Root Intrusions
Root Intrusions | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Halls
Persistent clogs, foul odors, and slow drains often trace back to one hidden culprit—roots infiltrating your sewer line. At HEP, we specialize in detecting and eliminating these subterranean invaders before they trigger costly main line issues. Using high-resolution camera inspections and trenchless repair technology, our certified technicians pinpoint the intrusion with surgical precision, clearing the blockage while protecting your landscaping, driveway, and peace of mind.
Homeowners in Halls trust us for transparent pricing, same-day service, and a workmanship guarantee that stands tall long after the roots are gone. Whether you need preventive maintenance or an emergency rescue, HEP’s root intrusion experts are just a call away—ready to restore flow, safeguard your property, and help you forget those main line issues ever existed.
FAQs
How do tree roots get into my sewer main line and what warning signs should I watch for?
Roots seek out moisture and nutrients. If there is even a hairline crack or loose joint in your underground sewer pipe, roots from nearby trees or shrubs will infiltrate and expand inside the line. Early indicators include slow-draining fixtures, frequent gurgling noises, water backing up into tubs or floor drains, or foul odors coming from the drains or yard. In Halls’ clay-rich soil, small root penetrations tend to spread quickly, so noticing these symptoms early is important.
What kinds of damage can root intrusions cause to my plumbing system?
Once inside the pipe, roots act like a net, catching toilet paper, grease, and debris. Over time they can create complete blockages, cause sewage backups into the home, crack or collapse the pipe, and saturate the surrounding soil with wastewater. The longer the intrusion is left untreated, the greater the likelihood of structural failure, costly excavation, and potential health hazards on your property.
How do you confirm that roots are the source of my main line problem?
We perform a video camera inspection through the clean-out or an access point inside the home. The high-resolution camera travels the full length of the main line, allowing us to see root masses, pipe cracks, offsets, or collapses in real time. The footage pinpoints the exact location and severity of the intrusion, so we can recommend the most effective remedy and provide you with a digital copy for your records or insurance company.
What solutions do you offer for removing roots and restoring proper flow?
Depending on the pipe condition and severity, we use one or a combination of these methods: • Mechanical root cutting – A rotating auger blade clears roots and debris. • Hydro-jetting – High-pressure water (up to 4,000 psi) scours remaining root fibers and clears grease buildup. • Chemical root treatments – Environmentally safe foaming herbicides stunt root regrowth without harming the tree. • Pipe lining or replacement – If the pipe is cracked or missing sections, trenchless cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining or, when necessary, traditional excavation and replacement will permanently restore the line.
Will the root-removal process damage my yard, driveway, or landscaping?
Most blockages can be cleared through existing clean-outs, meaning no digging at all. If the pipe needs lining, we access it through small entry pits, preserving lawns, trees, and hardscapes. Full pipe replacement is only recommended when the line has collapsed or lost structural integrity, and even then we use targeted excavation to minimize disruption. We always discuss the least invasive option first and provide a clear plan before any work begins.
How can I prevent roots from re-entering the sewer line after it has been cleared?
Preventive steps include scheduling an annual or biennial camera inspection, applying preventive foaming root inhibitors every 6–12 months, ensuring trees or large shrubs are planted at least 10 feet from the sewer lateral, and replacing deteriorated clay or cast-iron sections with seamless PVC or epoxy-lined pipe. Our Halls root-control maintenance program bundles these services and offers reminders so your main line stays clear year-round.