Tree-root Intrusions
Tree-root Intrusions | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Robbins
When stubborn roots invade your pipes, every flush can feel like a gamble. HEP’s licensed plumbers use high-pressure water jets, root-cutting augers, and live video inspection to clear the tangled mass fast, restoring full flow without guesswork or yard-tearing excavation. From the first camera glimpse to the final rinse, we show you exactly what’s happening underground, so you can watch those roots disappear in real time—and get back to showers that stay hot and basements that stay dry.
Homeowners in Robbins trust us for rapid response, transparent pricing, and a 100 % satisfaction pledge on every tree-root intrusion and drain opening call. Whether you’re hearing ominous gurgles after a storm or smelling sewage where roses should be, one visit from HEP turns panic into peace of mind—all backed by courteous technicians who leave your home as spotless as your newly freed line.
FAQs
What warning signs should I look for that suggest tree roots have invaded my sewer or storm-water line?
Slow-moving drains in several fixtures, frequent gurgling sounds from the toilet, foul smells in the yard, soggy patches or sinkholes on the lawn, and a sudden, unexplained increase in water bills are the most common red flags. Because Robbins has mature street trees and clay or cast-iron laterals in many older homes, these symptoms almost always point to root intrusion rather than a simple grease blockage.
How do you confirm that roots—not another obstruction—are causing the blockage?
We begin with a high-pressure water test to see how quickly the line backs up. Next, we feed a CCTV drain camera through the clean-out or a removed toilet to obtain real-time video of the pipe’s interior. The camera shows root masses, cracks, and misaligned joints, letting us pinpoint the exact location and depth of the intrusion so we can choose the least invasive removal method and estimate repairs accurately.
What techniques do you use to clear tree roots and reopen my drain?
Our standard workflow in Robbins is (1) mechanical root cutting with a sectional or continuous cable and a specialised root-saw attachment to break up the thick mats; (2) hydro-jetting at 3,000–4,000 psi to flush remaining fibres and restore full bore; and, if the pipe is damaged, (3) trenchless options such as epoxy patching or full pipe relining. For heavily collapsed clay pipes, we can also provide pipe-bursting replacement without excavating the entire yard.
Will root removal harm my trees or surrounding landscaping?
No. The cutter heads and jetting equipment work entirely inside the pipe, trimming only the fine feeder roots that have breached joints or cracks. Because we do not sever large structural roots outside the pipe, the health of your trees and shrubs is unaffected. If excavation is unavoidable for a major repair, we keep the trench narrow, preserve topsoil, and re-landscape the area once the job is complete.
How can I stop tree roots from regrowing into the plumbing after the service?
After clearing, we can apply a foaming herbicide containing dichlobenil that coats the pipe walls and kills residual root tips without harming above-ground vegetation. Annual or biennial camera inspections catch early regrowth. If your line has multiple offsets, upgrading to a seamless PVC section or installing a cured-in-place liner is the most permanent defence, as the smooth interior discourages root penetration.
What does tree-root removal cost in Robbins and how quickly can you respond?
For a standard single-family home, mechanical cutting and jetting typically range from $285 to $525, depending on line length and severity. CCTV inspection is often included; if not, add about $160. Pipe relining or replacement is quoted separately after the inspection. We offer same-day emergency service throughout Robbins and nearby suburbs—arriving within two hours for active sewage backups—plus scheduled maintenance slots Monday through Saturday.