What’s the likely cause of your Cincinnati sewer main backup?
- Tim Friedrich
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you live in Cincinnati, chances are you know someone who has dealt with a sewer main backup. It's a real issue for many homeowners, especially this time of year. Between the heavy spring rains, mature trees, and our city’s beautiful (but aging) homes, the odds of something going wrong beneath the ground are high.
So what’s the most common culprit behind these backups?
Tree roots. Really.
Believe it or not, one of the biggest problems is tree roots. Even a small tree in your yard can cause big issues. During summer months, tree roots search for water, and hitting a sewer line is like hitting gold for them. The roots find tiny cracks or joints in your sewer main and form a fine mesh inside the pipe, still allowing wastewater to pass through.
Eventually, the root mesh thickens into a solid wall. That’s when sewer main backups often occur.
What’s the process for clearing a root-blocked sewer line?
There’s a process to dealing with sewer main backups, and it starts with working with a skilled plumber.
Video inspection - This first step helps identify the source of the problem. In cases with heavy root intrusion or structural damage, the camera might only reveal part of the issue, but it’s still a critical first look. At Allied, a video inspection is $250.
Augering - An auger (a mechanical snake equipped with blades) is run through the sewer line to cut and clear out invading roots. At Allied, this service runs $380. One important detail here: the auger bit should match the diameter of the sewer main. Some plumbers may use a smaller bit to speed up the job, but that often results in only a temporary fix. A full-size bit ensures a more complete clearing of the pipe.
Once the line is cleared, a good plumber will run the camera again at no extra charge to confirm the blockage is fully removed. This second look can also reveal deeper issues, such as cracks, separations, or collapsed sections of pipe that might require more extensive (and costly) repairs.
For particularly stubborn clogs, hydro jetting may be recommended. This method uses high-pressure water to blast away roots, grease, and other buildup along the pipe walls. It’s highly effective and can reach up to 100 feet from the house. This is often a more advanced option, typically used when standard augering isn't enough.
Preventing future root intrusions
Once a backup has been cleared, most homeowners are eager to avoid another one. Fortunately, some preventative steps can help.
The most drastic solution is to remove the problem tree or trees altogether. Without roots seeking moisture, the line stays clear. However, many homeowners prefer to keep their landscaping intact.
A more practical option is to use a root-killing treatment several times a year. These environmentally conscious products, often costing around $20, can be flushed down the toilet and work to kill roots inside the line without damaging the tree or surrounding soil. It's important to note that these treatments are preventative and won't resolve an existing blockage.
Worried about roots in your sewer main? The team at Allied Reddi Rooter can help address the issue with a video inspection. The good news is that with an inspection and a good prevention plan in place, keeping roots out of your sewer line is possible.
