When strange plumbing issues start showing up, it’s often easy to blame clogs, aging fixtures, or poor installation. But in many Georgia homes—especially in Roswell, Alpharetta, and Marietta—the true culprit may lie underground. Signs of root intrusion aren’t always obvious at first, but if ignored, they can lead to major plumbing damage and costly repairs.
At Ayala Tree Services LLC, we’ve seen how invasive roots silently cause issues that most homeowners overlook until it’s too late.
Signs of Root Intrusion
Subtle Red Flags to Watch For
Roots growing into pipes don’t make noise, and they often don’t show themselves until they’ve already caused damage. Still, there are telltale signs:
- Slow-draining sinks or tubs in multiple areas of the house
- Frequent toilet backups that aren’t solved by plunging
- Gurgling sounds from drains, especially after flushing
- Sudden drops in water pressure
In some Alpharetta homes, the first signs of root intrusion appear as subtle changes: a slower shower drain, a bubbling toilet, or faint gurgling sounds. These issues often stem from root intrusion in sewer connections—a problem that worsens over time.
Visual and Structural Evidence
If you’ve had plumbing professionals run a camera down your sewer line and found strange blockages or cracks, those could be roots. Over time, roots under the house slab or around buried sewer pipes grow toward moisture sources—typically into small pipe leaks. Once inside, they expand and trap debris.
You may also notice damp soil or uneven patches in your yard. In Marietta, it’s common to see areas where the soil sinks slightly after heavy rain—sometimes an indicator of cracked pipes from roots.
These hidden issues can be compounded if roots are growing near structural areas. For example, foundation issues often start with underground shifts caused by root growth. Homeowners interested in prevention may want to explore how tree root removal near foundation can help protect their property long-term.
The Plumbing Connection
Plumbing problems don’t always scream “tree issue,” but they often are. Especially when multiple fixtures are affected or if backups seem to recur every few months, it’s time to consider roots in sewer lines as a potential cause.
One of the most alarming signs we see is sewer odors in basements or crawl spaces. These smells often accompany underground damage that has reached a critical point.
If you’re in Roswell and have an older sewer system—or large trees planted close to your property lines—you’re likely at risk. Roots can easily extend 2–3 times the canopy width of a tree. That means even trees 20 feet away could be impacting your pipes.
Removing the Intrusion Effectively
Once intrusion is confirmed, removing invasive roots becomes a priority. This isn’t a DIY job. Specialized cutting and extraction tools are needed to avoid damaging the entire pipe system.
Some equipment is designed to cut through dense root clusters with precision. If you’re curious about the process and tools involved, we recommend reviewing our breakdown of the best tools for tree root removal which also covers common issues related to pipe interference.
Protect Your Plumbing Before It’s Too Late
If you’re noticing any of the above symptoms—or even if you’re unsure—it’s best to get a professional assessment. Catching the signs of root intrusion early can save you from costly plumbing repairs and extensive property damage.
At Ayala Tree Services LLC, we’ve been helping homeowners across Roswell, Alpharetta, Marietta, and surrounding Georgia cities for over 15 years. We specialize in locating root-related issues and removing the source before further damage occurs.