Tree root removal from sewer lines
Roots enter sewer laterals through joints and cracks, usually in clay or cast iron pipe. A cable cutter or hydro jet removes them, but they regrow through the same opening; a spot repair, liner or new pipe seals it.
Tree roots look for water, and a sewer lateral with a leaking joint is a steady supply. Fine roots enter, grow into a mat that catches paper and waste, and slowly close the pipe.
Cleaning restores flow quickly. Whether to keep cleaning or to repair depends on what a camera shows: a single bad joint is often a spot repair; many joints point to lining or replacement.
Signs you need root intrusion removal
- Main-line backups that return every few months
- Gurgling toilets
- Roots found every time the line is cleaned
- Large trees near the sewer path
How root intrusion removal is done
- 1
Clear
Cut roots with a cable cutter head or remove them with hydro jetting.
- 2
Camera
Locate the entry points and their depth.
- 3
Seal
Spot repair, cured-in-place lining or replacement, depending on the pipe.
What affects the cost of root intrusion removal
- Number of root entry points
- Pipe material and condition
- Cleaning only vs. repair
- Depth and what's above the pipe
Ask for the trip fee and the total price before work starts.
Need root intrusion removal? Call now
SteadWell is a free referral service, not a plumbing company. Calling (833) 753-0180 connects you with an independent, licensed plumber who serves your ZIP code; the plumber quotes and performs the work. Calls may be recorded.
Root intrusion removal: common questions
Will roots come back after cleaning?
Yes, through the same opening, often within months. Sealing the opening is the lasting fix.
Do root-killing chemicals work?
Some products slow regrowth, but they don't repair the opening. Check with a plumber before using them on older pipe.
Should I remove the tree?
Usually not necessary. Sealing the pipe removes the attraction; a lined or jointless pipe resists roots.