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Need Help with Tree Root Intrusion? Call Us Today.
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What Is Tree Root Intrusion & How It’s Fixed
Tree root intrusion happens when roots grow into cracks or joints in underground pipes in search of moisture. Once inside, they expand and trap debris, causing slow drains, backups, or even pipe collapse. Left untreated, root damage can require costly repairs or full line replacement. Professional solutions like hydro jetting, mechanical root cutting, and trenchless pipe repair can clear the intrusion and prevent regrowth.
8 Times You Shouldn’t Ignore Tree Root Intrusion:
8 Situations Where DIY Fixes Can Make Things Worse:
8 Times You Shouldn’t Attempt DIY Kitchen Sink Fixes:
- Frequent clogs despite cleaning
- Multiple drains backing up at the same time
- Sewage odors coming from drains or yard
- Gurgling or bubbling in toilets and drains
- Slow drainage in all fixtures
- Green, unusually lush patches of grass in the yard
- Visible sinkholes or wet spots near sewer lines
- Older clay or cast iron sewer pipes on the property
01. Keep Your Sewer Lines Clear & Strong
02. Stop Root Damage Before a Major Repair
Need Help with Tree Root Intrusion? Call Us Today.
How Can We Help You Today?
What Is Tree Root Intrusion & How It’s Fixed
Tree root intrusion happens when roots grow into cracks or joints in underground pipes in search of moisture. Once inside, they expand and trap debris, causing slow drains, backups, or even pipe collapse. Left untreated, root damage can require costly repairs or full line replacement. Professional solutions like hydro jetting, mechanical root cutting, and trenchless pipe repair can clear the intrusion and prevent regrowth.
8 Times You Shouldn’t Ignore Tree Root Intrusion:
- Frequent clogs despite cleaning
- Multiple drains backing up at the same time
- Sewage odors coming from drains or yard
- Gurgling or bubbling in toilets and drains
- Slow drainage in all fixtures
- Green, unusually lush patches of grass in the yard
- Visible sinkholes or wet spots near sewer lines
- Older clay or cast iron sewer pipes on the property
01. Keep Your Sewer Lines Clear & Strong
02. Stop Root Damage Before a Major Repair
Common Symptoms of Tree Root Intrusion
Frequent Clogs in Multiple Fixtures: Toilets, tubs, and sinks backing up at the same time can indicate a main sewer line obstruction caused by roots.
Slow Drains Throughout the Property: Unlike a single clogged drain, tree root blockages slow down all connected drains.
Gurgling Sounds from Pipes: Air pockets created by root blockages can cause unusual bubbling or gurgling when water flows.
Unpleasant Sewage Odors Outdoors or Indoors: Roots breaking into sewer lines release foul smells near drains or in your yard.
Lush or Damp Patches in the Yard: Localized areas of greener grass or soggy soil may indicate a leaking sewer pipe feeding roots.
Sewage Backups During Heavy Use: Using multiple fixtures at once can overwhelm a root-blocked pipe, causing wastewater to back up.
COMMON CAUSES OF CLOGGED SHOWER DRAINS | Prodigy Plumbing & HVAC
Understanding what leads to clogged shower drains can help you prevent them. Here are the most common culprits:
Prevention Tips for ROOT INTRUTION
Preventing Tree Root Intrusion in Sewer Lines
Avoiding root intrusion before it starts is far less costly than dealing with a major sewer line repair. Here are some preventive strategies to protect your plumbing system:
Strategic Landscaping: When planting new trees or shrubs, place them far enough from sewer lines to minimize root infiltration risks. Consult a landscaping professional or utility map to determine safe planting distances.
Root Barrier Installation: Physical root barriers can be installed between trees and sewer pipes to redirect roots away from the lines. These barriers are especially useful for properties with older clay or cast iron sewer systems.
Regular Sewer Inspections: Schedule annual or biannual camera inspections to detect early signs of root intrusion. Early intervention can prevent full blockages and expensive repairs.
Pipe Material Upgrades: If your property still has older, jointed sewer pipes, consider upgrading to seamless PVC or HDPE piping, which is more resistant to root penetration.
Proactive Root Maintenance: In high-risk areas, licensed plumbers can apply safe root control treatments inside sewer lines to discourage growth without harming the tree.
DIY Solutions forTREE ROOT INTRUSION
Regular Sewer Line Inspections: Have a plumber perform a camera inspection every 1–2 years. This helps spot small root growth before it becomes a major obstruction.
Controlled Landscaping: Avoid planting trees or shrubs with aggressive root systems near your sewer lines. Opt for slow-growing species with less invasive roots.
Root Barriers: If planting near sewer lines is unavoidable, install root barriers to redirect growth away from the pipes.
Chemical Root Inhibitors: Use foaming root killers or copper sulfate products annually to discourage root growth inside pipes. These treatments are best done during low water usage periods so they remain in the line longer.
Monitor for Early Warning Signs: Slow drains, frequent clogs, or gurgling sounds may indicate early-stage root intrusion. Address these promptly to prevent pipe collapse or backups.
Prompt Minor Repairs: If small cracks or joints are identified, have them sealed or replaced right away to prevent roots from exploiting them.
Call a Pro When Needed
When You Should Contact Experts for Root Intrution
Suspect that tree roots are invading your pipes? Prodigy Plumbing & HVAC offers rapid, same-day service across Long Beach, Los Angeles County, and Orange County. We locate and remove root blockages with precision, repair damage, and restore your sewer line’s full capacity keeping your plumbing safe for the long term.
Video inspection
Trenchless repair
Root removal
Pipe replacement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is tree root intrusion in sewer pipes?
Tree root intrusion happens when roots grow into small cracks or joints in underground pipes, seeking moisture and nutrients. Over time, they can block or damage the line.
How do I know if roots are in my sewer line?
Frequent clogs, slow drains, gurgling sounds, and sewage backups in multiple fixtures can indicate root intrusion. A camera inspection confirms the problem.
Can tree roots break my pipes?
Yes. As roots expand, they can widen cracks and eventually collapse sections of pipe, especially in older clay or cast iron sewer lines.
How are tree roots removed from sewer lines?
Plumbers often use hydro jetting or mechanical cutting tools to clear the roots, followed by repairs or pipe lining to prevent regrowth.
Will the problem come back after removal?
Without sealing entry points, roots can regrow within months. Pipe relining or replacement provides a long-term barrier against intrusion.
