South Florida's big shade trees look great, but their roots are relentless when it comes to finding water, and your sewer line is full of it.
How roots get in
Roots don't usually break a healthy pipe. They find small gaps at joints and hairline cracks, especially in older clay and cast-iron pipe, then grow inside, feeding on the moisture and nutrients. Over time they form dense mats that catch paper and debris.
Warning signs
- Slow drains throughout the house
- Gurgling toilets
- Backups that return a few months after cleaning
- Sewer odors in the yard
- Unusually lush or wet patches of lawn over the line
Repair options
Mechanical cutting. A root-cutting head clears the line quickly. It's effective but temporary, because roots regrow through the same openings.
Hydro jetting. High-pressure water scours roots and buildup from the pipe walls, cleaning more thoroughly than cutting alone.
Spot repair. If a camera shows roots entering at one or two points, replacing those sections can solve the problem.
Line replacement. When the line is cracked and root-filled along its length, replacing it with modern PVC is the long-term fix.
Prevention
- Know where your sewer line runs before planting new trees.
- Choose smaller or less aggressive species near the line.
- Schedule periodic cleaning if you have a known root problem and aren't ready to replace the pipe.
A sewer camera inspection is the best first step: it shows exactly where the roots are and how much damage they've done.
Need help?
Our sewer line services team serves Davie and all of Broward County. Call (954) 870-5492.