Tree-root Intrusions
Tree-root Intrusions | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Dunlap
When towering maples and sturdy oaks send their roots searching for moisture, they often find the easiest path straight into your sewer line. At HEP in Dunlap, we pair advanced camera inspections with root-cutting augers to evict those invaders fast, restoring free-flowing pipes without tearing up your yard. From sudden backups after a storm to the slow gurgle that tells you trouble is brewing, our licensed plumbers arrive with the know-how—and the heavy-duty equipment—to clear the mess the first time.
Every service begins with a transparent quote and ends with a spotless workspace, so all you remember is how smoothly everything drains again. Whether you need scheduled maintenance or an emergency drain opening at 2 a.m., HEP’s 24/7 team is just a phone call away, ready to protect your home’s plumbing and your peace of mind.
FAQs
How do I know if tree roots are causing my drain clog in Dunlap?
Common warning signs include recurring slow drains, gurgling toilets, sewage odors in the yard, and soggy patches of grass even when it hasn’t rained. Because Dunlap has many mature trees and older clay or cast-iron sewer laterals, root intrusions are a frequent culprit. A video camera inspection is the most reliable way to confirm whether roots are inside the pipe and to pinpoint their location.
What methods do you use to remove tree roots from sewer lines?
We typically start with a high-powered hydro-jet or a mechanical root cutter (sometimes called a sewer auger). Hydro-jetting scours the pipe walls with water at up to 4,000 PSI, while a root cutter uses rotating blades to shave and pull out roots. After clearing the blockage, we run a follow-up camera inspection to verify that the line is clean and intact. In severe cases we may recommend pipe lining or spot repairs to seal cracks that let roots back in.
Will root removal damage my yard or pipes?
Our first-line treatments—hydro-jetting and mechanical cutting—are trenchless and performed through existing clean-out ports, so your lawn, landscaping, and hardscapes remain undisturbed. When performed by trained technicians, these methods are safe for PVC and cast-iron piping. If the camera shows a weakened or collapsed section of pipe, we’ll discuss trenchless lining or, when unavoidable, a targeted excavation to replace only the failed segment.
How much does tree-root drain opening service cost in Dunlap?
Pricing depends on pipe diameter, the severity of the root mass, and the length of line affected, but most residential jobs in Dunlap range from $250–$600 for basic clearing and inspection. If lining or sectional replacement is needed, costs can rise to $80–$150 per foot. We provide a firm, upfront estimate after the camera inspection so there are no surprises.
How long does the tree-root intrusion repair take?
Simple root cutting and hydro-jetting jobs are usually completed within 1–2 hours, including setup and cleanup. Adding a trenchless pipe liner typically extends the project to one full day, allowing time for curing. If excavation is required, expect 1–3 days depending on depth, soil conditions, and restoration of sod or concrete.
How can I prevent roots from growing back into my sewer line?
After clearing, we recommend a preventive foaming rooticide treatment once every 12–18 months; the herbicide coats pipe walls and inhibits regrowth without harming surrounding trees. Replacing cracked clay or cast-iron with seamless PVC or installing a CIPP liner provides a long-term barrier. Keeping large trees at least 10 feet from the sewer lateral when landscaping and scheduling an annual camera inspection will also reduce the risk of future intrusions.