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Tree roots in your sewer line: signs, fixes, and how often they come back

By Chris Desorcy, owner of Kootenai Drains · Published October 30, 2026 · Last updated October 30, 2026

Roots grow into old or cracked sewer pipes and catch everything that goes by, until the line backs up. The fix is cutting them out and checking with a camera. For a lot of my customers, they grow back in 2 to 4 years.

Need it cleared? That's what my tree root removal in Libby and Troy is for.

Signs you have roots

• Slow drains all over the house
• Toilets gurgle when you run the sink
• A backup that keeps coming back
• Big trees near where your sewer line runs

How I clear them

First the camera, so we know what we're dealing with. Then I cut the roots out with professional cutters and jet the line clean. Then the camera again, so you see a clean pipe on screen.

Clean it or dig it up?

Cleaning is cheaper today. Replacing the pipe ends the problem for good, but it means digging. Some of my customers have me back every 2 to 4 years instead. I'll show you the footage and give you my honest take. If it needs digging, I know contractors I can call.

Slow them down with RootX

I'm a local RootX dealer. It's a foaming root killer you pour down the drain yourself, usually at night. Follow the instructions and it helps between cleanings.

Don't plant trees on top of your line

If you're planting, keep trees away from your sewer line and septic area. The EPA SepticSmart page says the same.

Common questions

Read next

• Sewer camera inspection: what you see and when it's worth it
• Who owns the sewer line in Libby? You do, all the way to the street