Sewer Root Removal Services in Oak Lawn, IL

Tree roots can enter sewer lines through cracks, joints, or other openings and create recurring blockages or restricted flow. Bonanno Sewer & Drain provides sewer root removal services in Oak Lawn and surrounding suburbs to help address certain root obstructions inside accessible sewer and drain lines.

What Causes Tree Roots to Enter Sewer Lines

Tree roots naturally seek moisture and nutrients, which can make sewer lines attractive when there are openings or weakened areas in the pipe. Roots may enter through cracks, separated joints, damaged sections, or other points where the pipe is no longer fully sealed.

Why Tree Roots Can Cause Recurring Sewer Problems

Once roots enter a sewer line, they can catch debris and contribute to additional buildup inside the pipe. This can restrict flow and create blockages that return after the line has been cleared. Removing the immediate root obstruction can restore flow, but recurring root intrusion may indicate an underlying pipe condition that should be evaluated.

Signs of Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line

Tree-root intrusion can cause recurring drainage problems and sewer blockages. The symptoms can overlap with other sewer problems, so recurring issues may require further evaluation to determine the actual cause.

Think You Have Roots in Your Sewer Line?

The symptoms of root intrusion can look similar to other sewer problems. A sewer camera inspection may help identify whether roots are present and provide a better view of the condition of the accessible section of the pipe.

When Is Sewer Root Removal Needed

Sewer root removal may be appropriate when tree roots are obstructing an accessible sewer or drain line and interfering with normal flow. Root removal addresses the immediate obstruction, but recurring root intrusion may require additional evaluation to determine whether there is an underlying pipe problem.

Does Root Removal Fix the Sewer Pipe

Not necessarily. Root removal can address the roots currently obstructing the line, but it does not repair cracks, separated joints, damaged pipe, or other structural problems that may have allowed the roots to enter. If root intrusion continues, further evaluation may be appropriate.

When Is a Sewer Camera Inspection Recommended?

A camera inspection may be useful when root intrusion is suspected, particularly when blockages keep returning or there are concerns about the condition of the sewer line. Seeing the inside of the accessible portion of the pipe can provide additional information about roots, buildup, cracks, separated joints, and other potential problems.

How Sewer Root Removal Works

Sewer root removal uses specialized mechanical equipment to help cut through or clear certain root obstructions inside an accessible sewer or drain line. The equipment and approach depend on the location of the roots, the characteristics of the pipe, and the severity of the obstruction.

Root Removal Is Not the Same as Pipe Repair

Removing roots from a sewer line addresses the obstruction, but it does not repair a damaged or deteriorated pipe. If roots have entered through cracks, separated joints, or another damaged area, the underlying pipe condition may need additional evaluation.

Root Removal vs. Sewer Rodding

Sewer root removal and sewer rodding can both involve mechanical equipment, but the purpose of the service can be different. Root removal specifically addresses root obstructions, while sewer rodding may be used to address a broader range of certain mechanical blockages. The appropriate approach depends on the condition of the sewer line and the obstruction affecting it.

Sewer Root Removal

Root removal focuses specifically on tree-root obstructions inside a sewer or drain line. Specialized cutting equipment may be used to break through or clear roots that are restricting flow.

Sewer Rodding

Sewer rodding is a broader mechanical cleaning method that may be used to address certain sewer and drain obstructions, including some debris, organic material, and certain root obstructions.


If you're unsure whether roots are causing your sewer problem, a professional evaluation can help determine whether root removal, sewer rodding, camera inspection, hydro jetting, or another approach may be appropriate.

Our Sewer Root Removal Process

Every root intrusion problem is different. Bonanno Sewer & Drain evaluates the symptoms, access point, location of the obstruction, and condition of the accessible sewer line to determine the appropriate approach.

Root Removal May Not Eliminate Future Root Growth

Removing roots from inside a sewer line can address the immediate obstruction, but roots may return if the underlying entry point remains. If recurring root intrusion is suspected, evaluating the condition of the pipe can help determine whether additional work may be necessary.

Sewer Root Removal for Residential & Commercial Properties

Tree-root intrusion can affect homes, businesses, restaurants, HOAs, and other properties. Bonanno Sewer & Drain provides sewer root removal services when roots are obstructing an accessible sewer or drain line and mechanical removal is an appropriate solution.

Residential Sewer Root Removal

Residential sewer lines can develop recurring blockages when tree roots enter through cracks, separated joints, or other openings. Root removal may help address the immediate obstruction and restore drainage.

  • Recurring sewer backups

  • Tree roots in sewer lines

  • Multiple drains backing up

  • Repeated main-line clogs

  • Restricted sewer flow

  • Root-related drainage problems

Commercial Sewer Root Removal

Root intrusion can also affect commercial properties, restaurants, HOAs, and multi-unit buildings. Bonanno Sewer & Drain can evaluate recurring sewer blockages and determine whether root removal is an appropriate solution.

  • Commercial sewer blockages

  • Restaurant drainage problems

  • HOA and multi-unit sewer lines

  • Recurring main-line clogs

  • Root-related restrictions

  • Repeated sewer backups

Recurring Root Problems May Require Further Evaluation

If roots repeatedly return after removal, the underlying pipe may have a crack, separated joint, damaged section, or another condition allowing roots to enter. A sewer camera inspection may help provide additional information about the accessible portion of the line.

When tree roots are causing sewer problems, clearing the immediate obstruction is only part of the picture. Bonanno Sewer & Drain focuses on understanding the symptoms, using the appropriate equipment, and helping customers understand what may be causing recurring problems.

Why Choose Bonanno Sewer & Drain?

When you're dealing with a clogged drain, sewer backup, or recurring blockage, you want a company that takes the problem seriously. Bonanno Sewer & Drain is a family-owned sewer and drain company focused on providing straightforward service and helping customers understand what's happening with their drainage system.

Root Removal FAQ

Need Help With Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line?

Recurring sewer backups can have multiple causes. If you suspect tree roots are obstructing your sewer line, contact Bonanno Sewer & Drain to discuss the problem and determine the appropriate next step.