Root Out Backups With A Camera And Sewer Inspection

Tree roots are a common culprit behind sewer line backups and damage. While trees add beauty and shade to your property, their roots can wreak havoc on your plumbing system.

Understanding how tree roots infiltrate sewer lines, the damage they cause and the benefits of a camera sewer inspection can help you address and prevent costly plumbing issues.

How Tree Roots Invade Sewer Lines

Tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture and nutrients, which makes sewer lines an attractive target. Even the smallest crack or joint in a sewer pipe can release vapor or water, signaling to nearby roots that a water source is available. Over time, these roots grow toward the pipe, infiltrating through the cracks or joints.

Once inside, the roots can expand and spread throughout the sewer line, creating blockages that restrict the flow of wastewater. As the roots grow, they can also cause further damage to the pipe, leading to cracks, leaks or even a complete collapse of the sewer line.

The Damage Tree Roots Can Cause

Tree root infiltration can lead to a range of plumbing problems, including:

• Clogs and Backups: Roots can create significant blockages, causing wastewater to back up into your home. This can result in unpleasant odors, slow or clogged drains and potential health hazards.
• Pipe Damage: As roots grow and expand, they can crack or break the pipe, leading to leaks or structural failure. This damage often requires expensive repairs or pipe replacements.
• Increased Maintenance Costs: If left untreated, root infiltration can lead to recurring clogs, requiring frequent drain cleaning or snaking. Over time, these costs can add up significantly.

How a Camera Sewer Inspection Works

A camera sewer inspection is a non-invasive method used to identify the exact location and cause of sewer line issues. Here’s how it works:

• Inserting the Camera: A licensed plumber uses a specialized waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable. The camera is inserted into the sewer line through an access point, such as a cleanout.
• Real-Time Video: The camera transmits real-time video footage to a monitor, allowing the plumber to see inside the sewer line. This footage reveals any blockages, cracks or root infiltration.
• Pinpointing the Problem: The plumber can determine the precise location and extent of the damage using the camera’s footage. This eliminates guesswork and ensures that the issue is addressed effectively.
• Planning Repairs: Based on the inspection results, the plumber can recommend the best course of action, whether it’s hydro-jetting or snaking the line to remove the roots, repairing the pipe or replacing a damaged section.

Why a Licensed Plumber Should Perform This Work

While a camera sewer inspection may seem straightforward, it’s a job that requires professional expertise. Here’s why you should always hire a licensed plumber:

• Accurate Diagnosis: Licensed plumbers have the training and experience to interpret camera footage accurately. They can identify root infiltration, pipe damage and other issues that an untrained eye might miss.
• Proper Equipment: Professional plumbers use high-quality, specialized equipment designed for sewer inspections. This ensures clear, accurate results and minimizes the risk of further damage to the pipe.
• Effective Solutions: A licensed plumber doesn’t just diagnose the problem—they also provide expert recommendations and perform the necessary repairs. From root removal to pipe replacement, they ensure the job is done right.
• Safety and Compliance: Sewer line work involves potential health risks and must comply with local plumbing codes. A licensed plumber follows all safety protocols and ensures the work meets regulatory standards.
• Peace of Mind: With a professional handling the inspection and repairs, you can trust that your sewer line issues will be resolved efficiently and effectively.

Call Plumbers 911 Today

If you suspect tree roots are causing sewer line issues, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Call Plumbers 911 today for expert assistance.

Our affiliated contractors are licensed, bonded and insured. They employ plumbers who will perform a thorough camera sewer inspection to locate the root of the problem and offer effective solutions.

These highly qualified plumbers receive over 10,000 hours of training and undergo rigorous background checks. Trust Plumbers 911 to keep your plumbing system flowing smoothly.