Roots In The Sewer Line Repair and Replacement in San Diego and Riverside
A slow drain? A clogged toilet? The tree roots in the sewer line might be the reason for it. It is a common problem nowadays and does not necessarily mean trenching for a sewer line replacement. Our team of experts is well-trained and experienced in sewer cleaning as well as sewer line repairs and replacement. The property owner, not the city, is responsible for the “lateral” line from a home or business to the sewer main at the street, meaning it is up to you to get the problems fixed. Unable to use toilets, sinks, showers, or tubs? That is an emergency! At Hometown Plumbing there is always a person available to answer your call and dispatch 24/7 services.
Tip: A proper residential sewer line in good condition should not need sewer and drain cleaning and there is some specific problem that needs to be corrected if it does. But drain and sewer services for restaurants and other businesses that handle food are different matter.
Hometown Plumbing provides affordable sewer line services to all San Diego, Riverside and surrounding areas. Schedule an appointment today.

Sewer Pipe vs Tree
You have probably seen a driveway or sidewalk buckled from root growth which can eventually invade and then damage sewer lines. Root invasion can extend further from the trunk than the foliage above which makes it hard to rule out tree roots in a sewer line as the cause of toilet or multiple-drain backups. Or a foul smell in the yard from a leak. Birch, elm, maple, poplar, and willow trees are particularly problematic, as are large bushes (especially Oleander).
Problems begin with fine hair-like roots making their way through any tiny opening, such as joints and cracks in the pipe, in search of water and nutrients. They are powerful enough to widen any opening and grow into a “bird’s nest” that covers the entire diameter and, eventually, burst the pipe wide open. Usually before that happens roots (large or small) trap grease and debris leading to more and more frequent sewer and drain cleaning.
Older clay and concrete pipes are the most vulnerable, followed by cast iron. Both were in common use 25 years ago and earlier. The most resistant lines are modern single-piece plastic lines. They have no joints, do not corrode, and as an added bonus are a bit less prone to grease and other build up.
What to Do About The Tree Root In Sewer Line
Reacting early minimizes the damage and the likelihood of needing a sewer line replacement rather than a repair.
Inspection and Assessment
Our sewer and drain cleaning services begin with an in-pipe video camera inspection. That is the most thorough and accurate way to determine if roots are indeed the problem, how far it has developed, and where it is located. The live video also shows us the general condition of the line, and you can have a look yourself.
Got Roots In Your Sewer Line? 24/7 Immediate Response (760) 349-1777

Sewer Cleaning
The traditional cleaning methods such as cabling (drain snaking) and augering (using rotating blades on a cable) may offer a good-enough temporary solution, but it is likely the roots will soon grow back which means you having a tiny sewage leak.
Adding copper sulphate through the clean-out port or a toilet often kills-off penetrating roots and creates a kill zone around the outside. Foaming products help assure that the copper sulphate reaches the top of the pipe. However, this sort of chemical method is not 100% effective.
Water Jetting
Hydro jetting’s high-pressure jets cut through most tree roots and scour away deposits and build up. Followed by a foaming product this may delay the need for repairs or replacement for quite a while.
Repair
For spot repairs, we hand dig to expose a short section of the line containing the problem. As well as removing and replacing that section we will also remove nearby external roots.
Replacement
With older lines or extensive damage, a sewer line replacement is the only dependable way forward. Years ago, this meant equipment digging a trench from your home or business out to the street, and often included breaking through concrete. But today there are two trenchless options as well:
- Pipe bursting runs equipment through the existing line to burst it open, then pulls through a new and somewhat flexible line.
- Pipelining leaves the existing pipe as it is, lining its insides with a resin to create a new pipe within the pipe.
Both still involve digging in one or two small spots for access. But both also leave you with a single seamless line that should last for many decades.
Your Choice
The best course of action depends on the material the line is made of, its age and general condition, and your priorities and budget. Following your decision, you can count on us for fast, dependable work.
Plumbing Coupons
Quality Services For You!What People Say About Hometown Plumbing

We Deliver Prompt Sameday Service 7 Days A Week
Locally owned and operated we have been in business for over 15 years, providing personalized services and holding ourselves to the highest standards. Our emergency services offer prompt arrivals anytime 24/7, and we guarantee our workmanship and clients’ satisfaction.