As a contractor specializing in high-pressure water jetting for over a decade, I’ve seen my fair share of sewer line disasters caused by tree roots. You might not realize it, but those beautiful trees in your yard could be wreaking havoc beneath the surface. Tree roots are naturally drawn to sewer pipes, and once they find a way in, they can cause severe damage if left untreated.
So, how do you know if tree roots have invaded your sewer line? Here are 10 telltale signs to look out for before it’s too late.
Why Do Tree Roots Invade Sewer Lines?
Before we discuss the warning signs, let’s consider why this happens in the first place. Tree roots look for moisture and nutrients; sewer lines are like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Over time, tiny cracks or loose joints in your sewer pipes allow roots to enter, and once they’re inside, they grow rapidly. This growth can lead to blockages, cracked pipes, and costly repairs.
The good news? If you catch it early, you can save yourself a lot of headaches—and money.
Early Detection: Why It Matters
You’d be surprised how many people ignore the early signs of tree roots invading their sewer lines. I’ve been called out to homes where the homeowner knew something was wrong but figured they could “live with it” until it got worse. Trust me, by the time it gets worse, you’re looking at a much bigger problem. Early detection means less damage and quicker, cheaper fixes.
10 Signs You Need Sewer Tree Root Removal
Slow-Draining Sinks and Tubs
One of the first signs you’ll notice is water draining more slowly than usual, especially in multiple fixtures. This happens because tree roots start to block the flow of water partially. A lot of clients think it’s just a regular clog, but if it’s happening in more than one drain, it’s probably a bigger issue.
Frequent Toilet Backups
If your toilet backs up more often than it should, it could be a sign that tree roots are growing inside your sewer line. In one case, I had a homeowner who was constantly plunging his toilet, thinking it was an internal plumbing problem. When I inspected the sewer line, it was full of roots.
Gurgling Sounds in Pipes
Gurgling sounds coming from your drains or toilets? That clearly indicates that something is blocking your sewer line, and more often than not, tree roots are to blame. Those sounds are air bubbles struggling to pass through partially blocked pipes.
Unpleasant Odours Coming from Drains
Foul smells coming from the sink or shower can indicate a blockage caused by roots or other debris. As waste gets trapped by the roots, it can sit in the pipe and begin to decay, causing those unpleasant odours to rise through the drain.
Sudden Spike in Water Bills
An unexpected increase in your water bill could mean tree roots have cracked your sewer pipes, leading to leaks. One of my clients saw her water bill double in just a month, only to find out that roots had caused a major crack in her main sewer line, leading to water waste.
Lush Green Patches in Your Yard
This might sound like a gardener’s dream, but it’s a big red flag. If you see an unusually green patch of grass in your yard, especially near where your sewer line runs, it’s a sign that tree roots are breaking through the sewer pipe and leaking water.
Water Pooling Around Drains
If you see water pooling around your drains, particularly in the basement or outside near the sewer line, that could mean the roots have caused a blockage. In one job, the homeowner’s basement was constantly wet because tree roots blocked their main drain, causing water to back up.
Multiple Clogged Fixtures at Once
When several fixtures are clogged at the same time—like your toilet, sink, and shower—it’s a strong indicator that the main sewer line is blocked, likely by roots. This is more common than you think, and it’s always a sign to call a professional.
Sewer Line Backups After Heavy Rain
If your sewer backs up after a heavy rain, tree roots may already be growing in your pipes. Saturated soil puts pressure on sewer lines, and any roots growing inside the pipe can worsen the blockage, leading to a backup.
Sewer CCTV Camera Inspection Revealing Root Growth
The surest way to confirm tree roots in your sewer line is through a CCTV camera inspection. This is something I recommend if you’re experiencing any of the signs above. It’s a quick and easy way to see exactly what’s going on inside your pipes.
Why High-Pressure Water Jetting is the Best Solution
Once you’ve identified tree roots in your sewer line, it’s time to remove them—and that’s where high-pressure water jetting comes in. This method uses a forceful stream of water to cut through tree roots and flush them out of your sewer line. The best part? It’s highly effective and requires no digging, so your yard stays intact.
Unlike older methods, like snaking or chemical treatments, high-pressure water jetting completely clears the pipe without damaging it. It’s also environmentally friendly, which is a big bonus.
Long-Term Prevention
One of the great things about high-pressure water jetting is that it doesn’t just remove the roots; it also helps prevent future growth. By thoroughly cleaning the pipes, it removes the debris and sludge that attract tree roots in the first place. For homeowners looking for a long-term solution, regular maintenance with water jetting can keep your sewer lines free of roots for years.
When to Call a Professional
If you’re noticing any of the signs mentioned above, it’s time to call a professional. Waiting too long can result in more severe damage to your sewer system, which means more expensive repairs. In my years of experience, I’ve seen homeowners wait until they had no choice but to dig up and replace large sections of their sewer line, which could have been avoided with earlier intervention.
Conclusion
Tree roots are a major cause of sewer line blockages, and ignoring the early signs can lead to disaster. If you think tree roots are invading your sewer line, don’t wait until it’s too late. High-pressure water jetting is a practical, non-invasive solution that can save you from expensive repairs and keep your pipes flowing smoothly.
As someone who’s been in the trenches (sometimes literally) for over a decade, trust me when I say—address the problem now, and you’ll thank yourself later.