How roots get in
A sewer lateral is the private pipe carrying wastewater from the house to the city sewer. In many older La Habra neighborhoods, laterals were built from clay pipe in short sections joined end to end, or from cast iron. Clay joints can shift and open slightly over the decades, and cast iron can crack as it corrodes.
Fine roots from street trees, yard trees and large shrubs find those gaps and grow inside, where they thicken into mats. Paper, grease and wipes catch in the roots, and the line slowly narrows. The backup often arrives suddenly, even though the problem has been building for years.
How a root problem usually develops
- Early
- Occasional gurgling and slightly slow drains, often ignored.
- Middle
- The lowest tub or shower drains slowly, and toilets need a second flush.
- Late
- Water rises in the tub when a toilet is flushed or the washer drains.
- Backup
- Sewage comes up through the lowest drain or the outdoor cleanout.
Clearing roots versus fixing the pipe
Both are common. A camera inspection helps decide which fits.
Clearing and maintenance
- A cutter head or jetting removes the roots
- Restores flow quickly
- Roots usually grow back over time
- Some owners schedule periodic cleaning
Repair or replacement
- Fixes the joint or section where roots enter
- Options can include spot repair, lining or replacement
- Larger upfront project
- May need a city permit
Terms you may hear
- Lateral
- The private sewer pipe between the house and the public sewer main.
- Cleanout
- A capped access point, often in the yard or near the foundation, used to clear and inspect the line.
- Offset joint
- Two pipe sections that have shifted out of line, leaving a lip that catches debris and lets roots in.
- Belly
- A low spot where the pipe has sagged and water sits.
- Trenchless
- Repair methods, such as lining or pipe bursting, that avoid digging a full trench.
Reducing the risk
- Know where your lateral runs before planting new trees.
- Keep grease, wipes and paper towels out of drains.
- Ask for a camera inspection if backups repeat, or when buying an older home.
- Keep a copy of any camera recording to compare over time.
Questions after a camera inspection
- How far from the house are the roots, and how many joints are affected?
- Is the pipe cracked, offset or sagging, or just root-filled?
- Is the problem on my side or near the city's connection?
- What does each option involve, and will it need a permit? (Check with the city.)
Common questions
Who owns the tree roots problem if it is a street tree?
Responsibility for street trees and the lateral varies. Check with the city before cutting or removing a tree in the parkway.
Do root-killing products work?
Some products are sold for this, but they do not fix the opening that lets roots in. Ask a licensed plumber whether one fits your situation.
Is trenchless repair always possible?
No. It depends on the pipe's condition, layout and access. A camera inspection helps a plumber say what is practical.
General information for La Habra, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.