Springtime in Utah means new growth for your trees, but those beautiful trees could be causing hidden headaches beneath the surface. Tree roots can sneak into your sewer lines, leading to costly clogs, backups, and even expensive repairs. As you plan your landscaping this season and beyond, it’s important to understand how tree roots can target your plumbing—and what you can do to protect it.

Read on to learn how sewer camera inspections and hydro jetting can prevent and fix root problems before they wreak havoc on your sewer line. Discover which trees to avoid planting near your sewer lines and how to keep your pipes safe. With a little proactive care, you can help save your pipes (and your wallet) from root trouble.

Why Tree Roots Cause Sewer Line Problems

Roots love sewer lines! Tree roots are always searching for water, oxygen, and nutrients, and unfortunately, sewer lines provide all three. If there’s even the smallest crack or loose joint in a pipe, roots detect the leak and make their way inside to feast.

What happens next?

Schedule annual sewer camera inspections. Early detection of tree root intrusion is much more cost-effective than waiting for signs of a major backup or structural damage.
Keep up with hydro jetting every 1-3 years for mature yards with a tree history.
Watch for warning signs indoors and outdoors. Unexplained clogs, slow drains, and lush grass patches above pipes can all mean roots are moving in.

A little prevention can save you thousands on repairs and extend the life of your plumbing!

Protect Your Plumbing from Root Damage—with Help from Black Diamond Experts

Tree roots don’t have to ruin your plumbing—let Black Diamond Experts help keep your pipes safe. With regular sewer camera inspections, the right tree choices, and proven hydro jetting services, you can prevent tree root damage from affecting your Utah home.

If you suspect tree roots are invading your sewer line, notice slow drains, or want to take proactive steps to protect your plumbing, contact Black Diamond Experts today. We specialize in hydro jet drain cleaning and root removal, and our experienced technicians know Utah’s trees and plumbing inside and out.

Opt for small, slow-growing trees near sewer lines to minimize root intrusion.

Replace trees every 8-10 years if you prefer faster-growing species. Even slow-growing trees can become a problem after a decade.
Consult Blue Stakes of Utah 811 before planting any trees or shrubs to ensure you avoid existing underground utilities. Call 811 to “Call Before You Dig” for damage prevention tips and safe digging guidelines in Utah.
Consider your future plans. If you’re upgrading or replacing sewer lines, design your landscape to keep new trees well away from the pipes.

Regular Maintenance

Dogwood
Serviceberry
Flowering plum
Redbud

Bamboo can also work if its surface-rooting growth is carefully controlled. For extra peace of mind, plant shrubs and trees at least 10-20 feet away from sewer lines.

How to Prevent Future Tree Root Issues in Your Sewer Line

Smart planting and regular care can go a long way toward keeping your sewer lines root-free.

Tree Selection Tips

Japanese maple
Ash
Elm
Poplar
Oak

These species grow quickly and have aggressive root systems that easily infiltrate sewer pipes in search of water and nutrients—even the tiniest pipe leaks or cracks! To prevent costly damage to your plumbing, avoid planting these trees near your sewer lines.

“Sewer-Safe” Alternatives for Utah Yards

If you want shade without the sewer headaches, choose trees or shrubs with shallow, non-invasive root systems.

Some great options for Utah yards include:

Silver maple
Willow species (especially the weeping willow)

High-pressurized water blasts away roots, grease, and sludge, removing potential buildups that could cause clogs.
No harsh chemicals needed—just water, so it’s safe for your pipes and the environment.
Flexible hoses and special nozzles ensure the entire pipe interior gets cleaned.
Ideal for recurring or heavy root problems where basic snaking just won’t cut it.

While hydro jetting clears out existing roots, it doesn’t stop new roots from finding old cracks. Combining hydro jetting with sewer camera inspections, pipe repairs, and smart landscaping is the best long-term solution to manage tree root issues.

Trees to Avoid Planting Near Sewer Lines in Utah

Some trees are more prone to sending invasive roots into sewer lines, particularly those that grow quickly and seek out water. Common trees that cause pipe trouble in Utah include:

No guesswork involved: Camera inspections provide a clear view of what needs fixing, allowing for precise repairs.
Identify root blockages and pipe damage: A camera inspection shows exactly where the roots are getting in and the current condition of your pipes, ensuring a targeted solution.
Catch root intrusions before they cause further, more significant damage: Early detection allows you to address root intrusion before it leads to major issues like backups or damage to your home’s foundation.

Hydro Jetting: A Powerful Solution for Clearing Tree Roots

Hydro jetting is one of the most effective ways to clear tree roots and debris from Utah sewer lines.

Unlike snaking, which can only punch through blockages, hydro jetting cleans the interior of your sewer line. It can quickly restore full pipe flow, prevent backups, and buy you valuable time before future root growth.

Here’s how it works:

Gurgling noises: If you hear strange gurgling sounds from your drains or toilets, it might mean there’s air trapped in the pipes due to root blockages.
Bad odors: Unpleasant smells coming from drains could be a sign of a backup, often caused by roots invading the sewer lines and slowing the flow of waste.
Lush patches of grass: If you notice unusually lush or green areas of grass, it could be a sign that tree roots are feeding off moisture leaking from cracks in your sewer or water lines.
Standing water: Puddles or standing water in your yard, particularly over where pipes are buried, can also indicate leaks in your water line caused by root intrusion.

If you spot any of these signs, it’s a good idea to get a professional inspection to catch potential problems early and avoid more costly repairs.

How Sewer Camera Inspections Detect and Locate Root Issues

A sewer camera inspection involves sending a small, high-definition camera through your pipes. This allows your drains technician to show you the condition of your pipes in real time. This provides immediate benefits, including:

Frequent clogs: Persistent clogs in your sinks, toilets, or showers can be a sign that tree roots are restricting the flow of waste and water.
Slow drains: If your drains are taking longer than usual to empty, it could mean roots are blocking the flow of water in your pipes.

Roots begin to grow inside the pipe, lapping up moisture and expanding over time.
As they grow, they form a tough and stubborn barrier in your pipes and widen the crack.
The root buildup slows wastewater flow, leading to clogs or backups in your home.

Older pipes made of clay, concrete, cast iron, or Orangeburg (a type of pipe made from wood pulp and coal tar pitch) are especially vulnerable to root penetration. Many homes in Utah, especially those built before the 1980s, still have these pipes. That means root problems are common in cities like Orem, Salt Lake City, Provo, and St. George. When roots grow into the pipes, they can cause blockages and expensive repairs.

Signs of Root Intrusion in Your Sewer Lines

Tree roots can be sneaky, making their way into your sewer lines without much warning. Here are some common signs that roots may be causing problems in your pipes: