Tree roots
Root Removal Hydro Jetting in Los Angeles: Clearing Tree Roots from Sewer Lines
Short answer: roots do not break a sewer pipe. They follow moisture to a crack or an open joint and grow in. Hydro jetting with a root-cutting nozzle clears the roots from the line, and a camera shows where they came in. It clears the roots but does not seal the entry point.
Signs of roots in the line
- Slow drains that return after cleaning
- Gurgling toilets
- Backups every few months
- Large trees near the sewer line
A camera shows roots directly.
How roots get into a sewer line
Roots need water and oxygen. A sound, tight pipe full of water gives them neither, so they do not grow inside it by themselves.
According to a City of Cleveland guide on tree roots in sewers, cracked or leaking service lines let water and air escape into the soil, and roots follow that trail back to the pipe. The same guide says roots do not break pipes and enter through damage that is already there. Clay pipe joints are a common entry point, and roots widen them over time.
That is why a root problem is really a pipe problem. Removing the roots clears the line, but the opening is still there.
Last updated October 2026.
Why this matters in Los Angeles
Many Los Angeles homes are older, and many older laterals were built with clay pipe and short joints. Large trees along streets and in yards add to the pressure.
Whether a line is a root risk depends on the pipe, the joints and the trees nearby, not on the neighborhood name. A camera shows your line.
We do not have a count of root-related backups in LA, and we do not claim one.
Signs of root intrusion
- Backups, often the first sign. Homeowners usually see few early signs because the lateral is buried.
- Slow drains that return a few weeks or months after a snake or jetting.
- Gurgling and slow flushing in more than one fixture.
- Roots found at the cleanout or on a snake head.
See signs of a clogged sewer line for the full list.
How roots are removed
| Method | What it does | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hydro jetting with a root-cutting nozzle | Water cuts and flushes roots out of the line | Cleans the wall too, and clears fine hairs |
| Mechanical cutter or auger | A rotating blade cuts the root mass | Good for thick roots, then followed by a camera |
| Foaming root treatment | A treatment applied by a plumber to slow regrowth | Use only as the label directs |
| Repair or replace the damaged section | Seals or removes the entry point | The lasting fix if the camera shows cracks or open joints |
The same City of Cleveland guide says to avoid rock salt and copper sulfate, which can harm streams and sewers.
What a root-removal visit looks like
- A camera confirms roots and shows where they enter.
- The plumber chooses a root-cutting nozzle or cutter for the root mass.
- Roots are cut and flushed out along the pipe wall.
- A second camera pass shows the line and the entry point.
- You get a written summary and advice on a check schedule.
After the roots are gone
Roots can grow back through the same opening. The same Cleveland guide suggests regular maintenance and that removing the tree does not fix cracked or broken pipe.
- Ask the plumber how fast roots are likely to return.
- Set a camera check schedule from the first visit.
- If the camera shows cracks or open joints, ask about a repair. Cleaning only buys time.
- Do not rely on chemical root killers alone.
Should you remove the tree
Removing the tree does not repair the pipe. If the pipe is cracked or a joint is open, the problem remains and another plant can follow the water. Talk to the plumber first, and to an arborist or the city if the tree is on public land.
What affects the price
Root volume, pipe length and depth, access and whether a camera pass is included. We do not publish a single number. You get a written price before work starts. See the cost page for published market ranges.
Who does the work
Hydro Jetting Los Angeles is a referral service operated by Hydro Jet Pros LA. We are not the plumbing contractor. When you call or send a request, we pass it to Mike Anderson, a local plumber with 12+ years of experience. His team does the work, and you pay the plumber, not us. We speak English and Spanish, and hours are 7 AM to 9 PM.
Sources: City of Cleveland, tree roots in sewers.
Common questions
Can roots break a sewer pipe?
The City of Cleveland guide says roots do not break pipes and enter through existing damage. They can widen a joint over time.
Will hydro jetting stop roots coming back?
No. It clears them, but the opening remains, so roots can regrow.
How do I know roots are the cause?
A camera shows them directly. A snake head with root fibers on it is another sign.
Do chemical root killers work?
Some foaming treatments are used to slow regrowth, applied as the label says. They are not a repair.
Is it worth replacing the pipe?
If the camera shows cracks or open joints, a repair is the lasting fix. The plumber will explain the options and price.
Whose responsibility is the root problem?
If it is in your private lateral, it is yours. The public main belongs to the city. See who is responsible.
Can hydro jetting damage the pipe when cutting roots?
Done with the right nozzle on sound pipe, it is normal. A camera pass first shows whether the pipe can take it.
How do I book?
Call (424) 421-1762.
Roots in your sewer line?
Call and tell us what you are seeing, and a local plumber will talk you through the next step.