Key takeaways
- Roots enter through tiny cracks and loose joints.
- Cutting roots clears the line but does not close the openings.
- Lining seals the joints so roots cannot re-enter.
- Cutting before lining is a necessary first step.
Why roots go for your pipe
Sewer lines carry water and nutrients, and roots search for both. Even a hairline crack or a loose joint releases moisture and vapor, and fine roots follow that to the source.
Why they come back
Once inside, roots thicken into a mat that traps paper and debris. Cutting them clears the line, but the cracks and joints remain, so the roots usually return, often within months to a few years.
What lining changes
A continuous liner covers the joints and cracks that roots use, so there is no opening to grow into. The line is cleaned and roots are cut first, so the liner bonds to a clean pipe.
Can I keep my trees?
Often, yes. Trenchless repair does not require removing trees, and sealing the pipe can protect both the tree and the line.
Related services
Ready for a firm answer on your own pipe? Try the Pipe Problem Finder or call 800-224-9245 for a free camera inspection.