Tree Roots in PVC Sewer Line Possible?

Question

I had a call from the PM for one of my rentals saying the sewer line was backed-up.  This house is only 30 years old, so assume that the line is PVC.  I was under the impression that PVC withstood tree roots.  Is it possible for tree roots to get into PVC?

I've had to replace old clay pipes due to roots, but am surprised to get this call.  Maybe there's an offset joint or crack?

This property is in southern Indiana. It does get cold, but would be surprised as well if the line could freeze.

Nina Shell · Answer

I have had this thing happen with one of my homes and the company ran a camera as mentioned before/ above. If I recall correctly that was a few hundred dollars just for diagnosis. If they pulled back roots, you might be able to skip that step. However, I think the camera helped them know exactly where the issue began which is important for remediation.

Justin Tahilramani · Answer

With it being a relatively newer property I imagine that there is a clean out that a plumber can use to clear the line. My first assumption would not be tree roots, but its certainly possible, especially if there is a crack in the line somewhere. The good news is that if you can isolate the problem area it should be a relatively simple fix.

George W. · Answer

As a plumber I will tell you that's a very common misconception about PVC. I pull roots out of all types of sewers on pretty much a daily basis.

Matthew Paul · Answer

If you wanted to buy some time , find a plumming outfit with a "Jet Rodder ) Its a trailer mounted machine , basically a heavy duty power washer with lots of force . They send it down the pipe and blast the roots away and the debris goes down the sewer .

Now a good camera also has a locater on it , a plumber can send it down the pipe after its cleared and then locate where the break is and the depth . It could be a permant fix . but you are looking at $1500 to $2500 in my area

Filipe Pereira · Answer

Yes, tree roots can crush PVC pipe, and definitely within 30 years. See here: Youtube Link

You can spend the money on a camera snake, but if your PM saw tree roots coming out with the plumber when the plumber sent the auger in, I'd say that's good enough evidence for me. Trees in the front yard and thus tree roots are definitely something to think about when buying properties. Can't say that it's something I personally have given too much thought to, however. We did have one client in CT who had a crushed clay pipe as you mentioned. There's products you can buy on amazon that helps stop the tree roots that is flushable through the toilet. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Roebic-...

Daniel A. · Answer

What is it that brings you to conclude that it is the tree roots causing the back-up? Tree roots are a surprising force underground as they grow and expand. They can, although rarely, cause damage to PVC pipes. Could it be that some tenants flushed something other than human matter and toilet paper down the toilets? I have been hearing that a lot of property managers have been dealing with back-ups recently thanks in part to a lack of toilet paper.

Matthew Paul · Answer

Doubtful it froze . But yes roots can get into pvc pipe . if the pipe wasnt bedded correctly a joint could have opened up a small bit allowing roots . When backfilled a rock could have cracked the pipe .  The only way to verify is a camera

Patricia Steiner · Answer

Tree roots - primarily oaks - are a big issue in my market. They wreck havoc on all things plumbing.  Here's the "symptoms:"

Signs of a root clog in a sewer or drain line (source: https://info.kensplumbing.net/blog/signs-that-tree-roots-may-be-clogging-your-underground-pipes)

• Frequent, unexplained clogs in toilets, tubs, or sinks.
• Frequent toilet backups.
• Gurgling sounds.
• Water draining slowly from the tub or sink.

In two recent cases, there was backup coming into the walk-in shower and a toilet was forever clogged.  What added to the chaos of this was that it occurred after a renovation so there was a lot of time wasted exploring all the other possibilities when a 100 year old oak sat out front laughing its head off while breaking through the pipes.

Hope it's not this...

Paul Shannon · Answer

Thanks for the replies all.  I should have mentioned that my PM sent a plumber over there and was told by the plumber that he ran an auger bit into the sewer line and was pulling out tree roots.  I have no reason not to trust my PM, but don't know the plumbing company, etc.  Trying to understand if this is valid and a black swan situation, or if tree roots in PVC is more common than I think.

Tree Roots in PVC Sewer Line Possible?

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