Sewer Laterals and Tree Roots
Short answer: tree roots grow into cracks and joints of old clay and cast iron laterals. Cutting them out gives relief, but lining or replacing the pipe stops them for good.
Request a plumberHow roots get in
They seek moisture at leaking joints.
Signs
Slow drains and gurgling.
Camera inspection
Shows root masses and breaks.
Cutting roots
A cable machine with a cutting head.
Jetting
Clears smaller roots and debris.
Lining
Seals the pipe from inside.
Replacement
For collapsed sections.
Tree choice
Plant trees away from sewer lines.
Responsibility
The homeowner usually owns the lateral.
Maintenance
Some homes need yearly root cutting.
Street trees
Older neighborhoods with big street trees are where root intrusion is most common, because the trees and the laterals have shared the same soil for decades.
Cost of waiting
A lateral that collapses fully can mean an emergency dig in the middle of winter. Fixing it when the camera first shows trouble is usually cheaper.
Next
See sewer laterals.
More plumbing guides
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