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• How deep are sewer lines buried?
• Sewer lines: the essential homeowner’s guide
• Camera line inspection? What’s wrong with your sewer pipe?
• How to repair a broken PVC drain pipe
• What causes a broken sewer line?
• How to make a cast iron stack repair
• What is a sewer lateral?
• How to make an underground cast iron sewer pipe repair
• Are sewer backups covered by insurance?
• Clay or terra cotta sewer pipes?
• Excavation Page

As you can see, roots (especially tree roots) can be an expensive problem no one wants to deal with. They are the common culprit in wastewater damage to a home or property.

It’s also a great idea for those who are selling or buying a home. A camera line inspection can avoid problems with a buyer or help negotiate the purchase price with a seller.

Step 2: Camera Inspection

1-Tom-Plumber offers a complimentary camera inspection any time we run the hydro jetter. It’s nice to have and gives customers a visual look at the health of their sewer line. But it’s not necessary. If we auger a sewer line, we will camera it for an additional amount ($150). Sure, we’re biased, but for $150, it’s a no-brainer.

Keep in mind, this is only wh en roots are discovered in a plumbing system. For the vast majority of clogs, we do not recommend a camera inspection.

Spot Repair Option

A spot repair is exactly what it sounds like. When performing a spot repair, a plumber will dig up a small section of dirt and only replace or repair the broken spot in the sewer line (plus two feet in either direction of the repair).

Partial or Complete Replacement Option

This is also what it sounds like. A partial sewer replacement actually replaces more than what the requirement, but not the entire line (unless a complete there is a replacement requirement).

Tree Roots In Sewer Line

Methods include applying a root killer, such as copper sulfate root killer or a foaming root killer designed for drains.

Hydro jetting is effective but should be used cautiously on older pipes, as high-pressure water may damage weak or aged plumbing. Professional assistance is recommended.

Common signs include slow drains, frequent clogs, unpleasant odors, and gurgling noises from pipes. Sewer backups, especially in lower drains, are also indicators.

How to Fix Roots in a Sewer Line (The Ultimate Guide!)

My mind was blown the first time I encountered roots in a plumbing system. I vividly remember it because of how shocking it was to me.

It was a cast-iron line and I remember thinking, “That’s not possible!” However, that was a long time ago and since then I have seen too many roots in too many sewer lines to count. I’m sure that some of you reading this are in the same boat that I was.

• How Do Roots Get in Sewer Pipes?
• How Do I Handle a Root Problem: What are My Options?
• Step 1: Drain Cleaning
  • Auger (Drain Snake) Option
    • How Long will Auguring Keep a Sewer Line Open?
    • How Long will Jetting Keep a Sewer Line Open?
    • Pipe Lining Option
    • Digging (Excavation) Option
    • Spot Repair Option
    • Partial or Complete Replacement Option