-term repairs.

If you’re dealing with tree roots in your sewer line, contact us today for a thorough inspection and expert advice on how to clear the roots and protect your sewer line for the future.