Tree Roots
Tree Roots | Drain Opening | Plumbing
When stubborn tree roots snake their way into your sewer line, everyday comforts can grind to a halt—slow sinks, gurgling toilets, and that tell-tale earthy odor. HEP’s seasoned plumbers track the problem right to its source with high-definition camera inspections, then clear the intrusion with precision hydro-jetting that’s tough on roots yet gentle on your pipes. The result? A swift, mess-free drain opening that restores full flow without the guesswork.
From emergency calls at midnight to scheduled maintenance that prevents future clogs, our East Tennessee team backs every repair with transparent pricing and a satisfaction guarantee. Count on courteous techs who respect your home, clean up after themselves, and explain each step of the process so you can breathe easy—and flush confidently—long after we’ve left the driveway.
FAQs
What are the most common signs that tree roots are blocking my drain?
Typical indicators include: gurgling or slow-draining toilets, sinks, or tubs; frequent sewer line backups or overflows; localized patches of unusually green, lush grass over the pipeline; foul odors coming from drains or the yard; and, in severe cases, wastewater pooling on the lawn. If you notice any combination of these symptoms, it is wise to schedule a professional inspection before the blockage worsens.
How do tree roots get into my plumbing pipes in the first place?
Roots naturally seek out moisture and nutrients. If your sewer or stormwater pipes have small cracks, loose joints, or deteriorated seals, they release vapor and moisture into the surrounding soil. Nearby roots are attracted to this moisture source and will grow toward and eventually into any opening. Once inside, roots proliferate quickly, forming dense mats that trap debris, restrict flow, and can enlarge cracks, causing more significant damage over time.
What methods do you use to remove roots and open the drain?
We typically start with a CCTV camera inspection to locate the root intrusion and assess pipe condition. Depending on what we find, we may deploy: • Mechanical rodding or cutting heads that physically slice and pull roots from the line. • High-pressure hydro-jetting, which uses water at up to 4,000 psi to scour roots and debris from the pipe walls. • Chemical root inhibitors (environmentally approved foams or crystals) that kill fine root fibers left behind after mechanical clearing. If the pipe is severely broken or collapsed, we can discuss trenchless pipe relining or spot repairs to restore structural integrity and prevent reinvasion.
Will root removal damage my trees, landscaping, or yard?
No. The techniques we use work from inside the pipe, eliminating the need for extensive digging. The cutting and jetting processes target only the roots that have penetrated the pipe, not the entire root ball. Your trees remain healthy and your lawn stays intact. If excavation is absolutely necessary for a broken section, we limit the dig site to the smallest possible area and restore the surface afterward.
How much does professional tree-root drain clearing cost?
Pricing depends on several factors: length and diameter of the affected pipe, severity and location of the root mass, accessibility, and whether repairs or relining are required. For a straightforward mechanical or jetting job on a residential line, costs often range from $250 – $600. If pipe relining or section replacement is needed, the price can increase to $1,500 – $4,000 or more. We always provide a fixed, up-front quote after inspection, so there are no surprises.
How can I prevent tree roots from re-entering my drains after the service?
Prevention steps include: 1) Scheduling routine camera inspections every 1-2 years to catch early root regrowth; 2) Applying annual or semi-annual root inhibitor treatments; 3) Repairing or relining compromised sections of pipe so roots have no entry points; 4) Planting trees and large shrubs at least 3 m (10 ft) away from sewer and stormwater lines; and 5) Replacing older clay or concrete pipes with modern PVC or HDPE, which have tighter joints and greater root resistance. Following these measures drastically reduces the likelihood of future blockages.