# Tree Roots in Sewer Line | Arvada Pro Plumbing

> Tree root intrusion is a top cause of sewer backups in older Arvada lines. Here is how roots get in, how to spot the pattern, and the fix options that work.

URL: https://arvadaproplumbing.com/guide/tree-roots-in-sewer-line/
Last-Modified: 2026-05-30

# Tree roots in your sewer line: why it happens and how to fix it

Why tree roots invade older Arvada sewer lines, how to recognize the recurring-backup pattern, and the fix options that actually work.

![Tree roots intruding into an old clay sewer line](/images/featured/tree-roots-intruding-old-clay-sewer-line-in-arvada.webp)

## Why root intrusion is so common in Arvada

Dealing with tree roots in sewer line systems is one of the most frustrating challenges a homeowner can face.

Root intrusion is exceptionally common in Arvada because many local neighborhoods were built prior to 1975 using vitrified clay sewer pipes. Those original clay pipes have an expected lifespan of about 50 to 60 years. This means mid-century homes are currently sitting right at the end of their plumbing’s functional life.

We built Arvada Pro Plumbing to provide dependable service that homeowners can rely on, and we handle 

sewer line repair

[/sewer-line-repair/ →](/sewer-line-repair/)

 for root intrusion sewer issues constantly in these older subdivisions.

The true underlying cause is often Colorado’s expansive bentonite clay soil. This dense dirt swells heavily during spring snowmelt and shrinks rapidly during dry spells. The constant shifting easily pulls apart the rigid joints connecting those short sections of clay pipe.

Let’s look at the specific conditions driving this issue, how roots actually breach the lines, and the exact steps required to permanently stop the cycle.

![Cross-section showing how roots enter a clay sewer joint](/images/content/cross-section-illustration-showing-tree-roots-ente.webp)

## How roots get in

Roots do not break through a healthy, sealed pipe, but instead follow moisture vapor escaping from existing weaknesses in the line. Trees in this semi-arid climate exhibit hydrotropism, meaning their root systems actively hunt for underground water sources. Our crews frequently find that fast-growing local trees like Silver Maples and Cottonwoods are the biggest offenders.

They find an existing vulnerability, which usually includes one of these common failures:

-   A pipe joint that has loosened over decades of ground movement
-   A hairline crack in the vitrified clay that expanded over time
-   A leaky fitting at a transition point or cleanout
-   An older cast iron segment that has severely corroded

Once sewage leaks into the surrounding dirt, feeder roots grow directly to the breach. The first root to enter the pipe is hair-thin. Over time, it absorbs the abundant nutrients and thickens, which forces the clay joint even wider.

We often spot the early warning signs above ground before we even run a camera. You might notice an unusually lush, green patch of grass in your yard sitting directly over the sewer lateral. Eventually, you are left with a massive root ball inside the line that catches everything flowing past it.

## The recurring-backup pattern

If you have had multiple sewer backups in the same house over a few years, the line itself is almost certainly compromised. Snaking a root-clogged pipe only punches a temporary hole through the mass, leaving the structural problem completely unresolved. Our experienced plumbers watch homeowners get stuck on this frustrating treadmill of temporary fixes.

According to recent 2026 industry data, traditional mechanical snaking often leaves up to 40 percent of the root mass behind in the pipe. The roots are still there, simply sporting a new tunnel through the middle. These remaining roots have jagged edges that act like a net for household debris.

We know that standard household waste will quickly snag on those torn roots, including:

-   Cooking grease and oils
-   Toilet paper and flushable wipes
-   Soap scum and hair

Within just a few months, the debris accumulates and the drain slows down all over again. That cycle is your clearest signal to act. When a standard snake job only buys you a few months of relief, the actual fix requires looking upstream.

## How we clear and fix it

There is a massive difference between temporarily clearing root intrusion and permanently resolving it. Clearing the blockage buys you a little time, while resolving the structural flaw stops the cycle entirely. Our standard procedure involves completely removing the blockage before applying a permanent structural fix.

| Step | What it does | How long it lasts |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mechanical cutting / snaking | Tears a temporary hole through the root mass | 3 to 6 months |
| Hydro jetting | Uses 4,000 PSI water to scour pipe walls clean | 1 to 2 years if pipe is sound |
| Trenchless pipe lining | Creates a smooth, continuous interior that flexes with soil | Up to 50 years |
| Section replacement | Excavates and replaces the crushed span of pipe | New pipe lifespan |

Most permanent root jobs use 

hydro jetting

[/hydro-jetting/ →](/hydro-jetting/)

 to slice the roots flush with the pipe wall. We utilize a multi-directional nozzle that blasts water at 4,000 PSI to shear away the roots and descale the clay. Once the pipe is completely clean, the next step is applying trenchless Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining or replacing the section entirely.

![Hydro jetting combined with camera inspection to clear roots](/images/content/hydro-jetting-and-camera-inspection-combo-being-us.webp)

> **Why we always camera first**
> 
> Jetting an aged, fragile pipe without inspecting it first is a massive risk. The camera tells us whether the 50-year-old pipe can handle full-pressure jetting safely, or whether a crushed section requires immediate replacement.

## Prevention going forward

The most effective way to eliminate root intrusion for good is to completely remove the pathway by lining or replacing the damaged pipe. If you keep the same mature trees and the same failing clay line, roots will inevitably keep trying to break in. Our team highly recommends pairing structural repairs with smart landscaping choices.

Beyond fixing the pipe, a few proactive habits will protect your property:

-   Schedule a maintenance camera inspection every 2 years on pre-1975 clay lines.
-   Avoid planting aggressive species like Cottonwoods or Silver Maples near the sewer easement.
-   Watch for early symptoms like a gurgling basement floor drain or slow drains in multiple fixtures. Our 
    
    signs of a sewer line problem
    
    [/guide/signs-of-sewer-line-problem/ →](/guide/signs-of-sewer-line-problem/)
    
     guide breaks down what each warning means and how urgent it is.
-   Monitor your yard for unusual wet depressions or rapidly growing patches of grass.

Root intrusion is an entirely fixable problem. It just requires a more comprehensive approach than another quick pass with an auger. Dealing with tree roots in sewer line infrastructure is stressful, but when you are tired of the snake-it-again treadmill, that is your cue to call a professional.

Got Questions?

## Questions, answered

How do tree roots get into a sewer line?

Roots are drawn to moisture and nutrients escaping through tiny cracks or joints in the pipe. Once a hair-thin root finds the gap, it thickens over time and the leak makes more moisture available, which pulls in more roots.

Can you remove tree roots without digging up the line?

Often, yes — a combination of mechanical cutting and hydro jetting clears the existing root mass. But unless the entry point is sealed (with trenchless lining or a section replacement), roots will grow back. Removal alone is a temporary fix.

How long until the roots come back?

If only the roots are cut and the pipe is left open, roots typically return within 1–3 years depending on tree size and proximity. Lining the pipe or replacing the damaged section is what makes the fix permanent.

## Related guides

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[How Much Does Sewer Line Repair Cost in Colorado? →](/guide/sewer-line-repair-cost-colorado/)

### Signs of a Sewer Line Problem

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[Signs of a Sewer Line Problem →](/guide/signs-of-sewer-line-problem/)

### Trenchless Sewer Repair vs. Traditional Excavation

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[Trenchless Sewer Repair vs. Traditional Excavation →](/guide/trenchless-sewer-repair-vs-excavation/)

### What to Expect During a Sewer Line Repair

From the camera inspection to cleanup — what actually happens during a sewer line repair, how long it takes, and what to plan for.

[What to Expect During a Sewer Line Repair →](/guide/what-to-expect-sewer-line-repair/)

Need professional help?

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