Can tree roots damage my plumbing?

Can Tree Roots Damage My Sewer Line?

Yes, tree roots are one of the most common and destructive causes of sewer line damage. Here's how the process typically unfolds:

• ✔ Tree roots naturally grow toward sources of water and nutrients.
• ✔ Tiny hairline cracks, loose joints, or small leaks in sewer pipes emit moisture and vapor.
• ✔ Roots detect this moisture and grow toward the pipe.
• ✔ Fine, hair-like roots enter through small openings in the pipe.
• ✔ Once inside, they expand and create a web-like structure that catches toilet paper, waste, and debris.
• ✔ This results in increasingly severe blockages over time.
• ✔ As roots continue to grow and expand, they can crack, displace, or completely break pipes.

Signs of root intrusion include recurring drain backups, multiple slow-draining fixtures, gurgling toilets, and sinkholes or unusually lush patches of grass in your yard. If you suspect root intrusion, a sewer camera inspection can confirm the issue. For minor root intrusion, hydro-jetting may clear the roots, but for severe cases, pipe repair or replacement may be necessary. Preventative measures include regular sewer line cleaning and installation of barriers to redirect root growth away from your sewer lines.