Signs of Tree Root Damage & How to Get Rid of Roots in Your Sewer Pipes
If you’ve noticed slow drains, gurgling toilets, or that faint sewage smell in the yard… it might be what you dread: tree roots in your sewer pipes. They find the moisture, they wiggle in, and then, well, your plunger just doesn’t stand a chance anymore.
This isn’t just a “mild inconvenience.” Left untreated, root invasions can lead to cracks, collapses, and seriously expensive repairs. Let’s talk about spotting those early warning signs, how to evict the roots, and how to keep them from creating a sequel to the saga.
Signs of Tree Root Damage You Shouldn’t Ignore
Here are the big signs of tree root damage to watch out for:
- Multiple drains slowing down at once
- Toilets making that “glug-glug” sound after flushing
- Frequent backups, even after you thought snaking fixed it
- Damp patches or sinkholes in your yard with no explanation
If you’ve got more than one ticked box, you’re very likely seeing signs of tree root damage to your pipes. Spotting them early could mean a quick fix instead of a winter of yard excavation nightmares.
Why Tree Root Damage to Sewer Lines Happens
Roots aren’t malicious—they’re just really, really determined. Sewer pipes are basically underground nutrition factories, and even the tiniest leak is a green light for roots. Over time, they grow inside the pipe, tangle everything up, slow down the flow, and worsen existing damage. That’s how you end up with tree root damage to sewer lines that needs full reline or replacement.
The First Step: Confirm the Problem
Guessing doesn’t cut it. You need a sewer camera inspection to see what’s going on inside. It helps locate the roots, assess how bad the blockage is, and—most importantly—see if the pipe itself is cracked or just invaded. That insight helps you avoid dumping chemicals that may do more harm than good.
Repair Options After You Spot the Signs of Tree Root Damage
So you’ve evicted the roots—now what? Here’s where you weigh your options.
Trenchless Sewer Repair Methods That Stop Roots Coming Back
You don’t always need a full excavation. Thanks to trenchless sewer repair methods like cured-in-place piping (CIPP), you can reline your pipe from the inside with a fresh, root-resistant layer. It seals everything up nice and tight.
Looking for options? Restore Pipe offers both CIPP and trenchless pipe bursting so you can pick the right fix for your situation.
Bigger damage like a broken sewer pipe might need a full liner or replacement—but the trenchless methods are often cleaner, faster, and less wallet-draining than digging.
Common Drain Damages Caused by Roots
Some common drain damages caused by roots are:
- Pipe cracks and fractures
- Separated or offset joints
- Total blockages leading to backups
- Accelerated corrosion thanks to trapped moisture
But here’s the silver lining: most of these can be fixed with trenchless methods if you catch them early enough.
Pipe Lining vs. Replacement After Tree Root Damage
Lining is less invasive—and usually cheaper—than digging everything up. But if you’ve got serious pipe leaking or missing sections, sometimes replacement is the only option. Still, professional plumbers will show you footage and walk you through the options so you’re not left in the dark.
Preventing Future Signs of Tree Root Damage
Once you’ve fixed things, here’s how to keep them that way:
- Don’t plant trees over or near sewer lines
- Get periodic sewer camera inspections to stay ahead of any issues
- Use root-killer foam as a preventative if you’ve had root issues before
Roots are sneaky—they don’t announce themselves. Staying proactive is your best defense.
Why Partner With Restore Pipe
When it comes to stubborn sewer line problems — especially ones caused by tree roots — you want more than a quick fix. At Restore Pipe Systems, we combine years of hands-on expertise with the latest trenchless methods to get your pipes flowing like new, without tearing up your yard. From precision hydro jetting that blasts away root blockages to advanced relining techniques that seal and protect your pipes for decades, we handle it all. Serving homeowners and businesses in Box Elder, Cache, Davis, Salt Lake, Weber, Southern Idaho and South-West Wyoming. Our team is known for fast response times, honest advice, and solutions that last. If your drains are slowing down or you suspect root intrusion, we’re ready to restore your peace of mind — and your pipes.
Final Thoughts on Spotting the Signs of Tree Root Damage to Your Pipes Early
Roots in sewer pipes are a nuisance you can’t just ignore. The game plan: spot those signs of tree root damage early, confirm with a camera, clear the blockage, and use a trenchless repair so it doesn’t happen again.
And—good news! Trenchless methods usually let you fix it without a full yard excavation. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Will Dissolve Roots in a Sewer Line?
There are root-killing foams that coat the pipe, and over a few weeks or so they’ll kill and shrink those roots. Just a heads-up: if they’ve already done serious damage, these foams won’t repair the pipe—they just clear the block. You’ll still need a real fix for the pipe itself.
How to unblock a drain full of roots?
If it’s packed with roots, you’ll likely need a plumber to use a cutting head on a snake, or even hydro jetting—that’s a high-pressure water blast that clears things out fast. Once the roots are gone, you get a clear picture of what condition the pipe’s in.
What Happens if You Have Roots in Your Pipes?
Ignore it and it only gets worse. Roots keep growing, cracking your pipe wider, blocking the flow more, eventually flooding your home or yard with—yeah, sewage. Best case: you caught the signs of tree root damage early, got it fixed with a liner, and closed the gap for good. Worst case: you’re staring at a huge excavation bill.