A sewer line generally needs very little maintenance, but under certain circumstances tree roots can infiltrate a sewer line and cause problems. Tree roots are attracted to moisture and if a sewer line is cracked, the moisture in the soil will attract the roots. The tree roots will find even the smallest cracks and grow inside the pipe. Cracks can occur in sewer lines for any number of reasons, but one of the most common areas for tree root infiltration is at the pipe joints.
Some older types of sewer lines are made from sections of pipe that are fitted together. Over time, the pipes can shift position a little and a small gap will form at the joint. Tree roots love to grow into these gaps. Once the tree roots get inside the sewer line, two things can happen. First, a mat of tree roots will fill the sewer line and begin collecting grease, oil, hair and other debris until a clog forms. Second, as the tree roots grow the crack in the pipe will get larger and larger. The pipe may eventually break or even collapse.
Your plumber or sewer-septic professional can address tree root issues and handle any sewer line repairs. Using a high tech video camera, they will inspect the inside of your sewer line to verify that tree root infiltration is the source of the problem. The tree roots can be removed using high pressure hydro-jetting or an auger with a mechanical cutting head.
Removing the tree roots is only a temporary fix. Unless you address the problem the tree roots will grow back in a few months or years. Talk to your plumber or sewer-septic professional about your options. They may recommend treating the tree roots chemically, removing the offending tree, replacing some or all of your sewer line, or installing a liner inside the sewer line.
