Tree-root Intrusions
Tree-root Intrusions | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Strawberry Plains
When thirsty tree roots invade your pipes, every shower, sink, and toilet in Strawberry Plains can back up without warning. HEP Plumbing brings state-of-the-art camera inspections, hydro-jetting, and root-cutting augers to locate the blockage fast and perform precise drain opening that restores full flow without tearing up your yard. Our licensed technicians arrive in fully stocked trucks, so most root intrusions are cleared in a single visit—backed by transparent pricing and a satisfaction guarantee.
Whether you’ve noticed slow drains, gurgling sounds, or tell-tale wet spots in the lawn, call the hometown pros who’ve protected East Tennessee plumbing systems for over two decades. We’ll clear the roots, assess pipe health, and share preventative tips to keep your lines running free season after season, all while treating your property with the care it deserves.
FAQs
What are the common signs that tree roots have invaded my sewer or drain line?
Typical warning signs include slow-draining fixtures throughout the home, frequent gurgling noises from toilets, water backing up in tubs or showers when you use the washing machine, and foul odors near floor drains or your yard. Outside, you may notice unusually green or soggy patches of grass over the pipeline route. If you see more than one of these symptoms in your Strawberry Plains property, tree-root intrusion is a likely culprit.
How do you confirm and locate a root blockage in Strawberry Plains homes?
Our technicians first perform a visual inspection inside the home to identify which fixtures are affected. We then run a high-resolution sewer camera through the clean-out or roof vent to view the inside of the pipe in real time. The camera shows us exactly where roots have penetrated and the extent of pipe damage. We mark the depth and position with an electronic locator so any future digging or spot repair is precise and minimizes yard disturbance.
What methods do you use to remove tree roots and open the drain?
In most cases we start with a heavy-duty, self-feeding root-cutting cable machine (often called a rooter or sewer snake). The rotating blades shave the roots flush with the pipe wall and restore flow. If roots are dense or have regrown quickly, we may follow with hydro-jetting, which uses water at 3,500–4,000 psi to scour remaining root fibers, grease, and sludge. For severely broken or collapsed pipes, we can discuss trenchless pipe lining or targeted excavation and replacement.
Will root removal harm my trees or landscaping?
No. Mechanical root cutting and hydro-jetting take place entirely inside the pipe, so your tree’s root ball and surrounding soil remain untouched. Only the intruding feeder roots inside the sewer line are removed. In rare cases where a section of pipe must be excavated, we perform a narrow, surgical dig to limit disruption and will explain all restoration steps before starting the work.
How can I keep tree roots from coming back after the drain is cleared?
After clearing, we offer two proactive options: (1) A foaming herbicide treatment that coats the pipe interior and discourages new root growth for 9–12 months without harming the tree; (2) A scheduled maintenance cleaning every 12–18 months to trim early root regrowth before it causes a blockage. If your pipe is already cracked, upgrading to trenchless pipe lining creates a seamless, root-proof barrier inside the existing line and typically carries a 50-year warranty.
What does the service cost and how quickly can you respond in Strawberry Plains?
For most residential properties, root cutting and drain opening start at $189 for the first hour, which covers machine setup and up to 75 feet of cable. Camera inspection and electronic locating add $99, and hydro-jetting packages start at $325. We offer same-day or next-day service throughout Strawberry Plains and the surrounding Knox and Jefferson County areas. Call before noon and we can usually have a technician on-site the same day, 24/7 for true emergencies.