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Root Removal and Sewer Pipe Lining, the Permanent Solution

Roots in pipes are the common culprit of sewer line damage. Tree roots in drain pipes are a severe issue. Our experienced team at Trenchless Sewer Repair knows what to do about tree roots in sewer lines. We offer affordable options for lower costs to remove tree roots in sewer line and sewer pipe lining services as the proven, permanent solution.

The best ways to remove tree roots in sewer lines are high-speed milling and water jetting.  Our team of professional plumbers at Trenchless Sewer Repair use milling equipment or a hydro-jet machine to remove roots growing in drain pipes. 

Click to download our sewer root removal coupon.

But these methods of cleaning out roots in septic drains are only temporary solutions.

The permanent solution for tree root damage is sewer line repair with trenchless sewer repair seamless pipe lining technology. This popular solution repairs broken pipes and prevents future root invasions.

Permanently removing roots in plumbing saves property owners thousands of dollars in major damage to septic systems.

Signs of Tree Roots in Sewer Lines

Plumbing issues ranging from foul odors to toilet clogs are signs of tree root in sewer line issues. Warning signs can include both plumbing issues and other symptoms of tree root issues.

Plumbing issues Caused by Clogged Sewer Lines:

• Slow drains –are often caused by a sewer line clog due to root invasions in underground pipes 
• Bad smell of sewer odor – is an unpleasant smell that happens as roots in pipes can lead to broken pipes. Broken pipes can cause severe damage to residential septic systems.
• Toilet gurgling – is one of the earliest signs that a sewer line clog is preventing toilet paper and waste water from being effectively flushed through a sewage pipe.

Other Symptoms of Tree Root Issues:

• Fast tree growth – is a sign that feeder roots are penetrating drain pipes to seek moisture. 
• Sinkholes around the property from moisture escaping pipes can lead to costly foundation cracks 
• Flies, rodents, insects around homes – can indicate that a leaking sewer line is attracting them

How Do Tree Roots Get Into Sewer Lines?

Larger trees, plants and shrub roots in any location near sewer line pipes act as invisible enemies to septic pipes.  Susceptible pipe materials in older homes include clay pipes, cast iron sewer pipes, concrete pipes, copper sewer drain pipes, Orangeberg, and Transite (asbestos). Even newer technology PVC pipes can break when invasive tree roots or the root ball of a tree causes drain clogs.

As warm wastewater flows through sewer pipes with cracks or loose joints, vapor is released into the cooler soil around the pipes. Feeder roots of nearby trees grow toward pipes to reach the moisture.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Roots in Sewer Lines?

“Are tree roots in sewer lines covered by insurance?” is a common homeowner question. Unfortunately, roots in pipes are not generally covered by homeowner’s insurance policies. Homeowner insurance may help cover property damage from tree roots, but it typically won’t cover costs associated with sewer lines.

How Much Does it Cost to Remove Tree Roots Blocking Drains?

Tree roots blocking drain systems can cause severe damage unless preventive measures are taken to remove a root ball in sewer line pipes. Your local team at Trenchless Sewer Repair offers affordable options and permanent solutions to tree roots blocking drains.

Cost to ONLY Remove Roots in Pipes:

Professional tree root removal methods include:

• High-speed milling (commonly used to clean cast iron pipes)
• Water jetting hydro jetting of interior pipes(commonly used for pipes other than cast iron)

These options can range from $400 – $1,000 depending upon variables such as: location and extent of pipe damage, depth of underground pipes, and more.

Cost for Tree Roots Removal PLUS SewerPipe Lining: 

The recommended two-step process for removing roots growing in drain pipe is professional removal of tree roots followed by sewer line repair using trenchless sewer repair technology.
For residential and commercial properties, trenchless sewer pipe lining methods include:

• Epoxy brushcoating with the Picote Brush Coating™ System, OR
• Cured in Place Pipelining (CIPP) with the Perma-Liner™ pipe lining system

These options can range from $125 – $175/ft depending on pipe depth, location, and size.

Why Cutting Roots out of Sewer Lines is Not a Permanent Solution

Simply cutting roots out of sewer water pipes due to clogged drain issues does not prevent root growth and root invasions from happening again.  The only permanent process for getting rid of roots in sewer line situations is sewer tree root removal followed by sewer pipe lining.

Are Inspections of Sewer Pipes Required?

Annual sewer camera inspection is not required after a professional plumber performs both drain cleaning and sewer pipe lining. However, regular inspections (including video camera inspection of pipe walls for damage) such as annual sewer line inspections are recommended when only roots in pipes are removed, since the roots are likely grow back.  Sewer camera inspection pinpoints the exact location of roots in drain lines.

Pipe Replacement Alternative Saves Time & Money 

Trenchless pipe restoration services provide spot repair for sections of broken sewer pipe with less damage than traditional methods of pipe replacement.  Modern trenchless pipe lining by Trenchless Sewer Repair has many benefits.  For example, minimal damage to property, faster pipe repair, and shorter down time. Residential and commercial clients can save thousands of dollars and gain lasting results with our 10-year or limited lifetime warranty options.

Call the professional plumbers at Trenchless Sewer Repair, LLC at 978-242-7143 to discuss affordable options for drain cleaning and repair with proven results.

Does Sewer Line Root Killer Work?

Killing roots in sewer line pipes does not effectively clear roots in plumbing from continuing to block the pipe, nor does it repair any pipe cracks.  Cracks can lead to pipe collapse, and root invasions can still occur. Tree roots will quickly re-enter the pipe through the cracks if the pipe is not lined or replaced.  Professional pipe lining by our Trenchless Sewer Repair team will repair the pipe and prevent roots from re-entering the pipe.

What drain cleaning DIYs and commercial root killer dissolve tree roots in sewer lines?

Examples of common drain cleaning DIYs and commercial root killer from home improvement stores:

• Pounds of rock salt
• Sodium chloride / table salt / sea salt
• Potassium hydroxide
• Foaming root killer for sewer lines
• Natural herbicide products
• Slow-release chemicals
• Drain cleaners for plumbing systems
• Chemical cleaning products for drain pipes
• Chemical root killers and chemical root removal products

Killing roots with chemicals may cause tree root damage; however, it does not prevent future growth of tree roots nor does it provide repairs to pipe damage from tree roots. 

What is the best root killer for sewer line clogs? 

The best root killer solution is for Trenchless Sewer Repair professionals to remove them with a water jet.  This proven method of killing roots in sewer lines ensures that the roots that clog the drain pipe are washed away. Drain cleaning using hydro-jet technology leaves no annoying clog sources behind.