Limit water use
Root-blocked lines back up easily. Reduce water use until the line is cleared.
Roots blocking or damaging the sewer line?
Tree roots seek water and enter sewer pipes through joints and cracks, causing repeated backups and eventually breaks. Call 833-877-1717. RepairNowUSA connects the request. An independent provider does the work.
Am I in the right place?Yes for repeated backups in older lines near trees, or roots found on camera.
Is this urgent?Urgent if backing up now.
What do I do next?Stop water use if backing up and call 833-877-1717.
Line damaged: sewer line repair. Less digging: trenchless repair.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 14, 2026 · Review standards
What to do now
Do not use root killers blindly
Some root treatments can help as maintenance, but they will not clear an active blockage. Ask the plumber first.
Note nearby trees
Trees and large shrubs near the sewer line are likely sources. Note where they are.
Roots come back
Cutting roots clears the line but they usually regrow. Long-term fixes are lining or replacing the damaged section.
Common situations
Repeat backups
Roots that enter through joints and cracks catch debris and cause backups that return after cleaning.
Slow drains throughout the property
If several fixtures drain slowly, roots in the main line are a common cause.
Older clay or cast-iron pipe
Older pipe joints let roots in more easily than modern sealed pipe.
Broken or displaced pipe
Large roots can crack or shift pipe sections. See sewer line repair.
What to have ready when you call
- Property ZIP code and whether it is a home, rental or business
- How often the line backs up
- Whether it is backing up now
- Trees near the sewer line
- Any previous camera inspection or root cutting
How tree root removal usually works
- Clear the line. A cable with a cutting head or hydro jetting removes roots.
- Camera inspection. A camera shows where roots enter and whether the pipe is damaged.
- Long-term fix. Lining or replacing the damaged section stops roots from returning.
- Maintenance. If repair is not done yet, scheduled cleaning can keep the line flowing.
Removing a tree does not always stop roots right away; existing roots can keep growing for a while. Talk to the plumber and an arborist before removing a tree.
What happens when you call RepairNowUSA
- Describe what is happening in plain words and give the property ZIP code. You do not need to know which trade to ask for.
- RepairNowUSA checks for a participating independent provider who handles root removal and sewer repair in that area.
- If one is available, you are connected. The provider confirms timing, access, scope and price with you before any work.
- The provider, not RepairNowUSA, diagnoses and performs the repair.
RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service. Provider availability and response times vary by location, time and demand, and are not guaranteed. Before you approve work, ask what was found, the price, the timing and what is not included.
Call 833-877-1717Roots blocking or damaging the sewer line questions
How do you stop roots coming back?
Cutting roots clears the line, but they usually regrow. Lining or replacing the damaged section is the long-term fix.
Can roots break a sewer pipe?
Yes. Growing roots can crack or shift pipe sections over time.
Is root damage covered by insurance?
RepairNowUSA cannot answer for your policy. Many policies treat sewer lines and roots differently. Check your policy or ask about service line coverage.
How long does root cutting last?
It varies with the tree and pipe. Roots often return within months to a few years.
Can I call at night or on a weekend?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.