Tree roots are constantly searching for moisture—and sewer lines are a prime target. Even the smallest crack or leak in a pipe can release vapor into the surrounding soil, attracting nearby roots. Once inside, they grow quickly, catching debris, restricting flow, and potentially breaking pipes apart.

You may have a tree root issue if you notice:

• Slow or gurgling drains throughout the home

• Recurring toilet backups

• Sewage odors near drains or outdoors

• Lush green patches or soft spots in your yard

• Frequent clogs despite plunging or snaking

Roots don’t need to be near the pipe itself to cause problems—many extend well beyond the visible canopy of the tree. If left unchecked, they can cause collapsed lines, severe blockages, and contamination of your living space.

At Lucky Air and Plumbing, we use a combination of advanced tools and eco-conscious methods to locate and remove root intrusions:

• Video Pipe Inspection: We send a high-definition camera into your sewer line to find exactly where the roots have entered and how extensive the damage is.

• Drain Snaking: For lighter blockages, we can use flexible cables with cutting heads to dislodge smaller roots and restore water flow.

• Rooter Machines: These mechanical devices use sharp rotating blades to chop through thick root masses inside the pipe.

• Hydro Jetting: This powerful water jet blasts high-pressure streams through the pipe to break apart and flush away roots—without chemicals or digging.

• Spot Repairs or Relining: If damage is localized, we can excavate and remove roots, then repair or reline the pipe using trenchless techniques for a clean, long-lasting fix.

We avoid chemical root killers due to their risk of harming your plumbing and soil. Instead, we focus on safe, proven methods that solve the problem without harming the environment.

Removing intrusive roots does more than just restore your plumbing—it helps protect your home and landscape:

• Prevents future backups and pipe damage

• Stops roots from lifting concrete or cracking foundations

• Avoids landscape damage and hazardous sinkholes

• Protects healthy trees by resolving invasive root issues safely

• Prevents roots from choking their own tree by wrapping around the base

Even if you’ve already removed a problem tree, its roots can continue to grow and damage pipes underground. Ongoing inspections and maintenance can prevent surprise plumbing failures down the line.

Preventative steps go a long way toward protecting your plumbing system:

• Plant trees with shallow or non-invasive roots away from utility lines

• Install physical root barriers when landscaping

• Schedule regular pipe inspections—especially in older homes or mature neighborhoods

• Monitor drains for slow flow or recurring clogs

A proactive approach saves you from emergency repairs, water damage, and costly sewer replacements.

When tree roots start affecting your plumbing, don’t wait. Lucky Air and Plumbing is your go-to team for fast diagnostics, safe removal, and long-term solutions. Our technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to handle even the toughest root problems—and we’ll always recommend the most efficient and cost-effective option for your home.

Need ongoing protection? Ask about our maintenance plans, which include routine inspections, priority service, and discounted repairs.

Contact us today for a free estimate or to schedule service. We’re ready 24/7 to help you stop root problems before they grow out of control.