Finally Won The Battle Against Invading Tree Roots
I totally get where you're coming from—I'm always a little suspicious about what’s lurking under the ground, too. When we bought our place last year, I kept picturing some horror-movie root system just waiting to bust through the pipes again. I mean, you can’t exactly check under there every week, right?
We went with a liner after a bunch of back-and-forth, but I still find myself wondering if it’s really fixed or if we just bought ourselves a couple years before the roots figure out a new way in. And yeah, the idea of the liner shifting at a bend freaks me out. The plumber swore up and down it was fine, but what if he missed something?
Is it normal to feel like you’re just crossing your fingers and hoping for the best with this stuff? Sometimes I wish there was an underground window or something... just to peek and make sure everything’s still in place. Maybe that’s just me overthinking, but it’s hard not to when you’ve seen what roots can do.
Honestly, I wouldn’t say you’re just overthinking it. Those liners do a good job, but they’re not a magic fix—especially if the original line has a lot of bends or offset joints. I’ve seen liners shift over time, particularly if there’s ground movement or heavy root pressure. It’s not super common, but it happens. Regular camera inspections every couple years can catch issues before they get serious. It’s not quite an underground window, but it’s about as close as we can get for peace of mind. If you’re worried, it’s better to check than to hope for the best.
Regular camera inspections every couple years can catch issues before they get serious.
That’s solid advice. I’ve seen liners hold up well, but you’re right—if the original pipe’s got a lot of weird angles or joints, liners can sometimes bunch up or even separate a bit over time. It’s not super common, but ground shift or big roots can definitely mess things up. I usually tell folks not to skip on those camera checks, especially if you’ve got a lot of trees nearby. Peace of mind’s worth it.
Has anyone had issues with those camera inspections missing stuff, though? I get that they’re super helpful for catching big problems, but I’ve always wondered if smaller cracks or root hairline invasions could slip by. My neighbor told me their plumber missed a small offset in the pipe last year, and it ended up being a headache later—lots of digging and extra cost.
I’m a bit paranoid about this stuff since buying the house. We’ve got two big maples out front, and I keep thinking their roots are plotting against my pipes. I did the camera check right after moving in, then again before winter just to be safe. Both times were clear, but part of me wonders if that’s overkill. Is once every couple years really enough when there are so many trees nearby?
Also, is there any way to know if liners are starting to fail before it gets obvious? Like, would you see warning signs inside the house (slow drains or weird smells) or is it all underground until it’s a major issue? Trying to avoid surprises... not looking forward to another plumbing bill.
I totally get where you’re coming from—camera inspections are great, but I’ve always wondered if they’re a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack when it comes to tiny cracks or root hairs. I had a similar worry last fall after hearing about someone’s liner failing and the only clue was a faint sewer smell in the basement. Made me wonder if there’s some early warning sign we’re missing or if it’s just luck of the draw. Has anyone tried those newer high-def cameras or even sonar mapping? Wondering if that tech actually picks up more detail, or if it’s just another sales pitch...
