7 Austin-Area Trees That Cause the Most Plumbing Damage

(and how to know if your yard is at risk)

If you own a home in Central Texas, the trees in your yard could be quietly destroying your sewer line. Some tree species have aggressive, moisture-seeking roots that break into aging pipes, clog drains, and cause expensive sewer damage—especially in Austin-area homes built before 1986.

Before you face a messy backup or yard excavation, here’s how to tell whether the trees around your property are putting your plumbing at risk.

Why Tree Roots Damage Sewer Lines in Austin

Austin’s soil and climate create the perfect conditions for root intrusion.

1. Clay soil shifts easily

   This movement can crack old pipes or loosen joints, giving roots the perfect entry point.

2. Periods of drought drive roots toward water sources

   Tree roots naturally seek moisture—and your sewer line provides a continuous supply.

3. Older homes (1950–1986) used cast iron pipes

   Cast iron corrodes, flakes, and cracks as it deteriorates. These cracks release tiny amounts of vapor that roots can detect from yards away.

4. Roots can grow 2–7× the height of the tree

   A 40-foot tree may have roots extending 80–280 feet.

   If you live in Round Rock, Austin, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Leander, or Hutto, root-damaged sewer lines are one of the top plumbing issues we see every week.

Tree roots can exploit tiny cracks or holes in your sewer pipes, and use them to invade! It's a very common problem in Central Texas to have tree roots clog, crack and even completely destroy parts of sewer lines. Did you know that tree roots can be 2-7 times as long as the tree is tall? These roots will travel long distances seeking water. Roots can actually sense water vapor, and will follow the trail of leaking moisture straight back to small cracks, badly sealed joints, or pinholes in your pipes.

Tree roots will invade your sewer pipes!

How Roots Invade Your Sewer Pipes

Roots don’t need a large opening—just a hairline crack or poorly sealed joint.

Once inside the pipe:

1. They form thin, hair-like root masses

2. These catch toilet paper, grease, and debris

3. The blockage slows or stops waste flow

4. The roots thicken, exert pressure, and crack the pipe further

5. Eventually, the pipe can collapse or fail completely

This process can happen quickly and silently—until backups or yard flooding appear.

Signs You Have Roots in Your Sewer Line

If you notice any of these symptoms, your sewer pipe may already be compromised:

• Frequent toilet clogs

• Gurgling noises from drains or toilets

• Multiple drains backing up at once

• Slow drains throughout the home

• Sewage smell in the yard

• Wet or mushy spots in grass

• Areas of sudden plant overgrowth

• Recurring clogs despite snaking

• Home built before 1986 with cast iron pipes

If any of these sound familiar, schedule a sewer camera inspection immediately.

When you call The Plumbinator, we will run a special, high-tech camera down your line to see if your pipe looks like the one in the video image above, or the pipe depicted below.

Do You Have a Cast Iron Sewer System?

Homes built between 1950–1986 in the Austin area almost always have cast iron sewer lines.

These aging systems are:

• Brittle

• Corroded

• Flaking internally

• Highly vulnerable to root intrusion

If this is your home’s age range, root invasion is extremely common.

Learn more about cast iron problems here.

When to Call a Plumber Immediately

Call The Plumbinator right away at 512-786-1771 if you notice:

• Sewage backing up inside the home

• Raw sewage in the yard

• Strong sewer smell around your house

• Toilets bubbling when you run water

• All drains slowing at once

These are signs of major blockages or pipe failure.

If you do have roots in your sewer pipes, call The Plumbinator and we'll pull them out, like Tim did below. Yikes!

 Top 7 Trees That Cause Sewer Line Damage in Central Texas

These species are the most likely to send roots toward your sewer line:

1. Sycamore

Large, fast-growing, and highly aggressive roots.

2. Willow

Water-loving roots that seek moisture from damaged pipes.

3. Oak

Strong lateral roots that travel far and penetrate weakened joints.

4. Maple

Dense, fibrous roots known for clogging older cast iron systems.

5. Aspen

Sends out long-running suckers, often invading pipe seams.

6. Elm

Fast-growing roots that overwhelm aging infrastructure.

7. Birch

Surface-level roots that spread wide and follow moisture vapor trails.

If any of these trees are located near your sewer line, you should monitor your system regularly.

 Safer Trees to Plant Near Sewer Lines

If you’re planning new landscaping, consider trees with more contained root systems:

• Mediterranean fan palms

• Fruit trees (many varieties)

• Certain cypress and cedars

• Wafer ash

• Sabal palmetto

• Magnolia

These species pose a lower risk of invading sewer pipes.

How The Plumbinator Removes Roots (Our Process)

Here’s what happens when you call us for a root intrusion issue:

1. Sewer Camera Inspection

We run a high-definition camera through your sewer line to pinpoint root locations, cracks, or collapsed pipe sections.

2. Root Removal

We mechanically remove roots using specialized tools designed to clear the pipe without damaging what's left.

3. Pipe Assessment

We determine whether you simply need clearing—or if the pipe is weakened and requires spot repair or replacement.

4. Permanent Solutions

Depending on the condition of your sewer system, we discuss:

• Pipe replacement

• Trenchless options

• Cast iron replacement

• Cleanout installation

• Preventative maintenance

FAQ: Tree Roots & Sewer Lines

Can tree roots break a sewer line?

Yes. Once roots infiltrate through small cracks, they expand until the pipe splits or collapses.

Can roots get into PVC pipes?

Yes, if the joints are loose or damaged, creating gaps.

Are tree roots covered by homeowners insurance?

Usually no. Most policies classify root intrusion as “maintenance-related damage.”

How do plumbers locate roots?

A sewer camera inspection shows root masses, crack locations, and overall pipe condition.

How often should I get my sewer line inspected?

Every 2–3 years for older homes, or annually if you have high-risk tree species.

Can tree roots be prevented from getting into sewer pipes?

Yes. Installing a cleanout, repairing small pipe cracks early, replacing deteriorated cast iron, and keeping high-risk trees a safe distance from sewer lines significantly reduces the chance of root intrusion. A regular sewer camera inspection is the best way to catch early signs before roots cause major damage.

How to prevent tree roots from invading a sewer line?

You can reduce the risk of root intrusion by repairing small pipe cracks early, replacing deteriorated cast iron sewer lines, installing or maintaining cleanouts, and planting high-risk tree species farther from the sewer line. Regular sewer camera inspections are the best way to catch issues before they become severe.

How serious are tree roots in a sewer line?

Tree roots in a sewer line are very serious. Once inside the pipe, roots grow rapidly and can cause severe blockages, wastewater backups, cracks, and even full pipe collapse. Left untreated, root intrusion can lead to extensive and costly sewer line repairs or complete replacement.

How much does it cost to get tree roots removed from a sewer line?

The cost to remove tree roots from a sewer line typically ranges from $250 to $600 for basic root removal, depending on severity and access. If the pipe is damaged, repairs can range from $1,000 to $4,000, and full sewer line replacement can run $5,000 to $15,000 or more. A sewer camera inspection is the best way to determine the actual cost.

Worried About Roots in Your Sewer Line? Call Us Today.

If your home has older pipes, large trees nearby, or any signs of sewer line trouble, The Plumbinator can diagnose the issue fast.

📞 Call 512-786-1771 for a same-day camera inspection

Serving Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Hutto, Cedar Park, Leander, and surrounding areas.