What I See on the Job — and How We Actually Deal With Them

If I had a dollar for every time a tree root caused a sewer backup — I’d be writing this from a beach.

It’s one of the most common underground problems I see here in Sacramento.
And most homeowners don’t even think about it… until they’re ankle-deep in dirty water.

Here’s how roots get into your sewer line, what signs to watch for, and what we actually do to fix and prevent it.

How Do Roots Get Into Sewer Pipes?

Your sewer pipe might seem solid — but to a tree, it’s an all-you-can-drink buffet.

Older pipes (especially clay or cast iron) often have:

• Tiny cracks or loose joints
• Worn-out seals
• Weak spots where water vapor escapes into the soil

That moisture draws in nearby tree roots — and they sneak in through the smallest openings.

Once inside, they grow fast.
They catch toilet paper, grease, wipes — and turn into a tangled mess that clogs the line.

Signs You’ve Got Roots in the Sewer Line

If I hear these on the phone, I already know what I’ll find:

• Gurgling sounds from toilets or tubs
• Slow-draining sinks — especially in the lowest level of the home
• Frequent backups (especially after rain)
• Water backing up into showers or laundry rooms
• Sewer odors in the yard

If it’s happening on the whole house (not just one fixture), it’s almost always the main line.

How We Confirm It (Sewer Camera Time)

We don’t guess.

First thing I do? Run a sewer camera down the line.
It shows exactly:

• Where the roots are
• How thick and long the intrusion is
• Whether the pipe is cracked, sagging, or collapsed
• How far from the house the issue is (we measure it)

You can watch the screen as I do it — it’s kind of gross, but weirdly fascinating.

How We Deal With It

1. Hydro Jetting

We use a high-pressure water jet to blast out the roots without digging.
It clears the line — and scours the walls clean.

Best for: early or moderate root growth
Won’t fix broken pipe walls

2. Rooter Machine (Cutting Head)

A steel cable with a rotating blade cuts through thick root masses.

Best for: stubborn clogs
Can damage fragile or brittle pipe walls — we’re careful.

3. Spot Repair or Pipe Replacement

If the camera shows a collapsed or severely broken section — we dig it up and replace it.

Permanent fix
More invasive and expensive — but sometimes unavoidable

4. Pipe Lining (Trenchless Option)

In some cases, we can line the inside of the pipe with a cured-in-place epoxy sleeve.

No digging
Seals cracks and keeps roots out
Not always possible, depending on pipe condition

Can It Be Prevented?

A few tips I always give Sacramento homeowners:

• Avoid planting trees or big shrubs within 10 feet of your sewer line
• Know where your sewer line runs (we can help locate it)
• Use a camera inspection every 1–2 years — especially in older homes
• Add copper sulfate root treatment if advised (we’ll tell you when it’s safe)

What We Do at Golden Valley Plumbing

We handle root intrusions weekly.

When you call us, we’ll:

• Run a full sewer camera inspection
• Explain what we see, and show you
• Recommend the safest, smartest fix
• Give straight pricing and walk you through every option

Got gurgling, slow drains, or yard smells? Call Golden Valley Plumbing — we’ll check it before the roots take over.

Final Word

Roots don’t care if your home is new or old.
If they smell moisture, they’ll find a way in.

Catch it early, and it’s a simple cleanout.
Wait too long, and you’re looking at trenches, concrete cutting, and a big repair bill.

If something doesn’t feel right — let’s take a look.