Large, mature trees can transform a yard, providing shade, beauty, and enhancing curb appeal. But while they make neighborhoods look splendid, tree roots causing plumbing problems can quickly turn that beauty into a costly nightmare.
To thrive, trees must find water. A tree’s root system naturally seeks out moisture, which often leads it straight to underground drain pipes and sewer lines. Once roots find even the most minor crack or leak, they invade aggressively. Before long, homeowners face root infiltration, blockages, and even damaged pipes.
Left unchecked, tree roots in plumbing can result in potentially disastrous consequences, including sinkholes, sewage gas odors, health hazards, backups, and flooding in your basement, as well as extensive repairs.
Warning Signs of Tree Root Damage
If you’re only dealing with the occasional clog, a plunger or auger might be enough to clear it. But when clogs become frequent, the real issue may be signs of roots in pipes.
Tree roots can cause:
● Slow drains throughout your home.
● Toilets that gurgle like a coffee percolator.
● Recurring blockages that resist simple fixes.
● Unexplained sewage odors or even sewage backup.
When thirsty tree roots disrupt your sewer system, they create ongoing plumbing issues that go beyond ordinary clogs. If your drains keep clogging or making unusual noises, contact A-1 Sewer & Septic Service Inc. for a professional inspection of your home’s drain and sewer lines.
Preventing Costly Tree Root Problems
Preventing tree roots from causing plumbing problems is much easier than dealing with extensive damage. A few proactive measures can protect your existing pipe network:
● Know the location of your sewer lines. Call 811 (“Call Before You Dig”) or your local public works department before planting trees or digging in your yard.
● Use root barriers. Metal, wood, or slow-release chemical barriers help discourage a tree’s root system from heading toward your sewer system.
● Plant strategically. Avoid placing large, aggressive-rooted species near sewer lines. Opt for smaller, slow-growing trees with contained root systems.
● Limit landscaping around sewer lines. Fewer roots nearby means lower risk of intrusion.
With wise landscaping choices, you can prevent the need for costly root removal later.
How We Diagnose and Address Tree Root Intrusion
When large trees surround a property, their root growth often extends farther than homeowners expect, reaching underground sewer pipes and disrupting the home’s plumbing system. Once roots find small cracks or leaks, they expand quickly inside the line, leading to clogs, backups, and costly repairs. Because these problems often start hidden, professional diagnosis is essential to prevent the damage from worsening.
At A-1 Sewer & Septic Service Inc., we use advanced methods to locate and address tree roots in plumbing:
● Video camera inspections: A probe allows us to see directly inside your drain pipes and sewer system. We can spot root infiltration, leaks, or other damage.
● Drain cleaning with an auger: Using a cable device, we cut through roots and clear blockages inside the clean-out access point.
● Hydro jetting: For stubborn blockages, high-pressure water is used to remove tree roots and restore proper water flow.
● Chemical treatment: Safe solutions such as copper sulfate, a copper-based root killer, can slow regrowth after initial cutting.
● Pipe lining or replacement: In cases of extensive damage, trenchless pipe lining can reinforce an existing pipe, while an entirely new pipe may be necessary if the line has collapsed.
From hydro jetting to pipe lining, our team has the tools to restore your sewer system quickly and effectively.
When the Roots Keep Coming Back
Even after a thorough cleaning, roots can regrow if the underlying leak or moisture source is not fixed. Ongoing leaks nourish the tree’s root system, leading to repeated clogs, backups, and eventual pipe collapse.
To reduce future issues:
● Always repair leaks in damaged pipes.
● Never flush items like diapers, sanitary products, or paper towels, which can snag on small roots and worsen blockages.
● Consider annual inspections and maintenance to stay ahead of root infiltration.
Without addressing the cause, root removal becomes a repeated—and expensive—cycle.
Schedule Your Inspection
If you suspect tree roots are causing plumbing problems in your home, don’t wait for the issue to escalate into a full sewer backup. Our Kansas City plumbers can locate signs of roots in pipes, perform root removal, and restore your system with lasting solutions, including hydro jetting, root killer, and pipe lining.
Contact A-1 Sewer & Septic Service Inc. today to schedule an inspection. Our team is ready to protect your sewer system, keep your drains flowing smoothly, and help you avoid the costly consequences of tree roots in your plumbing.