Should they remove the tree?

Removing the tree does not remove roots already in the pipe, and a parkway tree may not be the owner's to remove. Check with the city first.

Would hydro jetting have helped?

Jetting can clear roots more thoroughly in sound pipe, but it does not seal joints. A plumber would consider the pipe's condition first.

Example: A Main Line That Keeps Clogging From Roots

The pattern

First clog: Toilets gurgle and the tub backs up. The line is cleared with a cable and flows again.
Second clog: Months later, the same symptoms. The line is cleared again; roots come back on the cutting head.
Third clog: The owners decide to find out why before clearing a fourth time.

Getting the facts

Clear and camera.The line is cleared, then a camera is run from the cleanout to the street connection.
Findings.The footage shows a clay lateral with root intrusion at several joints and one slightly offset joint, but no collapse.
Locating.The plumber marks the problem joints on the lawn, near a large tree in the front yard.
Copy of footage.The owners ask for the recording so they can get a second opinion.

Options they compared

Keep clearing

Smallest job each time.
Roots will keep returning.
Risk of a backup at an inconvenient time.

Line the lateral

Seals the joints roots are using.
The offset joint needed checking for whether a liner could pass.
Larger job, likely with a permit.

Questions the owners asked both contractors

Can a liner pass the offset joint, or does that section need a spot dig?
Where does our responsibility for the lateral end? (They also checked with the city.)
What permit is required, and who pulls it?
Will you run a camera after the work and give us the footage?
What is your CSLB license number?

What the example shows

Repeated clogs are a symptom, not a diagnosis. Once the owners had camera footage, the question changed from how often to clear the line to which permanent fix suited their pipe. Getting two written opinions on the same footage made the comparison fair.

Common questions

Is this a real job?: No. It is an invented example.
Should they remove the tree?: Removing the tree does not remove roots already in the pipe, and a parkway tree may not be the owner's to remove. Check with the city first.
Would hydro jetting have helped?: Jetting can clear roots more thoroughly in sound pipe, but it does not seal joints. A plumber would consider the pipe's condition first.

General information for Buena Park, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.