Quick Answer
Okay, so here's the quick version. You've got tree roots getting into places they shouldn't, like your plumbing and under your foundation. It starts with slow drains or small cracks and can turn into a five-figure nightmare. Most of the time, it's a thirsty root system finding a small leak. The fix? It can be as simple as a $15-$60 bottle of root killer for your pipes. Or it could be a full-on foundation underpinning that'll set you back $10,000 to $50,000 or more. Catching it early is everything. Don't ignore the small stuff.
Common Symptoms
Possible Causes
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1
Use your eyes. Walk your property and look for visible signs like heaved concrete, cracks in the foundation, or suspicious sinkholes near large trees.
Step 2
Pay attention to your plumbing. If all drains in the house are slow or backing up, the problem is likely in the main sewer line, a classic symptom of root intrusion.
Step 3
Call a plumber for a sewer camera inspection. This is the only way to know for sure if roots are inside your pipes and how bad the damage is. Don't skip this.
Step 4
Check your home's structure. Look for sticking doors and windows. Use a long level to check for sloped floors or bowing foundation walls, which indicate movement.
Step 5
If you see significant foundation cracks (horizontal or wider than a quarter-inch), it's time to call a structural engineer or a foundation repair specialist for a professional assessment.
DIY vs Professional Costs
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
Chemical Root Killer (Pipes) | $15 - $60 | $150 - $300 | 1 hour |
Hydro-Jetting (Pipes) | Not a DIY job | $300 - $1,000 | 2-4 hours |
Sewer Camera Inspection | Not a DIY job | $250 - $600 | 1-2 hours |
Sewer Pipe Spot Repair/Lining | Not a DIY job | $1,000 - $6,000+ | 1-2 days |
Minor Foundation Crack Repair (Epoxy/Polyurethane) | $50 - $200 | $500 - $2,000 | 4-8 hours |
Foundation Underpinning | Definitely NOT a DIY job | $10,000 - $50,000+ | 1-3 weeks |
Tree Removal | DIY is highly dependent on tree size/equipment; Pro cost accurate for an arborist | $200 - $2,000+ (depending on size, location, and complexity) | 1 day |
When to Call a Professional Tree Service
- When your drains keep backing up despite your best efforts with plungers or consumer-grade snakes. It means the root mass is too big.
- The moment you see a significant crack in your foundation, especially a horizontal one in a block wall. Don't wait.
- If a sewer camera inspection reveals that your pipe is bellied (sagging) or collapsed. That requires excavation or professional relining.
- When you need to remove a large, mature tree that is close to your house or power lines. Call a certified arborist—it's not worth the risk.
Prevention Tips
- Plant smart! Choose trees with non-aggressive root systems (like Dogwoods or Japanese Maples) and plant them far away from your house and utility lines.
- Install a root barrier. If you have a problematic tree you want to keep, burying a deep plastic barrier can deflect roots away from your foundation and pipes.
- Fix all water leaks immediately. Don't give roots a reason to come looking. That means fixing leaky spigots, bad sprinklers, and ensuring your gutters drain far from the foundation.
- If you have an older home with mature trees, consider getting a proactive sewer camera inspection every few years to catch root problems before they become major blockages.
- When it's time to replace your old sewer line, use modern, root-resistant materials like seamless PVC instead of old-style pipes with vulnerable joints.
Frequently Asked Questions
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