How To Remove Tree Roots In Sewer Lines Without Damage

If you frequently encounter slow draining showers and bathtubs, or a backed up toilet or sink drain, chances are that your sewer system has been invaded by tree roots. While initially they may cause slow draining showers or sink, if not taken care of early, they might end up shutting your sewer system altogether. In the worst case scenario, they may end up cracking your sewer lines and causing thousands of dollars in damages.

However, the good news is that there are ways to get rid of tree roots in sewer lines, either yourself or by asking for professional help, depending on the extent of the intrusion. While learning how to get tree roots out of sewer lines the right way from your drain line requires a bit of experience, if you are committed to the cause of removing tree roots from sewer lines then you have come to the right place.

Let’s go through the most efficient ways to remove tree roots in sewer lines as well as on how to stop the issue from recurring.

Why Do Tree Roots Grow Into Sewer Lines & How To Remove Tree Roots From Sewer Lines ?

Well, tree roots naturally gravitate towards places with high moisture content and nutrients; and where do they find moisture and nutrients in abundance? the sewer lines! Tiny cracks or old joints in the pipe lines emulate vapor, attracting roots that invade and expand, thus causing blockage and pipe damage. Knowing how to fix roots in sewer line systems before the damage becomes serious  and can save the hefty repair cost.

Removal Of  Tree Roots From Sewer Line:

The following are several safe and effective ways to remove roots without harming your sewer lines:

 1. Mechanical Root Cutting

A motorized auger is used by the plumber with a rotating blade that cuts through roots. It does clear the blockage however it doesn’t kill the roots.

 2. Hydro Jetting

Water is blasted at a high pressure through the pipes and removes the roots and debris. This is a non-invasive and pipe safe method to get tree roots out of the sewer line systems quickly and effectively.

 3. Chemical Root Killers 

Another method on how to get tree roots to stop growing in the sewer lines is foaming root killers (with ingredients like Dichlobenil or Copper sulfate) that can kill roots and prevent regrowth. Always use products designed for sewer use as they are biodegradable and environmentally-safe.

What Is the Easiest Way to Remove Tree Roots?

The easiest way out from the clutches of tree roots is to use foaming root killers that coat the inside of pipes and kill the roots over time. It is an easy do-it-yourself solution, which works best when combined with professional cleaning.

If you’re wondering how to remove tree roots from sewer lines without digging or costly pipe replacement, this method is a great stepping stone. However, if the problem is extensive you may need to take it further by hiring a professional to get rid of the tree roots in the sewer lines who may suggest services like sewer camera inspection, hydro jetting, or in cases of extreme pipe damage, trenchless pipe repair. 

Now, you may ask the question: what is trenchless sewer repair? Essentially, trenchless sewer repair is the modern method of replacing or fixing underground pipes without digging up your yard. By using small access points, experts can reline or burst the underground pipe.

Trenchless sewer repair cost may vary depending on factors such as pipe length and location but generally  a 25 to 30 feet of liner cost between $4000 and $6500, although it varies based on a few other factors. The important point to note is that while conventional dig and repair methods might seem cheaper upfront, the restoration bills quickly accumulate to $40,000 in repairs, not to mention the disturbance of dugout backyards, floors, and walls. In a nutshell, while trenchless sewer repair might appear more expensive upfront, it helps avoid costly landscaping and driveway repairs.

How to Prevent Roots from Growing in Sewer Lines?

To avoid dealing with the issue of tree roots growing in sewer lines again, here are a few preventive measures you can undertake:

• Installing a physical barrier between trees and pipes.
• Replacing old clay or cast iron pipes with modern PVC, which is more root intrusion resistant.
• Using root-killing treatments annually.
• Planting trees strategically-away from sewer lines.
• Regularly schedule drain cleaning and inspection service from professionals, ensuring the drains are always free from intrusions and any minor issues are addressed before they escalate into bigger repairs.

By understanding the damages caused by tree roots intrusion into sewer lines, prevention becomes the next priority.

Summary: How to Get Rid of Tree Roots in Sewer Lines Without Damage

 Recap of the key strategies:

• Use mechanical or hydro-jetting tools for removal of tree roots in sewer lines.
• Apply chemical roots killers with safety.
• Consider trenchless sewer repair if the pipe damage is severe.
• Use barriers and modern pipe material to help prevent regrowth.

To conclude, whether you’re researching how to fix roots in sewer lines ,learning how to get tree roots out of the sewer line or just someone figuring out how to keep roots from growing in sewer lines, the best approach is a combination of  professional services and preventive care.

Remember, knowing how to remove tree roots from sewer lines is only part of the battle – consistent maintenance will keep your plumbing flowing smoothly for years to come.

FAQs About Removing & Preventing Tree Roots in Sewer Lines

1. How do you remove roots from drain pipes?

Use a mechanical auger (rooter) to cut through roots, contract professional hydro jetting services to use concentrated pressured water to blow away tree roots or apply a foaming root killer (e.g., copper sulfate) to kill them and flush them out.

2. What is the easiest way to remove tree roots?

Cut small roots with a saw or loppers; for larger ones, use a root saw or stump grinder. Chemical root killers offer a less labor-intensive option, but make sure they are environmentally-friendly and biodegradable options. Using hydro jetting services also provides an environmentally-friendly way to wash away all intrusions.

3. How to prevent roots from growing in sewer lines?

Regularly treat pipes with root-killing chemicals, repair cracks, and replace old clay or cast iron pipes with PVC. Installing root barriers can also help. Conducting routine sewer camera inspections also helps with keeping tabs on the state of the sewer system.

If you have sewer line problems at your house or office, you must have heard about trenchless sewer repair and wondered ‘what is trenchless sewer repair’ and how exactly does trenchless sewer line replacement work. Well, trenchless sewer repair is considered a modern, minimally-invasive repair method for underground pipes, the core objective being to not wreck your lawn, driveway, or garden in the process. Nice, huh? Now, let’s take a little look into the actual process.

So, What is Trenchless Sewer Repair? 

In simple terms, trenchless sewer repair is the process of repairing or replacing damaged sewer lines without excavating the entire pipe. In lieu of digging a large trench, contractors just dig one or two small access points to access the pipes underground.

This method has grown very popular over time for sewer repair because it creates less disturbance, takes less time, and eventually ends up being more cost-effective. Whether it is for a house or a larger commercial property, the method of trenchless sewer repair has grown very popular over time because it gets the work done faster and cleaner than conventional digging techniques.

So, How Does Trenchless Sewer Repair Work?

Alright, let’s get to know how trenchless sewer repair works . While there’s a bit of tech involved, the process is surprisingly straightforward from a homeowner’s perspective.

1. Pipe Inspection

The whole thing kicks off with a video inspection. A tiny camera goes into your sewer line to see what’s going on—whether it’s roots, cracks, sagging, or just old age taking its toll.

2. Cleaning

After the pipe inspection, next comes the cleaning of the pipe. Some plumbers use high-pressure water jetting (called hydro jetting) to clean the pipe and clear them from gunk and remove debris.

3. Repair or Replacement

After the inspection is completed, your plumber will choose the best trenchless method based on what the inspection showed. Two of the most common techniques are pipe lining and pipe bursting.

1. Pipe Lining (CIPP): This involves inserting a flexible, resin-coated liner into the damaged pipe. It’s then inflated and left to cure, forming a new pipe within the old one.
2. Pipe Bursting: If the pipe is too damaged to line, a new pipe is pulled through the old one while a bursting head breaks apart the existing pipe. The new pipe takes its place

So, the basic answer to your question of how trenchless sewer repair work is answered. You are essentially getting a new pipe without destroying your property. It’s pretty cool, right? 

Benefits of Trenchless Sewer Repair

Some of the main reasons why trenchless sewer repair is gaining popularity among homeowners and industrial owners are as follows: 

• You don’t have to destroy your yard, patio, or driveway
• It’s usually done in a day or two
• It can actually be cheaper once you factor in landscaping costs
• New pipes can last 50+ years
• It’s eco-friendly, using fewer resources and causing less disruption

When Should You Consider Trenchless Repair?

If you’re experiencing signs like slow drains, frequent backups, rotten odors, or soggy patches in your lawn, you might have a ruptured or broken sewer line. Before you go ahead and dig up the whole thing, call a professional plumber and request a visit to determine whether trenchless sewer repair is an option for your situation. More likely than not, it is — even on old houses.

Also remember that not every pipe can be fixed using trenchless technology. If your line has collapsed entirely or contains too many offsets and dips, excavation may still be required. But in the majority of situations, trenchless is an excellent first choice to consider.

Why Choose Ontario Pipe Lining? 

If you’re dealing with sewer or drain issues and don’t want your yard turned into a construction site, Ontario Pipe Lining is a solid choice. We know what we’re doing when it comes to trenchless sewer repair, drain repair, and pipe relining. 

Serving Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area and most of Southern Ontario, from Toronto to Kingston, we are a top provider of cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) and small dimension trenchless pipe restoration services.

We are a reputable and authorized installation of the cutting-edge, patent-protected CIPP system technology from Nu Flow. Our professionals have more than a decade of experience fixing damaged storm drains and sanitary sewage systems with the least amount of disturbance!

Our exceptional customer service makes us stand apart from our competitors. 

FAQs About Trenchless Sewer Repair

Some of the most commonly asked FAQs are answered below:

1. Is trenchless sewer repair worth it?

Yes, for many homeowners and businesses, the options certainly exist.  While the initial cost can be more than that of traditional repairs, a lot is saved on restoration costs — no redoing of a lawn or fixing of a driveway that might have been dug-up in the process.  It also goes quicker and less invasive, making it more convenient all around. Therefore, we recommend clients to opt for trenchless sewer repair if they want a quick, hassle-free, long-lasting solution.

2. How long does a trenchless sewer line last?

The durability of sewer lines restored using trenchless methods is one of the best things about trenchless repairs. Although they say they can take anything from 50 years to a lifetime, most trenchless sewer lines, particularly those using cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) or HDPE materials, would be counted on to live for 50 years or more. From a comparative perspective, by just 20-30 years, the conventional lines would have usually required some repairs.

3. Can sewer pipes be repaired without digging?

They really do! That’s why it was developed in the first place. Rather than hauling away all of your grass, digging into your concrete driveway, or otherwise leaving scars across your beautiful property, trenchless methods such as pipe lining or pipe bursting allow the contractor to effectively fix or replace your sewer line from two pits or so. Everything else happens below the surface.

4. What is the most common material used for trenchless repair?

Most of the time, in trenchless repairs, especially for CIPP lining, the typical product applied is a flexible felt or fiberglass liner soaked with an epoxy resin. When inserted and cured, the resin laminates into a tough pipe with no joints, which is resistant to corrosion and tree root intrusion. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is usually used for pipe bursting. It is strong and flexible and is meant to offer a long life.

Final Thoughts

We really hope that after going through this blog, we have managed to answer your question, “what is trenchless sewer repair?” Just to recap, trenchless sewer repair is a modern solution that enables you to fix the sewer pipes without all the mess and destruction of regular digging operations. The trenchless technology provides you with a much cleaner, quicker, and more cost-effective alternative for your typical sewer line problems, whether it be pipe lining or pipe bursting. 

So next time your sewer line gives you a headache, don’t panic—and don’t pick up the shovel just yet. Just give us a call and we will come down to your location and get your sewer system back to as good as new functionality – without the headache!

Hey homeowners! Ever faced the nightmare scenario of standing ankle-deep in murky shower water, wondering if your drain is plotting revenge for all those lost hairs? Relax! At Ontario Pipe Lining, your friendly neighborhood sewer heroes, we’re here to help you master the art of snaking a drain like a pro. In the event there is a bigger sewer clog or cracked pipeline underground, we also specialize in services like trenchless sewer line replacement in Toronto as well as other cities, all the way till Kingston! This includes cities like Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Prince Edward county, Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, all the way till Kingston, Ontario. If you’re looking for the best sewer repair services like cured-in-place pipelining, sewer relining and drain repair & cleaning, get in touch with us ASAP.

But first things first—let’s understand exactly what we’re dealing with.

What Does Snaking the Drain Mean?

Snaking a drain is a procedure that utilizes a long, flexible cable to dislodge and clear clogs from your main drain line. The cable is fed into your drain and turned to dislodge any obstructions. After the clog has been dislodged, it can be washed away, and your plumbing system can drain properly again.

Snaking a drain is a procedure that utilizes a long, flexible cable to dislodge and clear clogs from your main drain line. The cable is fed into your drain and turned to dislodge any obstructions. After the clog has been dislodged, it can be washed away, and your plumbing system can drain properly again.

Why Do Drains Get Clogged?

Understanding your enemy is half the battle. Let’s look at some of the most common causes of drain clogs, which include:

• Hair and Soap Scum: These clingy culprits often gather in showers and bathroom sinks, curling up into a ball that leads to slow drains and backed up showers.
• Food Waste: Kitchen drains suffer from fats, oils, grease, and food particles that buildup over time, hardening and causing slow drains or clogged drains altogether.
• Foreign Objects: Sometimes, curious kids or accidental drops result in toys or small objects lodged in pipes.
• Tree Roots: Yes, nature can conspire against you by infiltrating sewer lines, not only leading to tree roots inside sewers, but also cracked sewers – what do you get with a compromised sewer system? Slow drains, backups and pungent smell permeating from the bathroom and kitchen drains.

 

How to Use a Drain Snake – DIY Edition!

Feeling brave? Let’s tackle this together! Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to snake a drain:

Step 1: Gear Up!

Pick your weapon wisely—a hand-held drain snake or a motorized auger for tougher jobs. Always wear gloves (trust us, you’ll thank us later).

Step 2: Insert & Twist

Gently insert the snake cable into the drain. Keep pushing until you feel resistance. Congratulations! You’ve found the culprit.

Step 3: Crank & Conquer

Slowly rotate the snake’s handle clockwise. This action grabs the clog so you can pull it out or break it up. Remember—slow and steady wins the drain-clearing race!

Step 4: Remove & Repeat

Pull the snake out slowly and prepare yourself mentally—clogs aren’t pretty! If the clog is persistent, repeat the process.

Step 5: Flush & Celebrate!

Once the clog is clear, flush the drain with hot water. Your drain’s now clear, your hero status confirmed.

 

When Should You Call for Backup?

Sometimes the clog isn’t just stubborn—it’s downright hostile. If you’ve tried snaking the drain and it’s still backing up, it’s time to call in professional reinforcements (that’s us!). Here’s when you might need our plumbing snake service:

• The clog is deeper down the pipe than your snake can reach
• Your drain keeps backing up repeatedly
• The blockage seems to involve tree roots or pipe damage

 

Plumber Cost to Unclog Sink – What’s the Deal?

Wondering about the plumber cost to unclog sink drains? Typically, drain cleaning is such a varied service, ranging from minor to requiring sewer repairs, it’s very difficult to quote an average cost. However, at Ontario Pipe Lining, we waive off our $300 sewer camera inspection fee if our clients book sewer repairs or sewer lining service with us! That’s our way to lessening the burden on our valued clients!

Why Trust Ontario Pipe Lining with Your Drain Snaking Needs?

Are you frantically searching for “Plumber to Snake Drain Near Me” on Google? Look no further! At Ontario Pipe Lining, we provide a rapid, reliable and effective drain-clearing solution by employing advanced techniques and equipment to clean even the most difficult obstructions.

Here’s what makes Ontario Pipe Lining stand out from other plumbing companies:

• Expertise: Over a decade of professional drain cleaning, sewer repair and sewer lining/relining experience.
• Reputation: Stellar reviews from satisfied customers across the GTA.
• Technology: Advanced equipment for diagnosing and clearing blockages.
• Customer Care: Transparent pricing, respectful service, and thorough follow-ups.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does snaking the drain mean?

Snaking the drain means using a special tool (a drain snake or auger) to remove hair, soap buildup, and all the gunk stuck in your pipe. Think of it as using a flexible, twist superhero wand that dives into your drain, catches the clog, and free your pipe, bringing back that satisfactory water flow. This is basically your secret weapon for battling with deeply hidden nasty stuff within your plumbing!

2. What does snaking mean in plumbing?

Snaking is plumbing’s method of introducing a twirly, flexible superhero into your pipe to fight the bad guys—those nasty clogs. With a specialized tool called a plumbing snake or a drain auger, a plumber (or a brave DIYer) gently pushes and rotates this cable into the pipe to break up clogs made of hair, grease, food, and other muck that won’t move. It’s essentially your sneaky little secret to maintaining your drains flowing freely without creating an enormous mess. Imagine it like unclogging your pipes with a touch of plumbing magic!

3. What is a drain snake used for?

A drain snake is your plumbing’s best friend when your pipes are in trouble! It’s a handy, flexible tool that goes way down into drains to eliminate frustrating blockages—such as hairballs, food particles, soap scum, and other unknown pipe cloggers. It‘s like your plumbing‘s own superhero: it twists, turns, and grasps those ugly clogs to get your pipes flowing smoothly again! It’s basically the perfect solution to avoid messy backups and save the day (and your sanity)!

4. How does snaking work?

Imagine your pipe’s got traffic congestion—hair, grease, gunk, and god-knows-what are all clogged up, keeping water from flowing through. That’s where snaking a drain steps in like the traffic officer your pipes didn’t even realize they needed.

A drain snake is a soft, long metal cable that wiggles down into your pipes. When it reaches the clog, it shatters it or grips onto it so you can pull it out (ick, but it works!). No boom, no drama—just twist, crank, and clear.

It’s a little messy, satisfyingly so, and much more enjoyable than listening to your sink groan in pain each time you fill it up to do the dishes.

5. What is the cost of a plumbing snake service near me?

Well, if you’re looking to go down the DIY route when it comes to unclogging you drains then the cost simply involves buying a simple drain snake from the nearest hardware store or ordering it online.

If you are feeling a bit adventurous, opting for a mechanical drain auger can help you reach places a simply drain snake can’t. 

If you don’t have the time to figure all the ins and outs of drain cleaning, you will need to call a plumber for a drain snake service. The cost of a plumbing snake service near you depends on the severity of the clog and your location. For example, a drain snaking service in Toronto will be much higher compared to a similar service in a smaller town. At Ontario Pipe Lining, we generally waive off our $300 sewer camera inspection fee if our clients book a sewer repair or sewer lining service with us.

But here’s the best part: at Ontario Pipe Lining, we believe in clear pricing, honest advice, and zero surprises. So no mysterious fees or “uh-oh” charges. Just great service, friendly pros, and drains that behave. Get in touch with us and let us tame your drains!

Handling sewer line problems can be a time consuming and expensive process given typical repair methods that call for digging of your landscaping, driveway, or yard. Modern technology in Toronto and all over the world has thankfully offered a more efficient and less invasive alternative—trenchless sewer repair in Toronto. This sophisticated approach gives a permanent answer for broken pipes while lowering disturbance levels. We will discuss the factors influencing prices in this post and help you decide if this technique is appropriate for your home or business—especially if you are wondering how much trenchless sewer line replacement cost could vary depending on your circumstances.

What is Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement and Its Cost?

Trenchless sewer line tech allows for broken sewer pipes to be replaced or renovated without major digging. Whereas conventional approaches have a need of digging trenches to access the pipes, trenchless methods limit damage to property, time saving, and work costs. 

Trenchless sewer repair uses mainly two main techniques:

Pipe Lining (CIPP – Cured-in-Place Pipe Lining): Using a flexible, resin coated liner placed into the damaged pipe and cured on site produces a fresh, seamless pipe inside the old one. 

Underground Pipe Bursting: A new pipe is dragged through the damaged one, hence effectively breaking the old pipe down and replacing it together.

Either way, they provide long and robust solutions with little upheaval to your property.

 

Factors That Affect Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement Cost

The trenchless sewer line replacement cost varies based on several factors. Although in the long term, trenchless repair is in general less expensive than conventional digging, the exact cost will depend on the following factors:

1. Length of the Pipe Requiring Repair

Trenchless sewer repair is usually priced by linear foot. The longer the defective part, the more the overall cost. Depending on how difficult the repair is, average prices vary.

2. Level of Destruction

Pipes that need total replacement, the pipe bursting technique will be more expensive than minor leaks or fractures that need pipe lining. More severe damage results in greater restoration expenses.

3. Sewer Line Availability.

More labor and specialized equipment might be needed—hence a higher total expense—if your sewer line is buried far down or blocked by great tree roots.

4. Existing Pipe Contents

Older pipes composed of clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg material may need more work before trenchless techniques can be applied, therefore increasing the cost.

5. Local Legislation and Licenses

Some communities might add to the total bill by demanding permissions before starting sewer line replacements. Checking with local officials helps always to make sure rules are followed.

6. Skills of Contractors and Workers

Although it may be more costly at first, hiring a well known contractor with much trenchless sewer repair expertise could save money in the long term by reducing future repairs and guaranteeing craftsmanship.

 

Average Cost of Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement

Factors such as the length of the pipe, the extent of damage, and the approach employed for repair influence the trenchless sewer repair cost. Sewer repairs usually result in 25 to 30 feet of liner and cost between $4000 and $6500, but this varies. Though conventional dig and replace techniques might appear less expensive at first, they usually result in more restoration bills that quickly accumulate to $40,000 in repairs, not to mention the disturbance of dugout backyards, floors, and walls. Trenchless technology helps to save on both time and property damage, hence a more cost effective alternative over time.

Is Trenchless Sewer Repair Worth the Cost?

Although trenchless sewer repair has a greater initial price than conventional digging, it provides many benefits that make it a good investment:

1. Time Savings: Trenchless approaches take days rather than weeks to reduce interference with your living style.
2. Eliminates Property Damage: You save several thousand dollars on repair bills since there will be no need to rip up your patio, driveway, or front lawn.
3. Durable Materials: Trenchless repair materials are generally long lasting and sometimes reach fifty years.
4. EcoFriendly: Ecofriendly, means less excavation, lower environmental effect, and little waste.

 

How to Best Price Trenchless Sewer Repair

For those thinking about trenchless sewer repair, here are few ideas to help maximize the value of your expenditure:

• Get Multiple Quotes: Get several bids since prices might differ substantially among contractors and comparing them will let you locate a reasonable offer.
• Verify Contractor Credentials: assure your vendor has customer recommendations and expertise.
• Inquire About Guarantees: A respected firm would have warranties on its work to soothe everything.
• Understand the Estimate’s Contents: Verify that your estimate includes all required work, including inspections, permits, and cleanup.
• Search for Financing Solutions: Some businesses have finance schemes to help people more efficiently handle expenses.

 

Book A Consultation Today

Avoid turning your property into a construction zone! Ontario Pipe Lining offers hassle-free trenchless sewer line replacement in Toronto. Contact us for a quick consultation and enjoy a seamless, no-dig solution. We serve Toronto, as well as Oshawa, Peterborough, Prince Edward County, Belleville, Brighton, Kingston and a lot more cities. Call now or fill out our online form to schedule your appointment!