Roots in Sewers: What Nevada Homeowners Should Know (And Do) 

Roots in Sewers: What Nevada Homeowners Should Know (And Do) 

Tree roots in sewer lines aren’t just a headache for Nevada homeowners—they can be a costly threat to your plumbing and peace of mind. If you’ve noticed slow-draining sinks, mysterious yard puddles, or odd gurgling sounds from your pipes, roots might be the culprit. But don’t worry; with the right knowledge and proactive steps, you can keep your sewer lines functioning and your property safe. 

Here’s what roots in sewer lines mean for your home, how to spot the warning signs, proven ways to remove them, and practical strategies to prevent them in the first place. 

Why Roots Get Into Sewer Lines 

Roots crave water, and underground sewer lines are like a 24/7 all-you-can-drink buffet for thirsty plants and trees. When pipes develop small cracks, holes, or loose joints—as is common with older clay or concrete pipes in many Nevada homes—moisture escapes and saturates the surrounding soil. Tree and shrub roots naturally grow toward this moisture, slipping through the smallest breaches. 

Once inside, roots feast on the water and nutrients in your sewer lines. Over time, they can multiply and form dense mats or “root balls,” eventually filling the pipe and blocking the flow of wastewater. Left unchecked, these root invasions can lead to back-ups, overflow, and even complete pipe collapse. 

Common causes that open the door to roots include: 

• Aging or deteriorating clay, concrete, or cast-iron pipes 

• Previous underground shifting/settlement 

• Poor pipe installation or repairs 

• Shrubs and trees planted too close to home or lateral sewer lines 

Warning Signs: When Roots Might Be Invading Your Pipes 

Catching root invasion early can save you thousands in repairs and avoid sewage disasters. Look out for these telltale signs in and around your Nevada home: 

1. Persistently Slow Drains 

One slow drain may mean a local clog. But when several or all drains are sluggish, especially those connected to toilets or showers, there might be a deeper blockage in the main sewer line. 

2. Gurgling or Bubbling Sounds 

Hearing strange noises from your sinks or toilets, especially when water isn’t running? Air pockets form when roots disrupt wastewater flow, often resulting in gurgling or bubbling. 

3. Unpleasant Odors 

Foul smells rising from drains or wafting from your yard could mean that wastewater isn’t properly moving through your sewer pipes. Persistent odors can also indicate sewage seepage caused by cracks filled with roots. 

4. Soggy or Extra Green Spots in the Yard 

Notice especially lush, green grass or consistent dampness—even during dry stretches? That’s a strong hint of a leaking sewer line nourishing the area from below. 

5. Frequent Clogs or Multiple Backups 

If you’re plunging toilets or clearing tub blockages more often than usual, you might have a bigger issue than household drain buildup. 

6. Drain Flies or Gnat Infestations 

These pests thrive in stagnant, nutrient-rich water stuck inside blocked pipes. Notice more flies around any of your drains? It may be time for an inspection. 

7. High Indoor Humidity or Mold 

Slow-moving or blocked drains can increase indoor moisture and encourage mold or mildew growth—even if you don’t see visible leaks. 

If any of these symptoms show up in your Las Vegas or Nevada-area home, it’s worth calling a professional for a thorough plumbing checkup. 

How Professionals Remove Roots from Sewer Lines 

Once roots have invaded, DIY fixes won’t cut it. Here’s how the experts at All Hours clear roots for good: 

Step 1: Video Inspection 

Before starting any work, a qualified technician inserts a high-resolution camera into your sewer line. This pinpoints the intrusion location, assesses damage, and helps build a targeted removal plan. 

Step 2: Mechanical Root Removal 

1. Augering or “Rooter” Service 

Using a powerful auger equipped with a specialized root-cutting head, drain technicians break apart root balls and snip away regrowth inside the line. Proper cable and head sizing are crucial to thoroughly scraping the pipe diameter without damaging it. This method restores pipe flow fast and is an essential first step before any preventative measures. 

2. Hydro Jetting  

For thick, stubborn blockages, hydro-jetting blasts high-pressure water through piping to flush away both root debris and accumulated residue. This technique not only removes organic blockages but also scours away grease and other gunk. 

Note: Not all pipes, especially older or heavily damaged ones, can withstand hydro-jetting. Your technician will recommend the safest method for your system. 

Step 3: Root-Inhibiting Chemical Treatments 

After mechanical removal, plumbers may advise applying a root-killing chemical, often introduced via your toilet or a clean-out port. Products like copper sulfate or foaming root inhibitors kill any lingering tiny roots and help prevent regrowth. These treatments work best after the main blockage is cleared so the solution can stick to the pipe walls. 

Step 4: Consider Sewer Pipe Lining or Replacement 

If roots have seriously damaged your pipes or if root invasions keep coming back, your best long-term fix may be trenchless sewer lining or full pipe replacement. 

Trenchless ‘Cured-In-Place’ Pipe Lining (CIPP):  

• A flexible liner coated with epoxy is pulled through the damaged pipe and cured in place. 

• The liner forms a “pipe within a pipe,” sealing cracks and blocking future root intrusion with minimal digging. 

• This approach is cost-effective and less disruptive to your yard and landcape; plus, it can also extend your sewer line’s life by decades. 

If lining isn’t possible (due to total collapse), pipe replacement might be necessary. Fortunately, today’s methods are far less invasive than full excavation used to be. 

How to Keep Roots Out of Sewer Lines 

Prevention is always better than repairs! Here are proven ways to minimize your risk of root trouble: 

1. Mindful Landscaping 

• Avoid planting large trees or thirsty shrubs near sewer lines, lateral pipes, or septic systems. 

• Select slow-growing, less aggressive species for landscaping near plumbing. 

• Consider installing root barriers between plants and sewer lines. 

2. Schedule Regular Plumber Inspections 

• Professional pipe camera inspections regularly to catch issues early. 

• Plumbers can spot early leaks, cracks, or root infiltration before they cause major problems. 

• Routine cleaning or root-killing treatments can halt roots before they create a major blockage. 

3. Repair Leaks & Upgrade Old Pipes 

• Even a pinhole leak can attract roots, so fix leaks promptly. 

• Replace aging clay or cast iron pipes with modern PVC for extra durability and fewer seams. 

• After repairs, keep up with scheduled maintenance to catch vulnerabilities before roots do. 

4. Avoid Drain Cleaners 

• Overuse of chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and harm the local Nevada environment. 

• Rely on mechanical and preventative methods for root issues. 

5. Install Trenchless Pipe Liners 

• If you’ve had recurrent root problems or your home is in a “root-prone” Nevada neighborhood, ask about trenchless liner installation. 

• These epoxy liners create an interior barrier, protecting your pipe from future root entry with minimal impact to your yard. 

Take Action to Protect Your Home and Plumbing 

Keeping your Nevada home’s sewer lines root-free is part of smart homeownership in our climate. Don’t wait for persistent slow drains, soggy landscaping, or foul odors to become chronic headaches. The sooner you act, the more options you have for affordable, minimally invasive repairs. 

Contact All Hours today to schedule a plumbing inspection, root removal, or preventive maintenance appointment. Our friendly and experienced team is always ready to help you keep those roots where they belong—in your yard, not your pipes!