How To Remove Tree Roots From a Sewer Line
A sewer system is an important component of any modern home and finding roots in a sewer line is one of the most damaging problems. Roots are drawn to the sewer pipes because of the moisture they provide. When they get close enough, roots can block sewer lines and cause several other issues that will have a devastating impact on your sewer system.
Luckily, if you know to look for the signs of roots in your sewer line and are able to act fast; you can avoid a sewer backup emergency.
Roots Grow in Sewer Piping
The piping of a sewer system is an excellent source of water and the moisture will naturally attract roots underground. Leaks and clogs can also accelerate this process in certain areas because more water will be released from the piping into the surrounding area. Overtime roots can grow into your sewer line which can block waterflow and affect your sewer system’s hydraulic capacity. If left untreated, root intrusion will eventually lead to a collapse of your sewer system.
Signs Roots Could Be Growing In Your Sewer
- Slow-working drains
- Unpleasant odors in drains
- Standing water in yard
- Flies and rodents around home
Sewer Root Removal Solutions
Calling an expert as soon as you realize your sewer system may have a problem is key because waiting could prove costly. Roots in pipes are a common problem that Trenchless Sewer Repair can help fix with high-speed milling or water jetting.
High-speed Milling is a method of sewer tree root removal that uses a mechanical cutter to shred tree roots that have invaded the sewer line. These precision tools can remove roots without damaging the structural integrity of the pipe itself. The spinning head rapidly slices through roots, clearing the obstruction. This method is best for thick or stubborn root masses that have created a major blockage.
Water-jetting is another powerful method used to clean sewer pipes affected by roots, but this method is best used as preventative maintenance, or for dealing with smaller root intrusions in the soil. It involves using a high-pressure stream of water (up to 4,000 PSI) to cut through and flush out root masses. Hydro-jetting not only clears roots but also removes grease, scale, and other debris from inside the pipe walls, leaving the line clean and functional.
Remove Roots from Sewer Lines with Sewer Repair Experts
While high-speed milling and hydro-jetting are highly effective at clearing out tree roots from sewer lines, they only solve part of the problem. These methods remove the immediate blockage, but they don’t address the underlying vulnerabilities in the pipe, like cracks, gaps, or separated joints, that allowed roots to block the pipe in the first place. Tree roots are incredibly persistent; once they detect a water source, they’ll continue to seek it out. If those entry points aren’t sealed, roots will eventually grow back, often leading to repeat clogs and more damage.
That’s why a long-term solution requires more than just cutting out the roots, it requires reinforcing the pipe from within. Trenchless pipe lining, also known as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, is a method that installs a seamless, jointless liner inside the existing pipe, effectively sealing off all points of intrusion. This not only blocks future root growth but also restores structural integrity and smooth flow capacity, all without the need for excavation. In short, combining root removal with pipe lining provides both immediate relief and lasting protection for your sewer system. Contact Trenchless Sewer Repair today for more information today!
