Tree Roots
Tree Roots | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Oakdale
When sprawling Oakdale maples start infiltrating your underground lines, HEP’s specialists are ready with fast, clean, and affordable drain opening solutions that restore flow without tearing up your yard. Our licensed techs locate the root intrusion with high-definition cameras, then use precision cutting heads and hydro-jetting to clear every fiber—protecting both your pipes and the trees you love.
From emergency backups at 2 a.m. to routine maintenance plans that keep future blockages at bay, we treat every customer like a neighbor. Transparent pricing, shoe-cover respect for your home, and a workmanship guarantee mean you can relax while we handle the dirty work. Call today and feel the relief of water moving freely again in your Oakdale home.
FAQs
What are the most common signs that tree roots are invading my sewer line in Oakdale?
Typical warning signs include slow-draining fixtures (especially the lowest toilet or tub), frequent gurgling noises, water backing up in the basement or first-floor shower, foul odors around floor drains, and patches of unusually green or soggy lawn along the sewer route. Because Oakdale’s mature neighborhoods have many large maples and elms planted near older clay or cast-iron sewers, these symptoms almost always point to root intrusion rather than a simple grease clog.
How do you confirm that tree roots—not another issue—are blocking my drain?
After an initial auger attempt, we run a high-resolution, self-leveling sewer camera the full length of the lateral. The video instantly shows root masses, pipe cracks, or offsets. We also use an in-line sonde to pinpoint the exact depth and location from the surface. This lets us distinguish roots from collapsed pipes or foreign objects and gives homeowners footage they can keep for insurance or warranty purposes.
What methods do you use to clear tree roots, and are they safe for my pipes and trees?
Our primary option is a sectional or continuous-cable root cutter with a spiral head sized to your pipe diameter. Once the bulk of the roots is shaved away, we flush the line with 3,500-psi hydro-jetting to scour remaining fibers and debris. For fragile clay lines, we throttle pressure to prevent blow-outs. After clearing, we can apply a foaming herbicide that kills residual root tips without harming the tree above, or install a trenchless epoxy liner that permanently seals joints where roots sneak in.
How fast can you get to my property in Oakdale, and what does the service cost?
We maintain on-call crews in Washington County, so emergency root blockages are usually attended within 90 minutes—often sooner for addresses east of Hadley Ave. Pricing starts at $189 for basic machine augering, but a typical camera inspection, mechanical cut, and hydro-jet package runs $425–$675, depending on pipe length and severity. We provide a firm, written quote before work begins and waive the camera fee if you proceed with root removal the same visit.
Will the roots just grow back after the drain is opened? How can I prevent another blockage?
Roots are persistent, but you can keep them out. After mechanical and jet clearing, we recommend an annual or bi-annual foaming root inhibitor that coats the pipe interior and shrinks new sprouts. If your pipe is structurally sound, periodic jetting every 18–24 months may suffice. For cracked or jointed clay laterals, a trenchless CIPP liner or pipe-bursting replacement offers a 50-year, root-proof solution. We document the condition on video so you can decide which prevention plan fits your budget.
Do I need a permit or special permission from the City of Oakdale to fix a root-blocked sewer?
For interior drain cleaning or external clean-out access within 5 ft of the house, no city permit is required. However, if excavation in the boulevard or right-of-way is necessary, Oakdale Public Works must issue a Right-of-Way permit, and a licensed plumber must file a sanitary sewer repair permit with the city. We handle all paperwork and schedule city inspections at no extra charge, ensuring the work meets Oakdale’s current plumbing and environmental standards.