Root Intrusions
Root Intrusions | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Kingston
Kingston’s beautiful, mature trees can wreak havoc beneath the surface, sending thirsty roots straight into aging sewer pipes. Before you know it, what starts as a slow drain can escalate into stubborn clogs, foul odors, and full-blown main line issues that put your entire plumbing system at risk. If you’re noticing gurgling sounds, frequent backups, or soggy patches in the yard, chances are those roots have already taken hold.
HEP’s certified plumbers combine cutting-edge camera inspections with proven root-removal techniques to clear the obstruction fast and protect your pipes for the long haul. From pinpoint diagnostics to trenchless repairs, we restore flow with minimal disruption—so you can get back to enjoying your home without worrying about what’s happening underground. Reach out today and let our local experts keep Kingston’s roots where they belong: in the soil, not your sewer line.
FAQs
How can I tell if tree roots have invaded my main sewer line?
Warning signs include frequent gurgling sounds from drains, slow-moving toilets or tubs throughout the house, foul odours near floor drains, and unexplained wet spots or greener patches on the lawn above the line. Because main lines collect all household waste water, simultaneous backups in multiple fixtures usually point to a blockage in that pipe—often caused by roots seeking moisture inside small pipe cracks or joints.
Why are root intrusions so common in Kingston?
Many Kingston neighbourhoods still rely on older clay or cast-iron sewer laterals installed decades ago. These materials have joints that loosen over time, allowing local maple, willow and poplar roots easy access to the nutrient-rich water inside. Our region’s freeze–thaw cycles also shift soil, widening tiny openings. Combined with the city’s mature tree canopy and high groundwater, conditions are perfect for aggressive root growth into main lines.
What should I do as soon as I suspect a root blockage?
First, stop running water or flushing toilets to minimise the risk of sewage backing up into your home. Next, call a licensed Kingston plumber who specialises in sewer inspections. They will perform a CCTV camera inspection to confirm the presence, location and extent of root growth. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners; they rarely reach the obstruction and can damage pipes or harm the environment.
How do professional plumbers remove roots from sewer pipes?
After the camera inspection pinpoints the obstruction, the plumber typically uses a mechanical auger or root-cutting blade to shear the roots. This is often followed by high-pressure hydro-jetting to clear remaining debris and flush the line clean. If sections of pipe are cracked or collapsed, trenchless lining or spot repair may be recommended to seal the interior and deter future root entry.
Will my yard have to be dug up to fix root-damaged sewer lines?
Not necessarily. Kingston plumbing contractors now offer trenchless technologies such as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining and pipe bursting. These methods require only one or two small access pits, allowing the new liner or pipe to be installed without excavating the entire length of the sewer. Traditional open-cut replacement is still used when pipes are severely misaligned or the home’s layout prevents trenchless access.
How can I prevent roots from returning after the repair?
Schedule a preventive camera inspection every 12–24 months to catch new intrusions early. If your line was lined or replaced, ensure all joints were properly sealed. Consider applying a foaming herbicide or copper sulphate root inhibitor annually; professionals can deliver it precisely so it kills roots inside the pipe but spares the tree. Finally, avoid planting new trees or large shrubs within 3–4 metres (10–12 ft) of your main sewer alignment.