How To Remove Tree Root In Sewer Lines

Home » Blog » How To Remove Tree Root In Sewer Lines

Imagine this: in under a year, tiny tree roots can sneak into your sewer pipe, grow into a tangled mess, and completely block your wastewater from flowing away. Suddenly, you’ve got a nasty sewer backup in your basement or bathroom. And if that’s not bad enough, those persistent roots can even crack your pipe, leading to raw sewage oozing into your yard.

Roots can grow away from a tree three times the height of the tree. Many times, we can cut the tree roots inside the sewer pipe, but they will grow back. Sometimes the bush or tree must be removed, and the root-damaged section of the sewer pipe needs repair. Removing roots from sewer lines can seem overwhelming, but we’re here to help.

.

How To Remove Tree Roots in Sewer Lines

1. Cutting roots. With our tree root removal service, we use a powerful root-cutting machine to cut roots if they are not too large. This is a starting point to get things flowing properly again.
2. Sewer camera to see the problem.
3. Tree root killers are chemical herbicides that destroy plants or inhibit their growth. Not good for a septic tank. Four different formula types are available: foam, crystal, dust, and liquid. Root killers can be used to destroy existing roots, or they can be applied twice a year as a preventive. If a tree root in sewer lines is the problem, a root killer may work, but it takes time to fix the immediate issue. Removing roots from sewer lines can be a tricky task – unfortunately, any existing cracks in your sewer line will persist, growing long after the tree roots have been removed. This is why it’s so important to consult with a reputable tree root removal service to analyze what the best course of action is.
4. Green tree root killer.  Try adding rock salt or sodium chloride to your drain instead of chemicals. Add one pound of rock salt into the toilet bowl. Flush a number of times to remove salt. Try a second pound of salt and flush away. Do not use the drain for 10 hours. Let the tree roots suck up salt that removes water (life) from roots. This does take time.
5. Pipe replacement. If the sewer pipe is so damaged that replacement is best, we will dig and repair the damaged piping. Call the drain experts at PDM for free root cleaning ideas.

Standard insurance policies usually do not cover sewer line damage, whether caused by tree roots or otherwise. Click here to learn more about our financing options.

Learn your drain cleaning options. PDM is a tree root in sewer lines specialist – removing roots from sewer lines doesn’t have to be a headache! Use our online contact form or call us at 815-390-7095 today! Serving Greater Joliet SW Chicago Suburbs for 138 years.