Tree roots are one of the most common causes of sewer backups on Long Island. Roots look for moisture and nutrients, and a sewer line is both. Even a hairline crack or a loose joint lets fine roots in, and once inside they catch grease and paper until the line blocks.
Rapid Response Cesspool uses root-cutting equipment followed by high-pressure water jetting to clear roots from sewer and drain lines in Nassau and Suffolk County. For a backup, call (631) 383-4797. We answer 24/7.
Call (631) 383-4797 Request a free estimate
How root removal works
We find a cleanout and run a cutting head through the line to cut the roots back to the pipe wall. Then we flush the line with hydro jetting to wash out the debris so the pipe is open again. Where useful, we run a video camera afterward to check the pipe for damage.
Signs of roots in the line
- Slow drains or gurgling toilets that come back every few months
- Backups in the lowest drain in the house
- Sewage odors near the yard or house
- Mature trees or large shrubs near the line
- A previous cleaning that came back with roots
Roots will come back unless the cause is addressed
Cutting removes the roots in the pipe but not the opening they used. Fine roots usually regrow, so lines with root problems often benefit from periodic cleaning. If a camera shows cracked or separated pipe, a sewer line repair addresses the cause. We will tell you what we see and what we recommend. You get a free estimate before scheduled work.
Roots can also affect cesspools and the pipes feeding them; see cesspool repair. Our homeowner guide to root intrusion has more detail.
Where we work
We serve Bay Shore, Islip, Huntington, Smithtown, Deer Park and towns across Suffolk and Nassau County.
Sewer Line Root Removal FAQ
Can tree roots really get into a sewer line?
Yes. Roots enter through cracks, loose joints and worn seals, then grow inside the pipe and catch debris until the line blocks.
How do you remove the roots?
We cut them with root-cutting equipment, then flush the line with high-pressure water jetting to clear the debris.
Will the roots grow back?
Often, yes, because the opening they used is still there. Periodic cleaning can keep the line clear, and if the pipe is damaged a repair addresses the cause.
Do I need to remove the tree?
Not necessarily. Many lines are kept clear by cleaning on a schedule. We can tell you what we see in the line and discuss options.
Do you offer this in an emergency?
Yes. Call (631) 383-4797. We answer 24/7 for sewer backups in Nassau and Suffolk County.
Talk to us
Call (631) 383-4797, 24/7, or request a free estimate online. Related: what affects cesspool and sewer service costs.