Sewer Camera Inspection
Send a camera through the line to see the real condition before you spend on a fix.
Plumbing guide
Tree Roots in a Peoria, AZ Sewer Line: Signs, Fixes
Roots head toward water, and a sewer line with a hairline crack or loose joint is a tempting source. Given time, they can fill the pipe and cause a backup.
By the Peoria Express Plumbing team ·
How roots get in
Roots are lured by the moisture and nutrients inside a sewer pipe. They push through joints, cracks and loose connections, then spread into a mat that traps paper and waste.
Older clay and cast iron pipe, with many joints, is easier for roots to enter than modern plastic. Even a hairline crack can let in a fine root.
Warning signs
Early signs include slow drains, a gurgle in a toilet when another fixture drains and an occasional backup in the lowest tub or floor drain. The pattern is often gradual and gets worse in warm months, when roots grow quickly.
If you see these signs repeatedly, do not wait for a full backup. A line that is cleared and clogs again within months deserves a closer look.
Which trees cause trouble
Any thirsty tree near a sewer line can cause trouble. In the desert Southwest, mesquite, palo verde, eucalyptus and ash are among the trees whose roots may seek out moisture, though the species matters less than the distance and the pipe's condition.
Ask a landscaper or an arborist about the root spread of any tree you plant near the line, and keep large trees away from the lateral.
Confirming with a camera
A sewer camera shows roots inside the pipe, and the plumber can tell whether the pipe is cracked or just has a joint that roots have entered. It also gives the distance to the problem.
A camera look before cutting roots is a good practice. It prevents cutting through a damaged pipe without knowing it. See sewer camera inspection.
Clearing and repair
A cable machine with a cutting head clears roots from the line. Hydro jetting can scour what is left, as explained on the hydro jetting page. Both are temporary, because roots grow back if the entry point is still open.
A lasting fix repairs the pipe. Options include spot repair, lining and replacement, described under sewer line repair and sewer line replacement.
Dealing with roots: options compared
Cutting roots buys time. Repairing the pipe is what removes the cause.
| Option | Result | Drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Cable machine with a cutter | Restores flow quickly | The opening in the pipe remains |
| Hydro jetting | Scours the pipe wall | Inspect first to confirm the pipe can take it |
| Spot repair | Replaces one damaged section | Needs an excavation at that spot |
| Liner | Seals joints from within | Only works when the pipe is structurally sound |
| Full replacement | New pipe along the run | The biggest job |
Prevention
Keep trees at a distance from the sewer line, avoid planting thirsty species near the lateral and have the line inspected if you notice signs. Regular cleaning of a line known to have roots keeps backups from happening at a bad time.
Chemical root killers are sometimes used, but they carry risks for pipe, plants and groundwater. Ask a plumber whether they make sense for your line.
What a camera inspection costs you in time
A camera visit is usually brief. The technician feeds a flexible cable with a camera down the cleanout and watches the screen. They note where roots enter and where the pipe is cracked.
Ask for a recording or photos. A record helps with repair planning and with comparing quotes.
Older pipe materials
Clay tile and cast iron have many joints and are prone to root entry. Orangeburg, a fiber pipe used in some past decades, can collapse. PVC has tight joints and resists roots better.
Your home's age gives a clue to what is underground. A camera confirms it.
Keeping an eye on the line
Pay attention to how fast each drain empties, especially the lowest tub or floor drain. A slow change over several weeks is easier to act on than a sudden backup.
Note the dates of any cleaning. If a line needs clearing more than once a year, the pattern is a strong sign that the pipe itself needs attention.
Cost of waiting
A partial blockage becomes a full one without warning. A backup into a tub or floor drain can soak flooring, cabinets and drywall.
Cleaning up sewage involves health risks and often needs professional help. Acting early is cheaper than recovering from a flood.
See water damage restoration for how cleanup works.
Choosing the right fix
If the pipe is mostly sound and has a few cracks, lining can seal it with little digging. If it is crushed, offset or full of holes, replacement is better.
Get the camera footage, a clear scope of work and a written warranty, and compare more than one plan.
A good contractor will explain why they recommend a method.
Research behind this guide
A review in the Journal of Infrastructure Systems, Tree Root Intrusion in Sewer Systems: Review of Extent and Costs (Randrup, McPherson and Costello, 2001), describes roots entering through joint failures and cracks. It also finds that older, shallow and small-diameter pipes carry a higher risk.
Common questions
Tree root questions
Slow drains, gurgling and repeated backups are common signs. A camera inspection confirms it.
Not usually. Roots return if the entry point stays open, so a repair of the pipe is the long-term fix.
Not always. A plumber can tell you whether the roots are the cause and whether the pipe can be repaired.
Related services
Hydro Jetting
Wash grease, mineral scale and fine roots off the pipe wall with pressurized water.
Sewer Line Repair
Mend a cracked, root-clogged or sagging sewer pipe through digging, lining or patching.
More plumbing guides
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Toilet won't flush: causes and fixes
When a flush does nothing, a handful of causes explain it. Work out yours and see what to try before calling.
Where drain flies come from
Gnat-sized flies that keep returning to a drain are breeding inside it. Confirm the source and clear it out for good.
Roots suspected in your line?
Phone the line to arrange a look. Someone on the line can hand you to a contractor who offers camera inspections.