Tree roots are one of the most common and costly threats to a septic system. If you have large
trees or dense shrubs anywhere near your septic tank or drain field, their roots could already be
causing damage—whether you see the signs or not.

Roots are constantly seeking out moisture and nutrients, and your septic system has plenty of
both. Small leaks in a septic tank or saturated soil around a drain field can attract nearby roots.
Once roots find their way in—through tiny cracks in the tank, loose pipe connections, or the
porous gravel of a drain field—they begin to grow rapidly.

Unlike a single root that sneaks into a sewer line, root intrusion in a septic system can be
widespread. Roots can break through tank walls, clog inlet or outlet pipes, and even weave
through the drain field trenches. Over time, this reduces the system’s ability to process
wastewater and can lead to backups, pooling water, and system failure.

Signs Your Septic System May Be Under Attack
● Slow-draining sinks, tubs, or toilets
● Gurgling sounds in your plumbing
● Sewage odors near the tank or drain field
● Lush, unusually green patches of grass over your drain field
● Frequent need to pump your tank earlier than expected
● Wet or soggy areas in your yard that don’t dry out
At Drain-Pro, we use specialized camera inspections and system evaluations to locate root
intrusion without unnecessary digging. If roots are found, we can:
● Mechanically cut and remove root masses from pipes or the inlet/outlet of your tank
● Treat the system with root-inhibiting solutions that kill roots inside the system
without harming the tank or the environment
● Repair or replace compromised pipes or components before further damage occurs
● Evaluate your drain field for saturation and recommend next steps to restore function

The best approach to root intrusion is prevention. Keep trees and shrubs at least 30 feet away
from your tank and drain field, and avoid planting aggressive root systems nearby. Regular
septic inspections also help catch issues early—before they turn into emergencies.

If you suspect root intrusion or just want peace of mind, Drain-Pro can help. We’ve seen the
damage roots can do, and we know how to stop