A backed-up sewer line is a major inconvenience to any home. The infiltration of foul odors along with backed-up wastewater can be quite a challenge to deal with. But what happens when your plumber discovers that the culprit for the sewer line blockage is a mangled mess of tree roots? Questions mount from how did they get there to whose responsibility is it to remove a root clog if it’s from a municipal tree? In this article, we provide clarity on how to deal with the complexities of tree roots in your sewer line and how to prevent it from happening again.
Why Tree Roots Grow In Sewer Lines
Tree roots are naturally drawn to any source of moisture. Even the smallest source of moisture from a leaking or sweating underground pipe can attract a tree root. Once a root has located a moisture source, it will begin to make its way towards the source of the moisture and, in the process, begin to crack your pipes. Over time, a root ball, or entangled mass of roots, can form, causing a partial or complete root clog. Even the tiniest hairline crack can give way to a water leak and begin the process of a slow root blockage in your sewer.
Whose Is Responsible For Tree Roots In Your Sewer Line?
It’s often assumed that if the tree causing the damage is on the municipal property line, it’s the city’s responsibility to deal with. It’s unfortunately not that simple. The onus of responsibility is usually decided by where the damage is located and not who owns the tree. Let’s outline exactly what your responsibility is when it comes to tree roots in your sewer line.
The Upper Lateral Pipe Rule
Your upper lateral is the pipe that runs from your property boundary to your home’s foundation. Within South Florida, property owners are completely responsible for the maintenance of this pipe. This includes tree root invasions and all associated costs involved. Whether tree roots come from the city land of your neighbors property, you are fully obliged to pay for the repair. If you suspect a neighbors tree has caused damage to your sewer line, it’s best to engage with them regarding the future management of the tree to prevent the same tree root invasion from taking place again.
The Lower Lateral Pipe Rule
The lower lateral is that section of pipe that extends from your property line to the city utility connection point. Things become more vague with regard to who’s responsible for this pipe. The question of responsibility lies solely on your particular municipality. Miami-Dade County, for instance, places the responsibility for both the upper and lower lateral pipes on homeowners. This is also the case for Broward and Palm Beach Counties. The city is, however, responsible if there is a fault at the main connection point at the municipal sewer line.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Roots In Sewer Lines?
With this sobering news, it’s a wise idea to speak to your insurance company about your policy when it comes to sewer line backups. A general insurance policy usually isn’t enough, and you will need to add a sewer backup endorsement onto your policy. Although this may potentially be an added monthly cost, it could save you a considerable amount of money if you ever encounter a tree root invasion.
How Professional Plumbers Remove Tree Roots From Sewer Lines
A root-invasion repair requires the right tools and plumbing experience to deal with effectively. There are three crucial steps when it comes to repairing your sewer line that a certified plumber will engage in.
1. Sewer Camera Inspection To Locate Tree Roots
Your plumber will begin by conducting a sewer camera inspection using a telescopic CCTV camera that’s inserted into the line. This minimally invasive approach allows your plumber to get a detailed look at the damage at hand while pinpointing the location.
2. Removing Tree Roots From The Sewer Line
Once the tree root invasion has been identified, it’s time to clear the blockage. This can either be done by means of mechanical snaking or hydro jetting. A mechanical snake uses sharp rotating blades to cut and remove the tree roots, while hydro jetting relies on high-pressured water to flush out the roots. Hydro jetting is usually used for more minor tree root invasions.
3. Repairing The Damaged Sewer Line
Once the blockage has been removed, it’s time to make a permanent repair to prevent tree roots from returning. A popular and effective minimally invasive method is pipe relining, in which a resin-filled sleeve is inflated around the damaged area to form a strong repair, removing the crack completely. For larger repairs, a bursting head can be pulled into the existing pipe to break it and then pull in a replacement pipe behind the bursting head. For large and complex repairs, you’ll need to consider an excavation where the area is opened up to expose the damaged area.
How to Prevent Tree Roots From Growing Into Your Sewer Line
While tree roots naturally seek out moisture, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of root intrusion and costly sewer line repairs. Scheduling regular sewer camera inspections allows your plumber to detect small cracks and early root growth before they become major blockages. Periodic hydro jetting maintenance can also help remove small roots and debris before they develop into larger obstructions.
When landscaping, avoid planting large trees directly above or near your sewer line whenever possible. If your home has older clay or cast iron sewer pipes, consider replacing them with modern, root-resistant materials. Installing root barriers around trees and repairing even small sewer line leaks promptly can also help keep tree roots from invading your pipes and protect your plumbing system for years to come.
Professional Tree Root Removal And Sewer Line Repair Services
At Hardenburgh Plumbing, we remove all tree root invasions and offer the most minimally invasive repair possible. Our experienced team of plumbers utilizes the latest plumbing technology to ensure we’re able to thoroughly inspect and treat your sewer line the first time. With 44 years of experience, we understand the South Florida landscape well when it comes to which trees are the particular culprits. Our master plumbers will also be able to offer you advice on how to prevent future tree root invasions.
Call our professional plumbing team today at 561-968-0000 to get your sewer line tree clog cleared and released quickly and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Roots in Sewer Lines
Can tree roots grow through sewer pipes?
Tree roots usually enter sewer lines through existing cracks, loose joints, or small openings rather than breaking through intact pipes. Once inside, they continue to grow and can create severe blockages.
Will homeowners insurance cover tree root damage to a sewer line?
Standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover sewer line damage caused by tree roots. However, some insurers offer optional sewer line or sewer backup endorsements that may provide coverage.
Can tree roots be removed without digging up my yard?
In many cases, yes. Professional plumbers can often remove tree roots using hydro jetting or mechanical root cutting, followed by trenchless repair methods such as pipe relining, minimizing excavation.
How can I tell if tree roots are blocking my sewer line?
Common signs include slow drains, recurring clogs, foul odors, gurgling drains, and sewage backups. A sewer camera inspection is the most accurate way to confirm whether tree roots are causing the blockage.
