How do I know if tree roots are causing my drain problems?

You might notice all your drains running slow, toilets making strange noises, or sewage odors in the basement. A camera inspection is the most reliable way for our plumbers to confirm root intrusion in your sewer line.

Can I remove tree roots from my sewer line myself?

Store-bought chemicals rarely solve the problem and can damage pipes or harm your yard. Mechanical cleaning by a plumber is safer and more effective, but if the pipe's broken, professional repair is the only real fix.

Will cutting down a tree keep roots out of my sewer?

Even after a tree's removed, roots can keep growing for years and still invade old sewer lines. Upgrading old clay or cast iron pipes to PVC and regular camera inspections are more reliable ways to prevent future blockages.

Is pipe replacement always needed if I have root problems?

Not always. If the roots are caught early and the pipe isn't badly damaged, mechanical removal and spot repairs can work. If the pipe is cracked, collapsed, or invaded along its length, replacement with modern materials is often a better long-term fix.

Sewer Roots in River Grove Homes

Tips And TricksUpdated June 15, 2026

Sewer line blockages from tree roots are a persistent headache for many River Grove homeowners, especially in areas with older homes and mature trees. Houses built in the mid-20th century often have clay-tile sewer lines, and the ash and maple trees that line our streets and yards do what trees do best, search for water. Any tiny crack or loose joint in an old sewer line is a welcome invitation for thirsty roots.

Why Older River Grove Homes Clog

The heavy clay soils and flat terrain in River Grove don't do our sewer lines any favors. Clay pipes, common in houses 50 years and older, develop hairline cracks as the ground shifts or as the pipe ages. Fertile soil and the nearby Des Plaines River mean deep root systems for landscaping, and those roots are drawn right to the constant moisture in sewer lines. Once roots get a foothold, they grow fast, forming dense mats that slow and eventually block wastewater flow.

Warning Signs Your Sewer Has Root Problems

Drains throughout the house start running slow, not just one sink or toilet.
Bubbling or gurgling sounds coming from your toilet or floor drains.
Sewage odors in the basement or yard.
Water backing up in the basement floor drain, especially after running laundry or multiple fixtures at once.
Sudden soggy patches in the lawn directly above where the sewer runs to the street.

If you recognize one or more of these issues, roots might have found their way inside your sewer line.

How Roots Sneak In and Wreck Pipes

Roots can find their way into the smallest gaps in clay or cast iron sewer lines. Once inside, they feed off the nutrient-rich water. Over months or years, they fill the pipe with tangled growth. As they get bigger, roots can split clay pipes apart or break old cast iron at the joints, leading to cracks, collapses, and major blockages. Even if the backup seems "fixed" by clearing a clog, the underlying root problem will keep coming back until it's addressed at the pipe level.

What Our Team Looks For and How We Clear Roots

We use sewer cameras to inspect the actual condition of your line before recommending any solution. With older lines in River Grove, we're often looking for root mats at the joints, cracks, or full pipe collapses from clay tile shifting over time. For minor invasions, power augers and mechanical root cutters can clear obstructions, but this is usually a temporary fix. Chemical root killers are sometimes used but need repeated application and do not repair physical damage.

If the pipe is badly damaged or collapsed, it's time to consider repairs or full replacement. Our crew handles sewer line services ranging from spot repairs to full pipe replacement with modern materials. We also offer drain cleaning and pipe repair & repiping for related problems caused by roots attacking older lines.

Preventing Future Root Trouble

Switch to PVC if you're replacing sewer lines, roots have a tough time getting into properly joined PVC.
Have sewer lines professionally inspected every few years, especially if your home's over 50 years old.
If you have large ash, maple, or willow trees along your sewer path, keep an eye out for early signs listed above.
Limit new tree plantings near your sewer line's path. If you're not sure where it runs, we can help map it out or use detection equipment.
Address minor root blockages early before they split pipes or cause a full backup.

For homes with recurring water in the basement from storm backups or seepage, keep your sump pump system maintained and check for root intrusion in both sewer and storm lines. Tree roots can also target sump discharge and yard drains, leading to flooded basements after heavy rains common in River Grove's climate.

Don't Wait for a Backup to Take Action

If you suspect roots are compromising your sewer, it's best to act before you're standing ankle-deep in backed-up water. Testing, camera inspection, and early intervention save time, hassle, and money compared to a full emergency dig. If you have frequent slow drains, gurgling toilets, or unexplained odors, leak detection and repair can catch issues before they turn into bigger headaches.

We know the sewer and soil conditions in River Grove inside and out. Our team is ready to find the real cause and recommend practical solutions, whether it's cleaning, repair, or full replacement. For honest sewer line advice or fast response, call us at 708-234-1176. We're here to help local homeowners keep roots out and wastewater flowing the right way.

How Tree Roots Can Wreck Your River Grove Sewer Line