- HEP Plumbing
- Tree-root Intrusions

Tree-root Intrusions
Tree-root Intrusions | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Kingston
When thirsty tree roots invade your sewer line, every flush and gurgle becomes a reminder that Kingston’s lush greenery can turn into an underground nightmare. HEP’s certified technicians arrive with state-of-the-art cutters, high-pressure jetters, and camera gear that lets you watch the rescue in real time. We slice through woody blockages, scour the pipe walls clean, and map the line so you know exactly where the problem started—and how we’ve fixed it—before we leave.
Our no-mess, no-guess approach to drain opening means fewer return visits, healthier pipes, and peace of mind that lasts long after the last root is gone. From 24/7 emergency calls to scheduled maintenance plans, HEP keeps Kingston’s drains flowing freely so you can get back to enjoying your home, not worrying about what’s happening beneath it.
FAQs
How do tree roots get into my drains in Kingston?
Tree roots are naturally attracted to moisture and nutrients. If your clay, cast-iron, or even PVC drain line develops tiny cracks or loose joints, vapor from the wastewater escapes into the surrounding soil. Roots detect that moisture, grow toward it and eventually squeeze through the opening. Once inside, the root system thickens, creating a net that traps debris and blocks the flow of water.
What are the warning signs that tree roots are blocking my sewer line?
Typical indicators include gurgling noises from toilets, water backing up into tubs or floor drains, slow draining fixtures throughout the house (not just one sink), foul odors near the clean-out, and patches of unusually green, damp grass above the pipe route. If more than one fixture is affected, it usually points to a main-line obstruction such as roots rather than a simple sink clog.
How do you remove tree roots from a blocked drain?
Our Kingston technicians start with a CCTV camera inspection to locate the intrusion and gauge its severity. We then mechanically cut the roots with a high-torque root-saw attached to a drain snake, followed by hydro-jetting at up to 4,000 psi to wash out remaining root fibres and grease. In severe cases we may insert a trenchless pipe liner or replace a damaged pipe section to restore structural integrity.
Will you need to dig up my yard to clear the roots?
In most cases, no. Mechanical root cutting combined with hydro-jetting and trenchless spot repairs can be performed through existing clean-outs, minimizing surface disruption. Excavation is only required when the pipe is collapsed, bellied, or decayed beyond repair. Even then, we confine digging to the smallest possible area and restore landscaping afterwards.
How can I prevent tree roots from growing back into the pipe?
After clearing the line, we offer several preventive options: (1) foaming herbicide treatments that coat the pipe interior and suppress regrowth for up to three years; (2) epoxy pipe lining that seals cracks and joints; (3) scheduled hydro-jet maintenance every 12–24 months; and (4) strategic root barrier installation or relocation of high-risk trees. Choosing drought-tolerant, slow-growing species when landscaping also helps.
How much does tree-root drain clearing cost in Kingston and do you provide free quotes?
Basic root clearing with a cutter head starts around $250–$350, while hydro-jetting and camera inspection packages range from $450–$700. Trenchless pipe lining or excavation increases the price, depending on length and depth. We provide no-obligation, on-site quotes anywhere in Kingston and the surrounding towns, and we’ll explain all repair options and their warranties before any work begins.