Tree-lined streets and shady backyards may offer beautiful curb appeal, but what lies beneath the surface can be far less pleasant. One of the most common causes of hidden plumbing issues—especially in older homes—is tree root intrusion into sewer lines. While trees add value to your property above ground, their roots can wreak havoc underground, leading to serious plumbing problems. Here’s what you need to know about how tree roots affect your plumbing system—and what you can do to prevent costly repairs.
Why Tree Roots Invade Sewer Lines
Tree roots are naturally drawn to water, nutrients, and oxygen—all of which are found in abundance within your home’s sewer lines. If there’s even a small crack, joint, or loose connection, tree roots can find their way inside. Once in the pipe, they grow quickly and begin to thrive, feeding off the moisture and organic matter flowing through the line.
Over time, this can lead to significant blockages, slow drains, sewage backups, and even complete pipe collapse. The roots may start small, but they won’t stop growing until they take over the space or the pipe gives out.
Signs You May Have Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line
The tricky part about root damage is that it usually happens out of sight. However, there are warning signs that may indicate a problem is growing underground:
- Slow-draining sinks, tubs, or toilets
- Frequent clogs or backups, even after clearing the drain
- Gurgling sounds coming from toilets or drains
- Unpleasant odors from your drains or yard
- Lush, unusually green patches in your lawn near the sewer line
If you notice any of these symptoms—especially in a home with mature trees—it’s time to get your sewer line inspected by a professional.
How Root Damage Is Diagnosed
The most effective way to determine whether roots are the cause of your plumbing issues is with a video sewer camera inspection. This non-invasive method allows our team to visually inspect the inside of your pipes in real-time, identifying the location and severity of any root intrusion or damage.
By pinpointing the exact source of the problem, we can recommend the most efficient and cost-effective repair options.
Repairing and Preventing Tree Root Damage
Once roots have infiltrated your sewer line, they need to be removed and the pipe repaired. Depending on the extent of the damage, solutions may include:
- Hydro jetting to blast roots out of the line
- Mechanical augers to cut through root blockages
- Pipe lining or pipe bursting to replace or reinforce damaged sections
- Full sewer line replacement in severe cases
After repairing your sewer line, prevention is key. Our team may recommend installing a root barrier between your pipes and nearby trees or performing regular sewer cleanouts to prevent future growth.
Can You Avoid the Problem Altogether?
While there’s no way to completely eliminate the risk of root damage, you can take steps to minimize it:
- Know where your sewer line runs and avoid planting trees nearby
- Choose tree species with less aggressive root systems
- Schedule regular plumbing inspections—especially if your home is over 30 years old
- Be proactive at the first sign of drain problems
The sooner you catch root intrusion, the easier and less expensive it is to resolve.
Protect Your Home with Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating
Tree roots may be out of sight, but they shouldn’t be out of mind—especially when it comes to your home’s sewer system. At Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating, we combine expert diagnostics with proven solutions to keep your plumbing flowing freely and your property protected. If you think tree roots may be damaging your sewer line, contact us today to schedule a camera inspection or consultation and get peace of mind before the problem gets worse.