Tree roots in your sewer line may sound like a minor issue, but they can cause severe damage to your plumbing system if not addressed early. Attracted by moisture and nutrients, tree roots often penetrate even the tiniest cracks in your sewer pipes—leading to clogs, slow drainage, and eventually, major pipe damage.
This issue is particularly common in Las Vegas homes with older clay or concrete pipes, making tree roots intrusion a growing concern across the valley.
How Do Tree Roots Invade Sewer Lines?
Get rid of roots naturally grow toward sources of moisture. When your sewer pipe has a crack, loose joint, or weak spot, it leaks small amounts of water into the surrounding soil. Roots from nearby trees—especially those within 20 meters—detect this and start burrowing into the pipe to access the water and nutrients inside.
Older homes in Las Vegas, particularly those built before the 1980s, often use concrete or clay pipes, which are more vulnerable to root infiltration due to age and wear.
Warning Signs You Have Tree Roots in Line Sewer
Early detection can save you thousands in repairs. Keep an eye out for:
- Slow-draining sinks, tubs, or toilets
- Gurgling sounds from your toilet when flushing
- Water backing up in drains
- Foul smells in the yard or home
- Soft ground or sinkholes near the foundation
As roots grow and expand inside your sewer line, they can create full blockages or break the pipe entirely, potentially leading to structural damage and sinkholes beneath your home.
How Roots Damage Sewer Line Pipes
When roots reach the pipe, they grow inside the line, catching debris like toilet paper and waste. Over time, this forms a clog that restricts water flow.
As the roots thicken, they:
- Block water from draining
- Create pressure that cracks or collapses the pipe
- Cause leaking that softens soil, potentially leading to foundation problems or sinkholes
How to Get Tree Roots Out of Your Sewer Line
1. Hire a Professional Plumber
Your first move should be to call a licensed plumbing professional in Las Vegas, like Leak Experts USA. We use advanced tools such as:
We’ll locate the root intrusion, assess the damage, and recommend a lasting solution.
2. Use Rock Salt
Rock salt is a well-known DIY solution. It dehydrates roots, killing them slowly.
How to apply:
- Flush ½ pound of rock salt down the toilet at a time
- Repeat until you use 2 pounds
- Avoid flushing or running water for 12 hours
This method works best in early stages and should be repeated monthly for prevention.
3. Apply Foaming Root Killers
Foaming root killers expand upon contact with water and contain dichlobenil, a chemical that attacks roots but won’t harm your tree.
- Pour the powder into your toilet
- Flush to push the foam into the pipe
- Leave it for a few hours
Do this once a month to prevent re-growth.
4. Try Copper Sulfate (with Caution)
Copper sulfate is a chemical that kills tree roots, but it’s toxic and banned in some areas. If allowed in your jurisdiction:
- Pour ½ cup into the toilet
- Flush multiple times
- Leave home for a few hours with pets and kids
Make sure to check Las Vegas regulations before using this method.
Do Root Killers Really Work?
Yes—root-killing chemicals can eliminate roots already inside your pipes. However, they do not repair the pipe damage caused by root intrusion. If cracks or leaks remain, roots may return.
For lasting protection, you may need pipe repair or replacement depending on the severity of damage.
How to Prevent Tree Roots from Getting Into Sewer Lines
1. Replace Old Pipes
Old clay or concrete pipes crack easily. Upgrading to PVC or HDPE plastic pipes can dramatically reduce root invasion. These materials are seamless, corrosion-resistant, and longer-lasting.
2. Schedule Annual Drain Inspections
Routine sewer line inspections using video cameras help catch root growth early. At Leak Experts USA, we recommend a check-up every 6–12 months for older homes.
3. Be Smart About Landscaping
Before planting trees, call 811 to locate underground utility lines. Avoid planting trees within 20 feet of sewer lines.
Choose slow-growing species or plant in large containers to restrict root spread.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Root Damage?
In most cases, standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover tree root removal or routine sewer maintenance.
However, if water from a damaged pipe causes harm to your home (like a flooded basement), the resulting damage may be covered.
Ask your insurer about sewer line endorsements or water backup coverage, which are often inexpensive add-ons.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Tree Roots in Sewer Pipes?
- Basic root removal: $100–$300
- Chemical treatment: $25–$150
- Pipe repairs or replacement: $700 to $5,000+
The earlier you act, the more affordable the fix. Waiting too long can turn a $200 job into a $5,000 excavation.
Professional Root Removal & Pipe Repair in Las Vegas
At Leak Experts USA, we help Las Vegas homeowners remove roots, repair pipes, and prevent future damage with high-tech solutions.
Whether you need an inspection, a root killer recommendation, or trenchless sewer repair, we’re here to help—quickly and affordably.
Dial (702) 745-5571 or book online for a free consultation or to schedule your next inspection.
Follow us on Instagram for regular updates!
