- HEP Plumbing
- Tree-root Invasions

Tree-root Invasions
Tree-root Invasions | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Soddy-Daisy
When thirsty tree roots worm their way into underground pipes, they don’t just slow the flow—they can rupture, clog, and flood your home’s entire system. HEP’s experienced plumbers in Soddy-Daisy combine high-definition camera inspections with powerful root-cutting hydro-jetters to expose and eliminate these hidden threats before they escalate into main line issues. From the first gurgle in a drain to a soggy patch on the lawn, we pinpoint the source fast and offer clear, up-front pricing so you can breathe easy.
Backed by decades of local know-how, our team repairs or replaces damaged pipes with trenchless technology whenever possible, preserving your driveway, landscaping, and weekend plans. Call today and discover why neighbors in Soddy-Daisy trust HEP to keep their water flowing, their yards intact, and their lives disruption-free—no matter how deep the roots run.
FAQs
What are the most common signs of tree-root intrusion in a sewer main line in Soddy-Daisy?
Typical warning signs include slow-draining tubs or sinks, gurgling noises in toilets, frequent backups in the lowest plumbing fixture, and patches of unusually lush grass over the buried line. In Soddy-Daisy’s clay- and shale-based soils, roots from maples, willows, sweetgums, and sycamores can quickly enter small pipe defects, so call for an inspection if you notice any of these symptoms.
How do you confirm that tree roots—not another issue—are causing my plumbing problem?
Our technicians run a HD sewer camera through the main line to look for root masses, cracked joints, and collapsed pipe sections. We also record the depth and distance so we know the exact location. In some cases we supplement the video with a sonar pipe locator if the line is very deep or runs under a driveway. This approach eliminates guesswork and lets us tailor the right repair solution.
What removal and repair options do you offer for root-infested sewer lines in Soddy-Daisy?
Most root intrusions can be cleared with a combination of mechanical root cutting and hydro-jetting. After clearing, we evaluate the pipe’s structural condition. If it is sound, we apply a foaming herbicide that discourages regrowth. When sections are cracked or missing, we can install a trenchless CIPP liner or perform a spot repair. Full replacements are reserved for pipes that have collapsed or lack proper slope.
Will my yard or landscaping be destroyed during the repair?
Usually not. Camera locating lets us target only the affected segment, and trenchless lining requires one or two small access holes, often at clean-outs that already exist. If excavation is unavoidable, we use protective mats and restore the sod, shrubbery, or mulch after the work. Our crews follow Soddy-Daisy’s right-of-way and tree-protection guidelines to minimize disruption.
How fast should I act once I know tree roots are in my main line?
Immediately. Roots grow year-round in this region and can turn a minor blockage into a complete rupture in a single season. Early intervention is usually limited to cutting and sealing, which is far less expensive than excavating a broken pipe or remediating sewage damage under your slab.
What can I do to prevent tree roots from invading again?
1) Schedule a camera inspection every 18–24 months. 2) Avoid planting water-loving trees—willows, elms, poplars—within 15–20 feet of the sewer path. 3) Install a root barrier when planting new landscaping. 4) Make sure clean-outs are capped tightly. 5) Use a foaming root deterrent annually if you have a history of intrusion. These steps, combined with sound pipe material (PVC or lined cast-iron), drastically reduce the chance of repeat root problems.