Tree roots in your sewer or drain lines are a serious issue — and snaking them year after year is not a real solution. While a drain snake can temporarily restore flow, it doesn’t solve the root problem. Worse, it can damage older pipes, cause major blockages, and eventually lead to pipe collapse and basement flooding.
We’ll explore why snaking tree roots is a bad idea and discuss better, long-term solutions to keep your home’s plumbing system healthy.
The Hidden Dangers of Snaking Tree Roots
Most homeowners don’t realize that snaking isn’t just ineffective — it’s risky. Especially with aging clay or cast iron pipes, snaking can make the problem worse.
1. It Only Trims the Problem
Snaking cuts through roots that have invaded your pipes, but it doesn’t remove them entirely. The root mass outside the pipe continues to grow, seeking moisture and nutrients. Over time, these roots find their way back into the pipes, leading to recurring blockages.
2. Weakens Old Pipes
Older pipes, especially those made of clay or cast iron, are more susceptible to damage. The mechanical action of a snake can scrape, crack, or further erode these fragile pipes, accelerating their deterioration.
3. Can Exit Through Cracks
In damaged pipes, the snake cable can leave the pipe entirely and get stuck in the surrounding soil. This not only fails to solve the problem but can also make it worse, leading to more extensive repairs.
4. Temporary at Best
Even if snaking restores flow temporarily, roots grow back within months, repeating the cycle. This means more frequent service calls and mounting costs over time.
Stop Snaking Tree Roots — Before It Destroys Your Pipes
Knowing the hidden dangers of snaking tree roots is only part of the equation. It’s also essential to weigh the cost of snaking tree roots against the benefits of a lasting solution.
The Cost of Doing Nothing (or Just Snaking)
If you’re paying around $400 per year for root snaking services, it may not sound like much — until you look at the long-term cost:
- 10 years of snaking = $4,000
- That’s enough to finance a full pipe repair
Smart Math: Finance Pipe Repair Instead
Say a trenchless repair costs $6,000. Rolled into your mortgage at 5% interest over 25 years:
- Monthly cost: about $35
- Annual cost: around $420 (same as snaking!)
- Difference: You’ve fixed the problem forever — and added value to your home
Permanent Pipe Repair Adds Real Home Value
Modern pipe materials like PVC or HDPE can last 50–100 years. That means:
- No more backups or emergency calls
- Increased resale value
- Peace of mind with long-term protection
Smart Financing: Add the Cost to Your Mortgage Renewal
Instead of draining your bank account, roll the repair cost into your mortgage at renewal:
- No large upfront expense
- Low interest, long-term
- Boost your home’s value immediately
Smart Homeowner Maintenance Tips
To avoid future trouble, here are a few preventative tips that go beyond snaking:
- Schedule regular drain inspections using a CCTV drain camera.
- Keep large trees well away from sewer lines and septic tanks.
- Don’t plant water-hungry plants near your home’s foundation.
- Keep an eye on water pressure changes and unexpected odors coming from your drains.
These simple steps can save you from having to redo your bathroom flooring or dealing with wastewater backups in your laundry room.
The Importance of Drain Camera Inspections
Before deciding on the best course of action, it’s crucial to understand the extent of the problem. A drain camera inspection can provide a clear view of what’s happening inside your pipes. This non-invasive method helps identify the exact location and severity of root intrusion, cracks, or other issues.
Priority Plumbing offers professional drain camera inspection services in Toronto, ON, and the surrounding areas to accurately diagnose plumbing problems.
Address the Root Cause, Not Just the Symptoms
It’s tempting to keep snaking your drain every year, especially if it seems to work — for a little while. But now you know the truth: the hidden dangers of snaking tree roots are real, and the long-term cost is high.
Tree roots, clay pipes, soil shifts, sewer gas leaks — these are all things that can lead to real headaches, expensive water damage, and even sinkholes or structural issues. Don’t wait for moisture to creep into your basement or for your kitchen sink to back up again.
It’s time to stop snaking tree roots and start fixing the problem.
Don’t Wait for a Flood. Fix the Problem for Good.
Snaking may seem like the easy way out — but it’s only delaying disaster. Don’t wait until a collapsed pipe causes thousands in water damage. Priority Plumbing provides professional drain cleaning in Toronto, ON, to help maintain the health of your plumbing system.
Call us today for a free pipe inspection and quote on permanent root-proof solutions. We’ll help you fix it right — and finance it smart!
