Roots in Your Drain Pipe? Here’s What to Do Next

Spring is the season of growth—but while flowers and greenery are welcome signs of the season, tree roots in your plumbing definitely are not. 

Root intrusion is one of the most common causes of sewer and drain pipe blockages, especially in older homes or properties with mature trees nearby.

Roots in your drain pipe? Here's what to watch for and what to do next!

If you've been noticing odd sounds from your toilet, slow draining sinks, or soggy spots in your yard, it may be time to consider what's going on underground. Roots don’t need much to cause a problem—just a hairline crack or loose joint in your sewer line is all it takes to invite them in.

In this blog, we’re covering the top warning signs of root intrusion, how the issue gets worse over time, and what to do next to protect your plumbing system and your property.

🌱 Why Do Roots Grow Into Pipes?

Roots follow moisture and nutrients—and your underground drain and sewer lines are full of both. A small leak from a cracked pipe or worn joint sends moisture into the surrounding soil, and tree roots respond like magnets.

Once they find their way to the pipe, they seek out any opening—no matter how small—and grow inside, gradually filling the pipe and creating an obstruction. Over time, these roots trap waste and other debris, which slows water flow and increases pressure until the pipe eventually clogs or even breaks.

Clay and cast iron pipes are the most vulnerable, but even modern PVC piping isn’t immune if seals wear down or the pipe shifts due to soil movement or freezing and thawing cycles.

🚩 Signs You Have Roots in Your Drain Pipe

Root-related plumbing issues often start out subtle—but they can become serious very quickly. Look out for:

• Gurgling toilets or drains: Bubbling sounds when you flush can signal air being pushed around by trapped debris.

• Multiple slow drains: One slow drain might be a small clog. If all your drains are slow, it’s likely a bigger problem in the main line.

• Water backing up: If water backs up into lower-level fixtures when you flush or use water elsewhere, root blockage may be to blame.

• Puddles or soggy lawn spots: Sewage leaks underground can lead to unusually wet, smelly, or green patches in your yard.

• Sewage smells: Persistent odours inside or outside your home are a warning sign you shouldn’t ignore.

• Sudden sinkholes or soft ground: In extreme cases, roots can cause pipe collapses or erode the soil, creating hazards in your yard.

🛠️ What Happens If You Don’t Act?

Root intrusion never goes away on its own. In fact, it only gets worse with time. Ignoring the problem can lead to:

• 💸 Expensive repairs: A small root problem can turn into a full sewer line replacement if left unchecked.

• 🏠 Home damage: Backed-up sewage can damage floors, walls, and belongings—and is a serious health hazard.

• 🚽 Frequent clogs and overflows: You’ll waste time and money plunging or snaking drains that just re-clog days later.

• 🌊 Drain field failure (for septic systems): Roots can destroy a septic drain field, leading to costly excavation and replacement.

👷‍♂️ What to Do Next: Call a Professional

If you notice any of the warning signs above, don’t reach for the drain cleaner—it won’t solve a root issue. Instead, call in a licensed plumbing professional with the tools and experience to diagnose the problem properly.

Here’s how a pro can help:

1. Video Camera Inspection A tiny waterproof camera is inserted into your sewer line to pinpoint exactly where the roots are and how severe the damage is. This step eliminates guesswork and helps determine the best solution.

2. Root Removal Depending on the situation, your plumber may use mechanical augers to cut through and extract the roots, or hydro jetting to blast them out with high-pressure water. Both methods are highly effective—but the condition of your pipes will determine which is safest.

3. Pipe Repairs or Replacement Once the roots are removed, your plumber may recommend repairing the pipe or replacing damaged sections to prevent recurrence. If your pipes are especially old or brittle, full replacement may be the better long-term option.

4. Maintenance Planning For properties surrounded by trees, regular inspections and maintenance may be the key to keeping roots at bay. Your plumber can help set a schedule that fits your home’s needs and age.

🌳 Prevention Is the Best Policy

While it’s not always possible to stop roots from growing toward your plumbing, there are smart steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Know where your sewer lines run before planting trees or large shrubs.

• Choose tree species with less aggressive root systems.

• Get a professional plumbing inspection every 1–2 years—especially in older homes.

• If you’ve had root problems before, ask your plumber about pipe lining or upgrading to seamless PVC piping for long-term peace of mind.

💬 Final Thoughts

Roots in your drain pipe might not sound like a big deal at first—but they’re one of the most common causes of major sewer problems. Don’t wait until you’re ankle-deep in wastewater or facing a yard full of soft, smelly soil.

If you suspect root intrusion or just want peace of mind, call your local plumbing professionals for an inspection. Catching the problem early can save you thousands in repair costs—and give you one less thing to worry about this spring.

Need help? We’re just a call away.