What causes a sanitary sewer to backup or sewer stoppage?
In most cases, tree roots get into sewers when a sewer pipe develops a crack or other damage and nutrients and moisture leak into the soil attracting roots.


Root penetration can be remedied by repairing the sewer pipe and ridding the pipe of roots. The maintenance of private sewers is the responsibility of private property owners.

Show All Answers

1. My sink drains are gurgling?
2. It smells like sewer gas in my basement, what should I do?
3. What is a sanitary sewer?
4. What is a storm sewer?
5. What causes a sanitary sewer to backup or sewer stoppage?
6. What is a sewer cleanout / test tee?
7. I cannot locate my sewer cleanout? What can I do?
8. What is the property owner’s responsibility?
9. What are some problems my sewer lateral can have and how can I maintain them?
10. What is the city’s responsibility regarding private sewer laterals?