4 Signs Tree Roots Might Be Growing Into Your Sewer Line

It’s no secret that the Miami Valley is full of mature trees and older homes, and that’s the perfect recipe for root-related sewer line problems. Tree roots are drawn to moisture and nutrients; if your pipe has even the tiniest crack, they’ll find their way in.

At CPR—Complete Pipe Repair, we regularly help homeowners deal with tree root intrusion using no-dig trenchless technology. Here are four of the most common warning signs that tree roots might be growing into their sewer line.

1. Slow Drains Throughout the House

One slow sink drain might not be a big deal. But if multiple drains are slow, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room, the issue is likely deeper in your main sewer line. Roots often grow into the pipe, creating a tangled net that traps debris and blocks water flow.

2. Frequent Backups or Gurgling Toilets

Are your toilets bubbling or backing up when you flush? That’s often a sign of pressure building up behind a blockage, and roots are a common culprit. During heavy use, you may also notice water backing up into basement floor drains or showers.

Visit our sewer line repair page to learn how we fix this without excavation.

3. Sewer Odors Around the Yard or Basement

Tree roots don’t just clog pipes — they also cause them to crack or leak. If you notice a persistent sewage smell outside your home or in the basement, you might have a cracked line allowing gases (and water) to escape.

A video pipe inspection can confirm the problem quickly and without digging.

4. Wet Spots or Sinkholes in the Yard

Is your yard unusually soft in one spot? Are you seeing small sinkholes or patches of grass growing faster than the rest? Root-damaged pipes can leak sewage into the surrounding soil, causing erosion or lush patches. This is a red flag that your pipe may be broken or infiltrated.

If left alone, the damage (and the repair cost) only gets worse.

How We Fix Root Problems Without Digging

At CPR, we often recommend CIPP lining to fix root intrusion. This method allows us to clean out the pipe and install a new pipe liner that seals cracks and blocks future root growth—all without digging up your yard or driveway.

We proudly serve Troy, Dayton, Vandalia, and the surrounding Miami Valley communities.

Think You Might Have Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line?

The sooner you catch it, the easier (and cheaper) it is to fix. Call CPR (937) 703-1811 to schedule a video inspection or trenchless repair estimate today.