Root Intrusion
Root Intrusion | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Sewanee
Tree roots may love the rich soil of Sewanee, but they have no business invading your home’s plumbing. When tiny feeder roots push through aging joints or hairline cracks, they expand inside the pipe like a living net, snagging debris and slowing every flush. Left unchecked, these unwelcome guests can break the line entirely, sending wastewater where it doesn’t belong and turning simple clogs into full-scale emergencies. HEP’s seasoned technicians use live video inspection, precision cutting equipment, and trenchless repair options to chase those roots out without tearing up your yard.
Whether you’ve noticed gurgling drains, persistent backups, or unexplained wet spots in the lawn, our crew is ready 24/7 to tackle main line issues before they become costly nightmares. We pair local know-how with upfront pricing, so you’ll get clear answers and lasting solutions from neighbors you can trust. Call HEP today and send those roots packing—for good.
FAQs
What is root intrusion and how does it affect my sewer main line?
Root intrusion happens when tree or shrub roots locate tiny cracks, loose joints, or gaps in an underground sewer pipe and grow into the line in search of moisture and nutrients. Once inside, the roots spread like a net, slowing the flow of wastewater, catching toilet paper and debris, and eventually causing complete blockages, pipe fractures, and even a full collapse of the line if not treated promptly.
What warning signs should Sewanee homeowners watch for?
• Multiple fixtures draining slowly at the same time (tub, shower, toilet) • Gurgling or bubbling sounds from drains or toilets • Sewage odors inside the house or in the yard • Sudden, unusually green or soggy patches of grass above the pipe route • Recurring clogs that seem to get worse after heavy rain If you notice two or more of these symptoms, a camera inspection should be scheduled right away.
Why is root intrusion so common in Sewanee?
Sewanee sits on the Cumberland Plateau, where ample rainfall, porous limestone soils, and mature hardwoods (oak, maple, hickory, hemlock) create ideal conditions for aggressive, deep-seeking root systems. Many homes still have older clay or cast-iron sewer lines with mortar joints that have deteriorated over decades, giving roots easy entry points.
How do plumbers confirm that roots are the problem?
A licensed technician inserts a high-resolution sewer camera through an exterior cleanout to visually inspect the inside of the pipe. The live video stream clearly shows root masses, cracked joints, pipe offsets, or collapsed sections. Electronic locators trace the camera head from the surface so we know the exact depth and location for any repair or replacement.
What repair options are available if my line has root damage?
1. Mechanical root cutting or hydro-jetting to clear the blockage 2. Foaming herbicide treatment to inhibit regrowth for up to a year 3. Pipe lining (CIPP) that coats the inside of the pipe with epoxy, sealing cracks and joints without digging 4. Trenchless pipe bursting to replace severely damaged lines while minimizing yard disturbance 5. Traditional open-cut excavation and replacement when soil conditions or pipe configuration make trenchless methods impractical
How can I prevent future root intrusion?
• Schedule preventative jetting or root-control treatments every 12–24 months • Replace aging clay or cast-iron pipe with PVC or HDPE that has watertight joints • Plant new trees or shrubs at least 10–15 feet away from the sewer route and choose slow-growing, sewer-safe species • Install root barriers along planting beds that parallel the sewer line • Fix even minor leaks quickly, since escaping moisture is what first attracts roots