Sewer Line Penetrated by Roots in Tucson - Imperial Plumbing’s Sewer Line Repair

The backed-up drain at a local residential property in Tucson, Arizona, was impossible to ignore. But the real problem was hiding sixty feet down the sewer line.

There is a specific kind of panic that sets in when a mainline sewer stops working. It isn't just the mess or the inconvenience of sewage overflowing from your cleanouts—it's the sinking realization that something fundamental beneath your home has failed. At that moment, homeowners don't care about technical terminology or underground complexity. They want their normal life restored.

When "Clearing the Line" Isn't Enough

When the call came in from a West Calle Sombrero homeowner in Tucson, Imperial Plumbing could have arrived, cleared the blockage, and left. That approach satisfies the immediate crisis. But temporary relief sets the stage for repeated emergencies, mounting costs, and the exhausting cycle of never knowing when the next backup will strike.

We decided to investigate further. Our state-of-the-art camera inspection revealed the actual culprit: severe root intrusion sixty feet down the line, strangling the original clay pipes. This scenario repeats itself across Tucson in older homes where clay pipes, weakened by decades of shifting soil and temperature swings, crack at the joints. Tree roots, seeking moisture, infiltrate those fractures and establish a chokehold on the system.

Removing Roots from Your Home’s Sewer Line

The roots had formed a dense, tangled mass that completely obstructed the flow of wastewater. Sewage had nowhere to go except backward toward the home's drains—a situation no homeowner should endure twice.

Austin, Imperial Plumbing's lead plumber on the job, reviewed the camera footage and delivered the verdict: these roots couldn't be flushed away. Excavation would be required.

Imperial Plumbing began the excavation process, carefully removing soil to expose the compromised section of pipe. The old clay worked for years, but it was no match for the roots crushing against it.

Austin removed the damaged clay pipe entirely, eliminating the weak point in the system. In its place, we installed Schedule 40 PVC—a seamless, heavy-duty plastic pipe engineered to resist root intrusion. Unlike clay, which develops cracks and joints that roots exploit, PVC forms a continuous barrier. Roots cannot penetrate it, which means this section of the sewer line will function reliably for decades.

The Hidden Danger of Tucson’s Clay Pipe Sewer Lines

After installing the new pipe, we conducted a follow-up camera inspection to verify the work. That inspection revealed a second cluster of roots approximately seventy feet down the line. Rather than proceeding without consultation, we stopped work and explained the situation to the homeowner. We outlined the additional scope, provided a clear cost estimate, and moved forward only after receiving explicit approval. Transparency matters, especially when it concerns your home and your budget.

Once the secondary intrusion was cleared and the entire system tested for proper flow, we backfilled the trench and graded the soil to promote natural yard recovery.

Installing a New Sewer Line Cleanout for Future Access

Beyond addressing the immediate problem, Imperial Plumbing installed a new cleanout point closer to the street. This addition improves accessibility for any future maintenance or inspections. Instead of excavating large sections of your yard to reach the line, technicians can now access the system quickly and efficiently. That translates into lower costs and less disruption whenever routine maintenance becomes necessary.

The homeowner now benefits from a modern, sealed sewer section. The new PVC line resists root intrusion, handles normal waste flow without issue, and eliminates the uncertainty that plagued the property before. We tested the system thoroughly to confirm proper drainage, so the household can return to daily routines without lingering concerns about backups.

What This Means for the Sewer Line of older Tucson Homes

If your home was built several decades ago and still relies on original clay sewer lines, root intrusion may already be developing beneath your property. Slow drains, gurgling sounds, or occasional backups signal that roots are likely infiltrating your pipes. Waiting for a complete stoppage only guarantees a more disruptive and expensive repair.

At Imperial Plumbing, we use camera inspections to show homeowners exactly what's happening underground. You see the roots, the cracks, and the severity of the damage on a monitor before we dig. We discuss your options, provide transparent pricing, and proceed only with your approval. No guesswork. No surprises on the bill.

Schedule Your Sewer Camera Inspection With Imperial Plumbing

To understand the current condition of your sewer line and explore repair options that deliver long-term reliability, call Imperial Plumbing or schedule your free estimate online. Older homes deserve modern solutions—and homeowners deserve peace of mind.