Tree roots are one of the most common—and most destructive—threats to your underground sewer line. What starts as a small root creeping through a crack can quickly grow into a full-blown blockage or rupture.
Knowing the early signs of root intrusion in your sewer pipes can save you from thousands of dollars in emergency repairs. Below are five telltale signs your plumbing system may already be under attack from invading roots.
1. Frequent Drain Backups
If you’re regularly dealing with clogs in your sinks, showers, or toilets—even after snaking or plunging—the issue could be deeper in the system. Tree roots inside the main sewer line often catch solid waste and toilet paper, causing repeat blockages throughout your home.
2. Gurgling or Bubbling Drains
Gurgling noises when flushing or draining water are usually caused by air getting trapped due to a partial blockage in the sewer line. Roots reduce the space inside the pipe, interrupting normal flow and causing air pockets.
3. Foul Sewer Odors
A cracked or leaking pipe caused by root damage can release sewage gases into the ground—and eventually into your home. If you smell a persistent musty or sewage odor indoors or in the yard, it may be due to root-related pipe damage.
4. Wet or Sunken Areas in the Yard
Tree roots can break pipes and allow wastewater to leak into the surrounding soil. Signs include persistent wet spots, pooling water, or a section of grass that’s greener or softer than the rest of the yard—especially near trees.
5. Multiple Slow Drains
If more than one drain in your home is draining slowly, this often points to a main sewer line issue, not just a localized clog. Root intrusion is a common culprit that narrows the pipe and restricts water flow from the entire home.
What to Do If You Suspect Root Intrusion
If you’re seeing one or more of these signs, it’s time to take action. Here’s what to do next:
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners, which can damage pipes and won’t remove roots
- Schedule a sewer camera inspection to confirm the cause
- Ask your plumber about hydro jetting or mechanical cutting to clear the roots
- Discuss long-term repair options such as trenchless pipe lining or full replacement
Protect Your Home Before the Damage Gets Worse
Tree root damage worsens over time, leading to complete sewer line failure, property damage, and health hazards from sewage exposure.
Don’t wait for a backup to take action. Contact Armor Plumbing today to schedule a sewer line inspection and root removal service.