Tree roots and sewer lines are a bad combination—especially because the problem often builds slowly. At first, it might look like a “random clog.” Then it becomes a recurring backup. And eventually, it can turn into a damaged sewer line that needs repair.
If you’re in Cumming, GA and your drains keep slowing down, gurgling, or backing up, tree roots could be the reason. When you call us at Specialty Plumbing and Drain LLC, our master plumber can confirm what’s happening with a video camera inspection, explain your options clearly, and help you choose the most practical fix—whether that’s cleaning, ongoing maintenance, or trenchless plumbing repair if the pipe is damaged. We’re a 5-star Google-rated team and we provide emergency plumbing services when the situation can’t wait.

Why tree roots get into sewer lines in the first place

Roots don’t “hunt” for sewer lines on purpose—but they do hunt for moisture. Sewer lines can develop tiny openings over time, such as:

• Small cracks in the pipe
• Separated joints
• Deterioration in older materials
• Shifting soil that causes misalignment

Once roots find that moisture source, they can grow into the pipe and create a web that catches toilet paper and debris. Over time, the opening gets worse, the roots get thicker, and clogs become more frequent.

The most common signs of tree roots in sewer lines

Here are the warning signs we see most often in Cumming-area homes. One sign alone doesn’t guarantee roots—but a pattern of these symptoms is a strong clue.

1) Recurring clogs that keep coming back

This is the biggest red flag.

If you clear a clog and it returns weeks later (or even days later), that’s often because the blockage wasn’t just “stuff in the pipe.” Roots can act like a net inside the line, catching debris repeatedly.

A plunger or basic snaking might provide temporary relief, but it usually won’t solve the underlying root intrusion long-term.

2) Slow drains in multiple fixtures

A single slow sink can be a localized clog. But if you’re noticing:

• Slow toilets and slow showers
• Multiple sinks draining sluggishly
• A “whole house” slow drain feeling
• That can point to a restriction deeper in the system—often in the main sewer line where roots commonly intrude.

3) Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains

When the sewer line is partially blocked, air can get trapped and forced back through fixtures. You may hear:

• Gurgling after flushing
• Bubbling in the toilet bowl
• “Glugging” sounds when the shower drains
• Gurgling is your plumbing system telling you it’s struggling to move wastewater the way it should.

4) Toilet bubbling when you run water elsewhere

If you run a sink or shower and notice the toilet bowl bubbling, that can be a sign of a developing main line restriction. Roots are a common cause because they narrow the pipe and disrupt flow.

5) Sewage odors inside or outside the home

Root intrusion can slow drainage and cause waste to sit longer in the line. That can lead to odors, especially if the blockage is worsening. If you smell sewage:

• In a bathroom
• Near a cleanout
• Outside near the foundation

Call us. Our master plumber will take it seriously and help you avoid a full backup.

6) Backups in the lowest fixtures (especially tubs/showers)

When the main sewer line is restricted, backups often appear in the lowest points of the home. You might see:

• Water backing up into a tub when you flush
• A shower filling with water during laundry
• A lowest-level toilet overflowing or draining poorly

If you’re seeing active backups, call us immediately for emergency plumbing services. The faster we stop the backup, the more damage you can prevent.

7) Problems get worse after heavy rain (sometimes)

Not every sewer issue is rain-related, but in some cases, heavy rain can worsen symptoms if:

• The line is already compromised
• Soil shifts around the pipe
• Infiltration increases around damaged sections

If you notice a pattern—“it always acts up when it rains”—that’s a good reason to schedule a camera inspection.

8) You have large trees near the sewer line route

If you have mature trees in the front yard, near the street, or along the likely sewer line path, root intrusion becomes more likely—especially in older neighborhoods.

Even small cracks can invite roots over time.

How we confirm roots (without guessing): video camera inspection

The only way to know for sure is to look.

When you call us, our master plumber can perform a video plumbing inspection to:

• Confirm whether roots are present
• Locate exactly where they’re entering the line
• Determine whether the pipe is cracked, offset, or collapsing
• Decide whether cleaning is enough or repair is needed

This is also the best way to avoid spending money on repeated “temporary fixes.”

What happens if you ignore tree roots in a sewer line?

Roots rarely stay the same—they grow. Ignoring the issue can lead to:

• More frequent clogs and backups
• Increased risk of sewage overflow inside the home
• Pipe damage that worsens over time
• Higher repair costs later (because the pipe condition can deteriorate)

If you’ve already had more than one clog in a short period, it’s usually cheaper to diagnose and address the cause now than to keep paying for repeat drain clearing.

How we fix tree root problems in sewer lines

The right solution depends on two things:

How severe the root intrusion is
Whether the pipe is structurally sound
Here are the most common paths we recommend after inspection.

Option 1: Clear the roots and restore flow (when the pipe is still in good shape)

If the pipe is intact and the root intrusion is manageable, we can clear the line and get it flowing again. In some cases, hydro jetting may be appropriate to clean the pipe walls more thoroughly and remove buildup that’s getting caught on roots.
This can be a good solution when:

• Roots are present but not causing major structural damage
• The homeowner wants the least invasive, most immediate fix
• We can pair it with a maintenance plan to reduce recurrence

Option 2: Repair the damaged section (when roots are entering through cracks/joints)

If roots are entering through a damaged area, clearing the roots alone won’t stop them from coming back. The long-term fix is to repair the entry point.

Depending on the situation, our master plumber may recommend trenchless plumbing repair. Trenchless methods can often fix underground sewer line problems with less disruption than traditional digging, when the line qualifies.

Option 3: Replace a failing line (when the pipe is collapsing or beyond repair)

If the camera inspection shows collapse, severe offset joints, or extensive damage, replacement may be necessary. We’ll explain what we found, show you the footage when possible, and walk you through the most practical plan. Our goal is to be transparent—so you understand what’s urgent, what can wait, and what the smartest long-term move is.

Can you prevent tree roots from getting into your sewer line?

You can’t control tree growth, but you can reduce risk by:

• Avoiding flushing wipes and heavy paper products (they snag easily)
• Scheduling proactive inspections if you’ve had repeat clogs
• Addressing small issues early before they become backups
• Having us evaluate the line if you’re buying a home with mature trees

If you’ve had one root-related clog already, a follow-up camera inspection later can help confirm whether the line is stable or getting worse.

Why homeowners in Cumming call us for sewer line problems

Root intrusion can be frustrating because it’s not always obvious—and it’s easy to waste money on repeated quick fixes.
When you call us at Specialty Plumbing and Drain LLC, you’re getting a 5-star Google rated team led by an Unrestricted Master Plumber. We’re known for being professional, informative, transparent, and timely. We also have the tools to handle the full situation:

• Emergency plumbing services for active backups
• Video plumbing inspections to confirm the cause
• Trenchless plumbing repair options when the pipe is damaged

And if the issue turns out to involve the supply side, we can also help with trenchless water line repair in qualifying cases
Think you have tree roots in your sewer line in Cumming, GA? Call us.

If you’re seeing recurring clogs, gurgling drains, sewage odors, or backups, don’t wait for it to become a full sewage overflow. Contact us at Specialty Plumbing and Drain LLC. Our master plumber will help you get answers fast with a camera inspection, explain your options clearly, and get your sewer line flowing the way it should—without guesswork.