Sewer failure does not happen overnight. A large percentage of pipe blockages in sewers are caused by tree roots growing in sewer pipes.
A tree root can enter a sewer pipe through a hole the width of a hair. Roots flourish within pipes, as they have everything they need to grow. As these roots grow, they collect grease and grow often going unnoticed. When roots get to a size that disrupts the sewer flow, it can lead to Sewer Sanitary Overflows (SSOs). SSOs can cause pollution and can be a major health risk for the community and the environment.

Root control is no longer an option for public and private sewer lines, but a necessity. There are a few options for root control including, removing the roots, removing trees, re-lining the pipes as well as chemical treatments.

Is there a point when de-rooting the drain line will no longer work?

Yes. The reason you have to de-root drain lines is because the roots have entered the pipes through holes in the joints. Each time you cut off the roots on the inside of the pipe, the root in the joint remains. Every year that root gets bigger, and bigger and as it does, it puts pressure on the inside of the joint. Just the way roots growing inside a rock on the mountain side eventually break the rock, the roots in the joints eventually break the pipe and the dirt from the outside begins to flow into the pipe. It’s an important step to have your drain line camera inspected. Once we see the condition of the inside of the pipe and the amount of roots in your drain or sewer line, we can begin to plan and evaluate the pipe to determine the best course of action.