When a Sewer Line Still “Works” Until It Doesn’t

A Real-World Example of Root Intrusion and a Targeted Sewer Repair

We recently helped a homeowner who had been quietly managing a sewer issue for years without realizing how severe it had become.

Like many sewer problems, it didn’t start with a sudden failure. It developed slowly and, for a long time, appeared manageable.

The Early Years

In 2013, the city completed work on the sewer lateral from the property line to the main connection. After that work was completed, the sewer system functioned normally for several years with no noticeable issues.

When Sewer Line Problems Began to Appear

Around six to seven years later, roughly 2019 to 2020, the homeowner began experiencing intermittent sewer backups, about once per year.

Each time, he was able to restore flow by clearing the line through the cleanout using a blow bag. The fix worked, and the system returned to normal operation. Because the issue was infrequent and resolved each time, there was little indication that a more serious problem was developing underground.

Over time, however, the situation gradually worsened.

The Turning Point

About four to six months ago, the homeowner experienced another sewer backup. With the rainy season approaching, he became increasingly concerned about the risk of repeated backups and the possibility of dealing with them during storms.

At that point, he decided it was time to stop relying on temporary fixes and get a clearer picture of what was happening underground.

The Camera Inspection

A sewer camera inspection identified damage at a banded connection, where tree roots had caused a partial collapse. The homeowner was told that approximately 30% of the line at that location had been compromised, preventing the camera from advancing further.

Because the camera could not move past the collapsed section, the inspection could not show what conditions were like further down the sewer line.

Based on what could be seen, the homeowner was presented with options, including a full sewer line replacement and a repair focused on the damaged section.

Important note:

While McCray & Sons Home Services does not perform sewer camera inspections in-house, we frequently work alongside trusted local professionals who specialize in diagnostic camera inspections. When inspections are needed, we are always happy to help point homeowners in the right direction so they can make informed decisions before moving forward with repairs.

Why He Reached Out to Us

The homeowner had worked with McCray & Sons Home Services before and already had an established level of trust with our team. He values keeping things local and wanted to explore whether a targeted repair could resolve the issue without replacing more of the sewer line than necessary.

Our pricing was in line with what he had already been quoted, and he felt confident moving forward with a company he knew and trusted.

What We Found

Once the affected area was excavated, it became clear that the damage visible on the camera inspection was only part of the problem.

Inside the sewer line was a dense mass of tree roots that had completely filled the pipe. What appeared to be a single intrusion was actually a bundle of roots forming a solid obstruction.

The most compact portion of the root mass measured roughly two feet, with additional roots extending and tapering inside the line for a total length of approximately five feet. At its worst, the roots fully encompassed the pipe's entire diameter.

It was honestly surprising that wastewater had been able to move through the line at all.

The Repair

The damaged section of the sewer line was removed, the root intrusion was cleared, and the line was properly reconnected. After confirming full flow, the area was backfilled and leveled.

The sewer line was restored to normal operation, and the homeowner was back in service the same day.

What Homeowners Can Take Away From This

This project is a reminder that a sewer line can appear functional for years while significant damage is developing underground.

For older homes, especially those with mature trees nearby, periodic sewer camera inspections can help identify issues early. Even when a camera cannot pass a blockage, a targeted repair may still be a practical and effective solution depending on the situation.

A full replacement is not always the only answer. Sometimes, addressing the problem where it actually exists is enough.