Removing Tree Roots from Sewers All Over Chicagoland

Older homes are notorious for problems with tree roots in the sewer line because old sewage pipes were made of clay and joined together with mortar.  Mortar crumbles over time under ground just like the mortar around bricks above the ground.  Tree roots grow into the pipe at the broken connection and may cause your sewer line to back up, sending raw sewage into the house. If the roots grow big enough, they may rupture sewer lines, forcing you to repair or replace  the sewer line.

When a tree sends out its tiny roots in search of water and organic nutrients, the cracks in the mortar between the pipe joints make perfect entry points for small roots.  They find a well of moisture and nutrition in your sewer and they start to grow inside along the pipe.  We often see whole neighborhoods that need sewer repairs about the same time due to deteriorating sewer lines which all happen at the same time. There are many other reasons for a clog or a break in the line such as a sheared sewer. Once the pipe is broken or the sewer line clogged there are only a few options:

Sewer Rodding and Sewer Rootering to Cut through Tree Roots

Sewer rodding – aka drain cleaning, sewer rootering, rooter. Sewer rodding is done with a heavy piece of equipment that has long cables which hook together to reach up to about 100’.  The end of the cable has a cutting head attached to it to cut through roots and debris.  There are many sizes and styles of cutting heads for different diameter pipes and different types of clogs.  Sewer lines are usually 6” so a 6” cutting head is needed to thoroughly clean the pipe.  If there is no 6” opening to the sewer a smaller cutting head may need to be used but it is not as effective since it just carves out a narrow opening through the roots allowing the roots to continue to snag paper and debris causing another clog.

High Pressure Jetting to Unclog Chicagoland Sewer Lines

Jetting is performed by high pressure water which can cut through the roots (similar to power washing). Jetting is used to clean out other debris such as grease and solids in the sewer line. Your experienced Scottish Plumber will suggest which tool is needed to take care of your specific needs.

Professional Sewer Line Repairs in Chicagoland and Surrounding Suburbs

Sewer line repairs are often made by replacing a section of the pipe at the site of the root intrusion. This is the best solution and a permanent fix in most cases. Many plumbers will suggest the homeowner install a clean-out pipe at the time of the repair.  This is a vertical pipe the same diameter as the sewer pipe and it is installed in the yard so if any future rodding is needed there is adequate access to the sewer.

Chicago Sewer Line Excavation and Replacement

Sewer line replacement may be needed to replace the whole pipe if it has deteriorated over the years and several breaks are seen. This can be done by excavating the area along & above the pipe.  This can be a large expense and leave a big mess in your yard. Sometimes there is no choice but to dig. A newer technology called sewer relining avoids digging and more often than not can be performed.

Expert Sewer Relining by Local Chicagoland Plumbers

Sewer Relining came on the market about 15 years ago.  Instead of removing the old pipe this technology relines the old pipe.  The lining material once in place is cured and the semi soft material becomes a new hard pipe with no joints to breakdown over time. The Scottish Plumber has the equipment, experience and licensing to reline sewers in the Chicago Metro area.

In-Pipe Video Inspection for Chicago Sewer Lines

Video Inspection is done by a lighted sewer camera on a long cable.  A video of your sewer line is taken to determine what your needs are.  Your plumber will look into the sewer and discuss the options once he sees what he’s dealing with.  He will be able give you a copy of the tape or CD once he can download the information.  He may be able to show you the root intrusion on the video screen while he is there. A sewer rodding must be performed in order to get the camera through the sewer. Pipe Bursting is sometimes requested but it is not allowed in Chicago. The Scottish Plumber has a sewer video camera. If you have been experiencing frequent back ups then this tool can explain why.  Please let the dispatcher know you need the video inspection of your sewer line.

Call the Scottish Plumber today to diagnose snd solve your Sewer and Drain problems. 888-451-6137