If you’re dealing with recurring clogs, slow drains, or a mysterious foul odor in your yard, the problem might be bigger—and deeper—than you think. One of the most destructive and often-overlooked causes of sewer issues is tree root intrusion.
At Pro Rooter & Septic, we’ve seen firsthand how tree roots can quietly destroy underground sewer systems, especially in homes across Tulare, CA, and the surrounding Central Valley. Understanding how roots invade sewer pipes—and what you can do about it—could save you thousands in repairs.
Why Do Tree Roots Invade Sewer Lines?
Roots naturally grow toward moisture, oxygen, and nutrients—everything your sewer line leaks in tiny amounts. Older sewer systems made from clay, cast-iron, or Orangeburg pipe are particularly vulnerable. Over time, these materials become brittle, crack, or develop leaky joints.
Even a pinhole leak or a loose joint is enough to attract thirsty roots. Once they detect moisture, roots will grow toward the pipe, squeeze into the smallest gaps, and expand once inside. Eventually, they can cause:
- Major clogs and slow drains
- Complete blockages and backups into the home
- Pipe breakage, collapse, or misalignment
- Extensive property damage from sewage overflow
We frequently see this in older homes in Tulare, CA, where mature trees and aging infrastructure create the perfect storm for underground root invasions.
What Types of Trees Cause Sewer Problems?
Any tree or large shrub with an aggressive root system can potentially invade a sewer line. Some of the most common offenders in Central California include:
- Sycamore
- Willow
- Poplar
- Oak
- Eucalyptus
- Fruit trees (like figs or citrus, which are popular in the area)
Roots from these trees can travel dozens of feet in search of water, meaning even trees across the yard—or your neighbor’s—can be a problem.
Warning Signs of Root Intrusion
The earlier you catch root problems, the better. Look for:
- Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains
- Frequent backups, especially in basement or ground-level drains
- Unpleasant odors near sinks, showers, or your yard
- Slow-draining water, especially in multiple fixtures at once
- Extra green patches in your lawn over the sewer line
How We Diagnose Tree Root Sewer Problems
We use high-definition sewer camera inspections to get a live look inside your sewer lines. This lets us see exactly where the intrusion is happening, how severe the root damage is, and what type of pipe you have (clay, cast-iron, Orangeburg, or PVC).
This non-invasive method saves time, avoids unnecessary digging, and gives you peace of mind with a clear, honest diagnosis.
Solutions: How We Get Rid of Tree Roots in Your Pipes
Once we identify root intrusion, we offer powerful, long-lasting solutions tailored to your problem:
Hydro Jetting
We use high-pressure water jets (up to 4,000 PSI) to blast roots and debris out of your sewer lines. It’s safe for most pipes and highly effective for root removal and cleaning built-up grease or sludge.
Root Cutting
We insert a specialized blade tool into your sewer line to mechanically slice and remove roots. This is often used when jetting alone isn’t enough.
Trenchless Pipe Lining (CIPP)
If your pipe is severely damaged, we may recommend trenchless pipe lining, also called Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP). This process installs a new, seamless liner inside your old pipe—restoring strength, sealing cracks, and preventing roots from returning. And best of all, it requires little or no digging.
Full Replacement (If Needed)
In some extreme cases—especially with collapsed Orangeburg pipe—we may need to excavate and replace the line. We handle this efficiently and with minimal disruption to your property.
Real Customer Case: Plumbing in Tulare, CA
A homeowner in Tulare, CA called us with constant backups in her bathtub and toilet. Multiple plumbers had snaked the drain, but the issue kept coming back. We ran a camera and found tree roots had completely filled a 20-foot section of her original clay pipe.
Our crew used a combination of hydro jetting and root cutting to clear the blockage. Then, we installed a trenchless liner to seal the pipe and prevent future root growth. The entire job was done with no trench in her yard, and she hasn’t had a single problem since.
Preventing Future Root Intrusions
Once your line is clear, you’ll want to prevent this issue from returning. Here are a few tips:
- Schedule regular maintenance: Annual or biannual camera inspections and cleanouts help stay ahead of root regrowth.
- Avoid planting trees near your sewer line: Know where your line runs and plant large trees far from it.
- Use root deterrent treatments: We can apply specialized foaming root-killing agents inside the pipe—safe for pipes but deadly for roots.
- Upgrade your sewer line: If you have Orangeburg or old clay pipes, consider trenchless replacement before a major failure.
Bonus Tip: Check Your Homeowner’s Insurance
Many standard homeowner policies don’t cover damage caused by roots unless there’s a sewage backup that affects the home interior. You may be able to purchase a rider or add-on for sewer line coverage. We recommend checking with your provider before problems arise.
Don’t Wait for a Full Backup—Call the Local Experts
Tree roots are one of the most common (and preventable) causes of sewer problems in California. If you’re experiencing symptoms, or you just want to avoid an expensive mess, we are here to help.
We’ve proudly served the Tulare, CA community with honest diagnostics, high-quality work, and trenchless technology that saves time and money.
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Call now for a FREE sewer camera inspection and estimate with any drain cleaning service.