Root Intrusion in Sewer Line: Top 5 Ways To Fix

Root intrusion in sewer lines can cause significant damage to your plumbing system, leading to costly repairs if not addressed promptly. This guide helps homeowners understand how roots invade sewer lines, the warning signs to watch for, the best methods to remove them, and how to prevent future issues.

How Roots Intrude into Sewer Lines

Tree roots naturally seek water, air, and nutrients to survive. Sewer lines often provide an ideal environment due to small cracks, leaks, or weak joints. Roots infiltrate these openings, thriving on the moisture and expanding rapidly within the pipes. While tree roots don’t break pipes on their own, they exploit existing vulnerabilities, exacerbating structural damage.

Signs of Root Intrusion

Recognizing the early signs of root intrusion can prevent extensive damage.

A homeowner in Flower Mound reached out to us after experiencing slow drains for months. Six months earlier, they had hired another plumber who misdiagnosed the issue. Unfortunately, by the time they called us, the root intrusion had worsened, leaving them no choice but to replace their entire sewer line. 

Here are the key indicators, so you can avoid similar issues.

• Slow Drains: Water takes longer to drain in sinks, tubs, or toilets.
• Clogged Toilets: Recurring clogs that standard plunging can’t fix.
• Foul Odors: Persistent sewage smells in your home or yard.
• Lush Tree Growth: Trees near sewer lines growing faster than others nearby.
• Sinkholes or Soft Spots: Unstable areas in your lawn caused by leaking pipes.
• Flooded Basement: Backed-up wastewater often indicates a severe blockage.

If you are experiencing any of these, it's paramount that you call a plumber who will run a camera in your sewer lines to see if root intrusion has started. 

If your drain is running slow - have us clear it and run a camera to see if there are roots.

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Ranking Root Removal Methods (From Least to Most Expensive)

At Mother Modern Plumbing, we have tackled hundreds of root intrusion cases, ranging from minor clogs to full-scale sewer line replacements. Here’s a breakdown of the methods we commonly use, ranked by cost and effectiveness:

1. Chemical Root Treatments (Not Recommended)

• Cost: ~$20 to $100 for DIY solutions.
• Why We Don't Recommend it: Limited effectiveness and potential environmental concerns.
• Pros: Affordable.
• Cons: Temporary solution, doesn’t address structural damage, risks harming surrounding soil or plants.

2. Drain Snaking

• Cost: $199 (includes drain cleaning and camera inspection).
• When to Use: For smaller root blockages or routine maintenance.
• Pros: Affordable and quick.
• Cons: Temporary fix; doesn’t prevent future root growth.

3. Hydro Jetting

• Cost: $450 to $1,500.
• When to Use: For clearing significant root blockages.
• Pros: Highly effective, cleans pipe walls of debris, prevents future buildup.
• Cons: May not resolve severe structural damage.

4. Sewer Spot Repair

• Cost: $3,500 to $7,000.
• When to Use: For extensive damage that doesn’t require full excavation.
• Pros: Minimally invasive, durable, preserves landscaping.
• Cons: Higher upfront cost than cleaning methods.

5. Full Sewer Replacement

• Cost: $15,000 to $20,000 on average.
• When to Use: If pipes are severely damaged or collapsed.
• Pros: Long-lasting solution, eliminates root intrusion completely.
• Cons: Invasive and expensive due to required digging.

How to Prevent Roots from Getting in Your Sewer Line

To avoid root intrusion in the future, consider these preventive measures:

1. Plant Strategically: Certain trees have smaller root profiles, like crepe myrtles. If possible, keep trees at least 10 feet away from sewer lines.
2. Upgrade Pipes: Replace older cast-iron and orangeburg pipes with modern materials like PVC, which resist root infiltration.
3. Routine Inspections: Schedule regular sewer line camera inspections to catch early signs of damage. Check out our plumbing membership which comes with a free camera cleaning annually.
4. Maintain Healthy Trees: Ensure trees receive adequate water and nutrients from other sources to reduce their reliance on sewer lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if roots are in my sewer line?Look for slow drains, recurring clogs, unusual smells, or rapid tree growth near sewer lines. A sewer camera inspection can confirm the issue.

2. Can I remove roots myself?While chemical treatments are available, professional methods like hydro jetting or trenchless repair are more effective and safer for your pipes.

3. Will cutting down a tree solve the problem?Not necessarily. Roots already inside the pipes can continue causing issues. Removing the tree may also affect your landscaping.

4. How often should I inspect my sewer line?Annual inspections are ideal, especially if you live in an older home or have large trees near your sewer system.

Understand root intrusion and address it promptly to protect your home from plumbing disasters and reduce repair costs. Contact Mother Modern Plumbing today to schedule an inspection or discuss tailored solutions.

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