- HEP Plumbing
- Tree-root Intrusions

Tree-root Intrusions
Tree-root Intrusions | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Rogersville
When Rogersville’s mighty maples and sprawling oaks send their roots hunting for moisture, your sewer line can become an unintended target. One minute everything flows, the next you’re facing gurgles, slow drains, or a full-blown backup. That’s when HEP’s seasoned technicians step in with expert tree-root intrusion solutions and rapid drain opening that clears the blockage without harming your pipes—or your prized trees.
Armed with precision cameras, root-cutting augers, and hydro-jetting power, we slice through stubborn root webs, flush away debris, and restore free-flowing plumbing in a single visit. From emergency calls at dawn to preventative maintenance plans, HEP is Rogersville’s go-to team for fast, courteous service and transparent pricing. Trust us to keep your home’s lifeline clear so you can get back to enjoying small-town Tennessee living—root trouble-free.
FAQs
How do I know tree roots are blocking my sewer line?
Common warning signs include frequent gurgling sounds from toilets, slow-moving drains throughout the building, wastewater backing up in the lowest fixtures, and unexplained wet spots or greener patches in the yard above the pipe. A video camera inspection is the most reliable way to confirm whether live roots are the culprit, because it lets us visually verify their location, size, and density inside the pipe.
What drain-opening methods do you use to remove root intrusions?
For most Rogersville homes we start with a high-powered sewer auger (rooter machine) fitted with a rotating, bladed cutting head that chops and pulls the roots out. If the roots are dense or long, we may follow up with hydro-jetting—high-pressure water at 3,000–4,000 psi—to scour the pipe walls clean. After the obstruction is cleared, we run a post-cleaning camera to make sure the line is fully open and free of debris.
Will your root‐removal process damage my trees, landscaping, or yard?
No. All cutting and cleaning take place inside the pipe, accessed through a clean-out or sewer vent. We do not dig or cut tree roots in the soil around the pipe, so your trees and lawn remain untouched. Roots inside the pipe regenerate from hairline cracks in search of water; removing them there does not harm the overall health of the tree above ground.
How quickly can you respond to a tree-root sewer backup in Rogersville?
We provide 24/7 emergency service within the Rogersville area. In most cases a technician can be on site within 60–90 minutes, day or night. Our vans are fully stocked with augers, hydro-jetting hoses, and inspection cameras, allowing us to diagnose and clear the blockage on the first visit whenever possible.
Can root intrusion be prevented after the line is cleared?
Yes. After cleaning, we can apply a foaming herbicidal root inhibitor that coats the pipe interior and discourages regrowth for up to 12 months. For long-term protection we recommend scheduling annual or semi-annual camera inspections, repairing structural defects (cracks, joints, or collapsed sections) that allow roots to enter, or lining the pipe with a trenchless cured-in-place liner that seals joints permanently.
What will it cost to have my sewer line cleared of roots?
Pricing depends on the length and severity of the blockage, the access point, and whether hydro-jetting or chemical treatment is required. Standard auger clearing for a single residence in Rogersville typically ranges from $150 to $350. Hydro-jetting and root-inhibitor treatments can add $100–$300. We provide a written, upfront estimate after the initial camera inspection so you know the exact cost before any work begins.