Have your drains slowed down unexpectedly? Noticing strange gurgling or foul odors from your plumbing? These are more than everyday annoyances – they may signal that tree roots are damaging your sewer line.

Tree roots naturally grow toward moisture, and your underground sewer pipes offer the perfect target. Once they find even the smallest crack, roots can infiltrate and eventually clog, crack, or collapse your sewer line. 

Below, Super Service Today explains how root intrusion happens, the warning signs to watch for, and what to do next.

How Tree Roots Get Into Your Sewer Lines

Root intrusion usually begins when tiny amounts of water vapor escape from small cracks, loose joints, or aging pipe connections. Tree roots – especially from large, established trees – detect this moisture and grow toward it.

Once a root reaches your sewer line, it can enter through gaps or weak spots and begin expanding inside the pipe. Over time, roots form dense blockages that trap debris, restrict flow, and eventually damage or destroy the pipe itself.

Warning Signs of Root Damage in Sewer Pipes

If you’re experiencing any of the following issues, there’s a good chance tree roots may be the cause:

Slow Drains Throughout the House

If sinks, tubs, and toilets are all draining slowly (even after snaking or plunging) the problem is likely deeper in your main sewer line.

Gurgling Sounds in Pipes

When water flows around root intrusions, it creates bubbling or gurgling noises. These are often heard in toilets or drains after using other fixtures.

Sewage Backups or Overflows

A full blockage from root growth can send wastewater back into your home, usually through basement drains or lower-level toilets. This is an urgent issue.

Persistent Sewer Odors

Foul smells coming from drains or your yard may signal leaks caused by root damage, allowing sewer gas to escape.

Lush Grass Over the Sewer Line

Notice unusually green, healthy patches of lawn? It may be a sign of a sewer leak feeding nearby tree roots.

Repeated Clogs and Failed DIY Fixes

If clogs return quickly after snaking, plunging, or chemical treatments, roots may be growing back – or never fully removed.

The Risks of Ignoring Root Intrusion

Roots don’t stop growing once they’re inside your pipes. In ideal conditions, they can grow up to a foot a day. If left untreated, root intrusion can cause:

• Total sewer line blockages

• Recurring sewage backups

• Cracked or collapsed pipes

• Costly excavation and replacements

The longer you wait, the worse (and more expensive) the damage becomes.

How Professionals Diagnose and Fix Tree Root Problems

At Super Service Today, we use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint and solve root intrusion fast.

Step 1: Sewer Camera Inspection

A waterproof camera is snaked through the line to visually identify root blockages and determine the condition of your pipes.

Step 2: Acoustic & Smoke Testing

We may also use acoustic sensors or smoke testing to locate leaks and breaks that aren’t visible by camera alone.

Step 3: Root Removal and Repairs

Once located, we’ll recommend the best solution based on the severity:

• Hydro jetting to blast roots and debris from the line

• Auger/rooters to mechanically cut away obstructions

• Trenchless pipe lining to seal cracks without excavation

• Full pipe replacement if the damage is too severe

• Preventative barriers or pipe reinforcements to stop future root growth

Protect Your Plumbing With Super Service Today

Understanding how tree roots damage sewer lines can help you act early and prevent expensive damage. If you’ve noticed repeated slow drains, foul smells, or suspicious lawn changes, don’t wait for a full-blown backup.

Our licensed plumbing team is equipped with camera inspection tools, hydro jetting systems, and trenchless repair solutions to remove roots and restore your plumbing without tearing up your yard.

Call Super Service Today at (781) 654-8373 for expert root intrusion diagnostics and long-term sewer line solutions.