How roots get in
A sewer lateral carries warm, nutrient-rich water and leaks a little vapor and moisture at every imperfect joint. Fine root hairs follow that moisture to the pipe, slip through a gap at a joint or a hairline crack, and then branch out inside into a mat that catches paper and waste.
Older Fullerton laterals are often vitrified clay laid in short sections with many joints, or cast iron that has corroded or separated over time. Add the city's mature street and yard trees, and root intrusion becomes one of the most common reasons a main line stops up here.
Signs roots are the cause
- The line stops up on a fairly regular cycle, often months apart.
- Drains slow gradually over weeks before a full stoppage.
- A large tree or shrub grows near the path of the sewer from the house to the street.
- Earlier clearing brought back root fibers on the cable.
- Gurgling in toilets that comes and goes.
Options compared
| Approach | What it does | What it leaves |
|---|---|---|
| Cable with root cutter | Cuts the root mass and restores flow | The gaps; roots regrow |
| Hydro jetting | Scours roots and buildup from the pipe wall | The gaps; usually a cleaner result for longer |
| Root treatment | Some products are meant to slow regrowth; ask a licensed plumber whether it suits your pipe | The gaps |
| Cured-in-place lining | Seals joints and cracks from the inside | A slightly smaller pipe; needs a sound enough host pipe |
| Spot or full replacement | Replaces the damaged section with jointed or fused pipe | Excavation or trenchless work and restoration |
A sensible order of work
Clear the line
Restore flow first so the house can be used again.
Camera the full length
Find every point where roots entered, and how bad the pipe is at each.
Locate and mark
Have the plumber locate the problem spots from above so you know which tree and which part of the yard are involved.
Choose maintenance or repair
One or two minor intrusions may be manageable with scheduled cleaning. Many intrusions or broken pipe usually point to lining or replacement.
Questions to ask about roots
- How many points of root intrusion did the camera show, and how far from the cleanout?
- Is the pipe cracked or just leaking at joints?
- Would you expect jetting to last longer than cabling in this line?
- Is the pipe sound enough to line, or does a section need replacing first?
Common questions
Will cutting roots damage the pipe?
A properly sized cutter in sound pipe should not. In badly cracked or broken pipe there is some risk, which is one more reason to camera the line.
How often will roots come back?
It depends on the tree, the season and how large the gaps are. Your own history of stoppages is the best guide to the cycle in your line.
Can roots get into PVC or lined pipe?
Glued or fused joints in good condition resist roots far better than clay or old cast iron. Poorly made joints can still let them in.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.