How Tree Roots Can Damage Your Plumbing System

There’s a certain romance to old trees—those wide, gnarled oaks lining suburban streets or shading backyards like living umbrellas. But while their presence above ground is picturesque, their behaviour underground is often anything but charming.

Beneath the surface, tree roots don’t politely mind their business. They seek out water—always. And your home’s plumbing? It’s basically a buffet. The result: unexpected pipe damage, skyrocketing plumbing repair costs, and a whole mess that most homeowners never saw coming.

Let’s talk about how—and why—tree roots end up turning your plumbing system into their personal watering hole, and what you can do to stop them.

Why Tree Roots Invade Residential Plumbing Systems

Tree roots don’t operate with malice. They’re just following moisture. In healthy soil, they’ll stretch out like curious fingers, sniffing out hydration wherever they can. But here’s the catch: even well-sealed plumbing systems lose tiny amounts of water.

Small cracks. Worn joints. Barely-there condensation. These whisper to nearby roots, “Hey—free water here.” For trees like willows, maples, and elms, that’s an open invitation.

Roots don’t start by smashing pipes open. They find weak points, then slowly make their way in. Once inside, they grow and expand—eventually causing serious blockages or even breaking the pipe altogether.

Common Signs of Tree Roots in Sewer Lines and Pipes

Tree root damage rarely begins with an explosion of water and panic. It’s a slow creep, often missed in the early stages. But your plumbing will try to warn you.

1. Slow Drains Across the House

One clogged sink? Probably nothing major. But if every drain seems sluggish, your main sewer line might be dealing with an unwelcome visitor—roots.

2. Gurgling Sounds from Toilets or Sinks

That strange glug-glug noise you hear when you flush or run water? That’s trapped air trying to escape—usually a sign that something is blocking the line.

3. Frequent Backups and Blockages

If your drains clear, then clog again days later, you’re not dealing with a typical blockage. Roots can grow back fast after partial removal.

4. Soggy Patches or Lush Spots in the Yard

Unusually green grass or persistently wet ground above your sewer line could mean something’s leaking underground—and roots may be involved.

The Hidden Costs of Tree Root Plumbing Damage

Here’s the hard truth: root-related plumbing issues are expensive, especially if they go unnoticed for too long.

You could be looking at:

• Full pipe replacement, especially if you have old clay or cast-iron lines
  
  
• Excavation or trenching to reach deep-set pipes
  
  
• Sewer line relining or bursting (modern options, but not cheap)
  
  
• Repeated service calls if the root problem isn’t completely solved
  
  

Worst-case scenario? A full sewer line collapse. That means thousands of dollars in repair, torn-up landscaping, and potentially days without working plumbing.

And here’s the kicker: most insurance policies don’t cover root damage. It’s usually labelled as a maintenance issue.

Trees Most Likely to Damage Your Sewer System

Not all trees are equally aggressive, but some species are known for seeking out pipes like it’s their full-time job.

Watch out for:

• Willows – Famously thirsty, with roots that travel great distances
  
  
• Silver maples – Fast-growing and common in older suburbs
  
  
• Elms – Another big spreader when it comes to root growth
  
  
• Poplars and cottonwoods – Beautiful but notorious for wide-reaching root systems
  
  

If you already have one of these close to your home—especially within 10 metres of your sewer line—it might be time for a second opinion from an arborist or plumber.

How to Prevent Tree Roots from Invading Your Pipes

You can’t stop nature, but you can get ahead of it. Preventing root intrusion is a mix of smart planning and regular maintenance.

1. Locate Your Sewer Line

Before planting anything or digging, call 811 or your local utility locating service. Knowing where your sewer line runs is half the battle.

2. Choose Tree Locations Carefully

Avoid planting trees near sewer lines. A good rule of thumb: 10 feet away for small trees, 20–30 feet for larger or aggressive-rooted species.

3. Install a Root Barrier

Professionally installed metal or plastic barriers can redirect root systems away from your plumbing.

4. Book Routine Plumbing Inspections

A video pipe inspection every 2–3 years (especially in older homes) can catch problems long before they turn serious.

5. Use Preventative Root Control Products

Products like copper sulphate or foaming root killers can slow root growth inside pipes. They’re not a long-term fix, but they can buy you time.

What to Do If You Already Have Root Damage

If tree roots have already broken into your plumbing, it’s not the end of the world. Today’s plumbing technology means repairs are faster and less invasive than ever.

Hydro Jetting

High-pressure water blasts away roots and debris. It’s quick, effective—but best used on pipes that aren’t too far gone.

Mechanical Augering

A rotating blade clears blockages mechanically. It’s often the first step before other treatments.

Pipe Relining

Also called cured-in-place pipe (CIPP), this process installs a new pipe lining inside the existing one—no digging required.

Pipe Bursting

For pipes that can’t be saved, pipe bursting replaces them by breaking the old one apart as a new one is pulled through.

Time to Replace Plumbing Pipes? Don’t Wait for a Flood to Find Out

If your plumbing is whispering warnings — rusty water, slow drains, mystery leaks — it’s not being subtle. Ignoring the signs could leave you with a flooded basement, wrecked walls, and a hefty repair bill.

And if your home is surrounded by large trees, there’s another threat you can’t afford to overlook: root intrusion. Tree roots love old, leaky pipes and can cause serious damage before you even know they’re there.

Think your pipes might be vulnerable? Don’t guess. Check out our guide on how tree roots can damage your plumbing system and book your professional inspection today. Catch the problem before it breaks the bank — or your pipes.