Camera inspections can definitely pinpoint the issue, especially if roots are involved. Have you noticed any slow draining in other fixtures like sinks or showers, or is it strictly the toilet? Sometimes a partial blockage further down the line can cause recurring toilet backups. Either way, you're on the right track—figuring out if it's seasonal or neighborhood-wide could save you from chasing your tail later. Hang in there, plumbing issues can be frustrating but you're asking all the right questions.
Have you checked if your neighbors are having similar issues lately? We had something like this happen last spring, and it turned out tree roots were invading multiple sewer lines in our area... might be worth asking around.
"Have you checked if your neighbors are having similar issues lately? We had something like this happen last spring, and it turned out tree roots were invading multiple sewer lines in our area... might be worth asking around."
Hmm, tree roots are definitely sneaky culprits, but before you go knocking on doors, have you considered checking your toilet's internal parts first? Had a tenant once who swore the whole block had plumbing issues—turned out his kid had flushed a toy dinosaur down the toilet. Took me three plumbers and a lot of laughter to figure that one out. Maybe worth double-checking inside before blaming the trees?
Haha, reminds me of the time I spent a whole afternoon convinced roots were wrecking my plumbing. Turned out my nephew had flushed half a roll of paper towels... kids and toilets, man, never underestimate them.
Had a similar scare last year—thought tree roots were the culprit too. Ended up being those "flushable" wipes. Lesson learned: flushable doesn't always mean plumbing-friendly... keep a plunger handy, just in case.