By Jeremy Peterson ·
The most common signs of tree roots in a sewer line are slow drains throughout the house, gurgling toilets, recurring backups in the lowest drains, and soggy or unusually green patches of lawn over the line. A sewer camera inspection is the only way to confirm roots for certain.
How do tree roots get into sewer lines?
Roots are drawn to the moisture and nutrients inside sewer pipes. They find small cracks and loose joints, especially in older clay and cast iron pipe, and grow inside, catching debris until the line clogs.
What are the warning signs?
- Slow drains in several fixtures at once
- Gurgling from toilets or floor drains
- Backups that return after the line was cleared
- Sewer odors in the basement or yard
- Wet, sunken, or extra-green spots in the lawn
How are roots removed from a sewer line?
Roots can be cut out of the line during main sewer line cleaning. Because roots grow back, a camera inspection helps decide whether ongoing maintenance or a repair or relining is the better long-term fix.
Can I prevent roots from coming back?
Regular preventative maintenance keeps roots from building up. Repairing or relining damaged sections removes the openings roots use to get in.
[PLACEHOLDER: Add photo from a real camera inspection showing root intrusion.]