How to Get Rid of Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line

Do you ever hear gurgling sounds when you flush? Or maybe it's taking a while for the water you threw out to go down the drain.

As weird as it sounds, there may be tree roots in your sewer pipes. They're more common than you think.

They can be challenging to deal with but not impossible.

Here's everything you need to know about getting rid of tree roots in your sewer line.

How To Get Rid of Tree Roots in the Sewer Lines

While your house can easily avoid tree roots, it doesn't stop them from growing where they want to.

Before we discuss why it's possible to have a tree root invasion, we'll discuss what you came here for; getting rid of the roots.

All licensed plumbers and drain technicians suggest these possible solutions for sewer line repair and root removal.

1) Drain Pipes

It's important to keep your drainage system clean, especially since it's difficult to know where your sewer line can need repairs.

Draining it daily can already lessen your costs. However, if the clogging starts, it's also a solution you can look into.

You can address this using a mechanical auger for snaking or a hydro jet machine.

Snaking

A mechanical auger is a long metal cable used to clean out clogs, usually on a toilet drain, a kitchen sink, and more. It's been used for decades for this type of job.

Since you're dealing with problems inside the sewer line, it's best to get professional help.

The plumber will insert the cutter head into the sewer pipe. Once it reaches the roots in the sewer lines, they will pull it back to bring the roots out.

They will continue to do this until all the roots are out, assuming it's done correctly. Some companies might punch a hole through the tree roots instead of taking them out.

This process can take a long time, depending on the damage the roots have done to your plumbing system. It can get expensive if you're paying your plumber by the hour.

This method can usually keep tree roots out for about a year. You'll need regular checks to ensure the roots don't grow back.

Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting works with water pressure to eliminate roots from a pipe. The process is a sort of investment, given its effects.

Your pipes should stay clear of roots for 5 to 7 years, assuming that it was done correctly. You must also check it occasionally to ensure no new roots are growing back.

The downside of hydro jetting is the cost of its machine. However, given how expensive it is, it's not as accessible to all plumbers and residents. However, its effectiveness makes it worth it.

2) Camera Inspections and Chemicals

You can hire a professional to do a sewer line camera inspection to check for any obstructions in your sewage pipe.

They need to use a special camera that will extend through the pipes of your sewer line. You will usually have to do this once every 6 months or annually.

You can buy specific chemicals from the local hardware store that can help you with killing roots. Here are a few root killers you can look into:

• Foaming Root Killer - It's one of the most effective chemicals against roots and prevents growth for up to a month.
• Copper Sulfate - This chemical is a natural herbicide commonly used for roots but can be dangerous to other living things.
• Rock Salt - This common kitchen ingredient doubles as a tool to clear roots by sucking out moisture to kill off the roots in the sewer.

You usually have to leave one of these chemicals in your toilet for a few hours before flushing it down to clear your sewer line.

These chemicals are only a temporary fix to having tree roots in the sewer.

3) Repairs

The previous suggestions may not be enough to have a permanent solution. To ensure that new roots won't grow back, it's best to address your other plumbing problems.

On top of annual inspections, repairing any damage in your plumbing system can help prevent tree roots from growing back into your sewer line.

Broken pipes are an invitation for tree roots to grow inside. Removing roots doesn't have to mean removing the whole tree in your yard.

These are the repairs you can have done to prevent tree roots from growing in your sewer line.

Pipe Relining

Pipe relining is the process of creating a new sewer line using the old and invaded one.

Before you can do it, the plumber must jet and line the pipe. These extra steps might cost extra, depending on the service.

The downside of this process is its cost. The regular charge for it is around $100 to $200 per foot.

However, not only does it help with the roots in the sewer line. It also reduces the volume of water your pipes would have to handle.

This solution is excellent for places that usually experience severe floods and houses that use a storm drain.

Excavation

Excavation is one of the older ways to deal with this problem. People usually avoid it since it requires a lot of manual labor and can take time.

The excavation process would need a professional and might even require approval from local authorities.

You might encounter a lot of surprises during the excavation process. These can include rocks, wires, and other roots, which you need to move to work on the actual pipe.

This process can also be expensive since it doesn't rely on replacing or repairing your pipes. Instead, you're paying for how deep they dig to get to the lines.

Spot Repair

Another option is to only repair specific parts of your sewer line, depending on where the cracks are.

This process is usually done by a professional. They will dig up a small section of the dirt to address the specific pipe.

Once the replacement or repair is complete, it should block out any roots from growing back. You would still need to check your pipes occasionally to ensure they stay that way.

It's not as expensive as the previous options since you only work on a specific part. However, it can be difficult to pinpoint which part of the pipe needs to be repaired.

This process can be complicated if there are blatant signs in specific parts of your yard.

Replacement

If your house is old, pipe replacement might be the best choice. Over time, microorganisms and the elements can damage your sewer line, making it susceptible to root invasions.

This process can require a partial or complete replacement based on the damage to your sewer line.

We recommend replacing your sewer line with steel or plastic pipes. These are more corrosion-resistant and aren't vulnerable to pressure.

Why are there Tree Roots Clogging My Sewer Lines?

When roots end up in underground pipes, that's just nature doing its work.

Tree roots grow naturally towards any source of water and nutrients. It's their basic survival instinct to do so. In an urban setting, their best source would be sewage.

Sometimes, that source just happens to be a tiny crack, a storm drain, or a loose joint in your sewage pipe. No matter how small that crack is, the roots usually break through it.

If that happens, tree roots enter the sewer line and start to clog it up. It will continue to break your sewer pipe, further damaging the line.

As a result, you could end up with a yard sinkhole thanks to all the damage roots in a sewer can cause. It can also cause flooding and other major damage to your house, which may be more expensive.

It's important to remove tree roots before they can cause more damage. Keep your eyes open for the signs of tree roots so you can remove them immediately.

The Cost of Tree Root Removal

Clearing roots from utility lines can cost a lot, depending on the damage level and the processes involved.

A minor root removal can cost around $100 to $200 with professional help. It can ensure that you can adequately remove roots from the pipe.

However, heavier repairs usually cost around $600 to a few thousand dollars. These are necessary, especially if your sewer systems already have excessive root growth.

The best way to save money is PREVENTION. An annual plumbing inspection is more affordable than waiting for your plumbing problem to worsen.

How to Know If there are Tree Roots in the Sewer Pipes

Sometimes, checking if there are roots in the sewer can be difficult. You would usually need a licensed plumber to check it out for you.

However, there are ways to see if there are signs of a collapse or a belly in your sewer line. You can't ignore these things since they tend to be recurring in household property.

While it might not always be because of roots, it indicates a general problem in your house's sewage line or the sewer main.

These are the common signs of tree roots growing in your sewer line.

Soft or Flooded Lawn

When there are tiny cracks in your sewage line, it tends to let out water and sewage into the surrounding dirt. Over time, your yard would turn into a muddy mess from all the moisture.

Any changes in your lawn can be a sign that there are problems with your sewer line. While you might not be sure if there are roots involved unless you dig them up, it's still a possible cause.

Check if there are patches on your lawn that feel soft and squishy. Observing the grass can also help you see if any patches are muddier than usual.

If you notice these major changes, it may be best to contact a licensed plumber to inspect your sewer line.

Constant Drain Clogs

Clogs in your pipe can be natural, especially since human waste could end up in a pipe at any time. There are many ways to get rid of clogs, like waiting for them to go down the drain or adding chemicals to the water.

However, if it's a recurring problem, tree roots may grow in your sewer line, causing the clog. Whether they're roots or other solid matter, they must be addressed.

Take note of the dates when you have to use chemical cleaners to get rid of the clog. If you notice that it's often, it's best to call a licensed plumber to have it checked.

It could be as simple as undissolved toilet paper, which they can easily pull out. However, it's also possible to have roots in a pipe, which would cost much more to remove.

If you also notice that the water goes back up from your drainage, even with a backflow preventer, it's time to call a professional.

As a result, the slow draining of the water makes the loud gurgling sound we mentioned earlier.

Smelly Sewer Line

When roots or any other matter blocks your drain pipe, it can cause a foul odor to spread in your home.

All the roots in your water pipes will trap any solid waste, like toilet paper and feces, from flowing through.

These clogs can cause a build-up of bacteria which causes the smell. If those clogs cause flooding, the bacteria can cause sickness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You might have more questions about tree roots in your sewer lines.

We've gathered the common questions to help you further understand what you can do about them.

What Chemicals Dissolve Tree Roots in Sewer Lines?

There are a few chemicals that can help with removing tree roots in your sewer line system.

Foaming root killers are an effective way of killing off only the roots of the tree. It foams up once you add it to water before being flushed down your drain pipes.

Copper sulfate is a natural herbicide used as a root killer. However, you may have to check your local legislation since it's banned in some places. Besides being effective against roots, they might be dangerous for pets too.

Sodium chloride, or rock salt, is a more natural and safer solution for this plumbing problem. However, you must be careful with this method because too much rock salt can affect the tree.

These chemicals are great for temporarily dealing with this problem. However, it's best if you consult a professional about removing roots.

Are Tree Roots In Sewer Lines Covered By My Insurance?

Unfortunately, most insurance policies don't usually cover these kinds of maintenance and repairs. However, it can cover any damage to the house from flooding.

It's best to go through your insurance policy about this. If you don't see it there, it's great to consult your provider and have it added, especially since it's very affordable.

Conclusion

Constant inspections and staying vigilant about warning signs can help you know when to give your sewer system extra attention.

Remember that prevention is the best way to deal with tree roots.