How to Prevent Tree Roots from Growing into Your Sewer Line

While trees add beauty, shade, and value to your property, their roots are constantly seeking moisture and nutrients—two things your sewer pipes provide in abundance. If your sewer line has even a small crack or loose joint, it can become a target for invasive roots. Left unchecked, this can lead to clogs, pipe damage, and costly repairs.

Fortunately, there are several proactive steps you can take to prevent tree roots from growing into your sewer line. Whether you’re protecting a newer home or maintaining an older one with aging infrastructure, these strategies can save you time, money, and major plumbing headaches.

 

Install Root Barriers

These barriers are often made of plastic, stone, or metal and are placed around where a tree’s roots are likely to grow. They restrict this root growth to specific directions in order to keep these roots from reaching your sewer line. Root barriers allow the tree to grow normally without causing potentially disastrous damage to your pipes.

 

Use Pipe Liners

Pipe liners are a way to repair and strengthen old pipes without digging them up. Professionals insert these resin-saturated liners into your pipes. Once this resin hardens, you are left with reinforced pipes.

This is specifically helpful when you have damaged or cracked pipes. These cracks are often the openings that roots need to infiltrate your pipes and cause issues. By using pipe liners to seal and solidify these cracks, you can prevent tree roots from growing into your sewer line.

 

Repair & Replace Old Pipes

Sometimes, your pipes need more than a pipe liner. Old pipe systems—like those often found in older Indianapolis homes—are made with clay or cast iron. These are more likely to erode and break down, creating gaps for tree roots to take advantage of.

It’s important to keep an eye on the state of your sewer lines, especially if they’re getting up there in age. If you have an older home, contact a professional plumber to do regular inspections and to help repair or replace your pipes when the need arises.

 

Utilize Chemical Root Inhibitors

If you have a tree with roots already in your sewer line, you can use a chemical root inhibitor to prevent new branches from growing in the area. You can flush foaming root killers or copper sulfate down your toilet or other drains to effectively kill roots in your pipes. While they are not a permanent solution, you can use these solutions to deter root growth for several years.

If you choose this route, be sure to regularly check on the area and reapply the inhibitor when needed. It’s also important to note that some of these inhibitors are toxic to other plant life. So if you have bushes or other greenery you want to keep around, take a close look at the inhibitor you use.

 

Remove Trees By Your Sewer Line

While this is a more drastic approach, removing trees that are too close to your sewer line may be necessary—especially if they’re known for aggressive root systems (like willows, silver maples, or poplars). If the tree is already causing damage or if it poses a high risk to your plumbing, removing it can save you from expensive repairs in the future.

Before taking action, consult an arborist or plumbing professional. They can help determine if removal is necessary and whether rerouting the line or trimming roots might be a less severe solution.

 

Don’t Wait Until It’s an Emergency

Tree root damage often starts silently—no warning signs until you’re dealing with slow drains, backups, or sewage smells. That’s why prevention is key. Whether you opt for physical barriers, chemical inhibitors, or full pipe replacements, investing in proactive measures now can help you avoid big plumbing emergencies later.

If you're unsure about the condition of your sewer line or need help protecting your system from invasive roots, reach out to an experienced plumber. Regular inspections and maintenance can go a long way in keeping your pipes clear and your yard beautiful.