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Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line? What Utah Homeowners Need to Know

Your home’s main sewer line is buried deep underground, silently carrying wastewater away from your property. It’s out of sight and out of mind—until something goes wrong. One of the most common and destructive problems that can affect a sewer line is tree root intrusion. The beautiful, mature trees that add so much value and character to Utah properties have powerful root systems that are naturally drawn to the water and nutrients inside your sewer pipe. Once inside, these roots can cause devastating blockages and pipe damage, leading to messy sewage backups and expensive repairs.

How and Why Tree Roots Invade Pipes

A sewer pipe is an ideal environment for a tree root. It offers a constant source of water, nutrients, and oxygen. Even a tiny crack, a loose joint, or a small imperfection in an older pipe can release minuscule amounts of water vapor into the surrounding soil. The tree’s roots can detect this vapor and will grow directly toward the source.

Once a root finds the opening, it will force its way inside. As the root continues to grow and expand, it acts like a powerful wedge, widening the crack and putting immense pressure on the pipe. Inside the pipe, the root will continue to grow, creating a dense, web-like mass. This root ball acts like a net, catching toilet paper, solid waste, and other debris that flows down the line, eventually leading to a complete and total blockage. This is particularly common with older clay (vitrified clay pipe) or cast iron sewer lines, which have numerous joints that can weaken over time.

The Telltale Signs of a Root Problem

A tree root problem doesn’t happen overnight. It usually presents with several warning signs that homeowners should not ignore:

  • Slow Draining Fixtures: Initially, you may notice that all the drains in your house seem to be draining more slowly than usual.
  • Gurgling Sounds: You might hear strange gurgling or bubbling sounds from your toilets or drains, especially when other fixtures are in use. This is caused by trapped air being forced past the growing root mass.
  • Recurring Clogs: You might have a plumber come out to snake the drain and clear a clog, only to have the problem return a few months later. This is because the snake only punches a temporary hole through the root ball, which quickly grows back.
  • Sewage Backups: The most serious sign is a sewage backup in your home, typically emerging from the lowest drain point like a first-floor shower or bathtub.

As many home-care resources like This Old House explain, tree root intrusion is a serious issue that requires professional intervention.

The Professional Solution: Video Inspection and Hydrojetting

The only way to properly diagnose and solve a tree root problem is with professional equipment. A plumber will start with a video camera inspection, feeding a camera down the sewer line to see the extent of the root intrusion and the condition of the pipe.

Once diagnosed, the most effective solution is often hydrojetting. A specialized nozzle blasts a high-pressure stream of water that can cut through the dense root mass, clearing it out of the pipe completely. This is often followed by further repair options, such as lining the pipe to seal the cracks and prevent roots from growing back.

Your Utah Experts for Sewer Line Repair and Replacement

Ignoring the signs of a root problem will only lead to a more severe and costly emergency down the road. If you suspect tree roots are invading your sewer line, it’s crucial to act quickly. For homeowners across Utah, the professional team at Lets Fix Plumbing specializes in diagnosing and providing solutions for sewer line repair and replacement. Contact us today for a video camera inspection.