Why Salt Lake City Homes Need Sewer Line Inspections: What to Know About Tree Roots and Aging Pipes

Salt Lake City is known for its charming historic neighborhoods, mature tree-lined streets, and well-established homes. But with that charm comes hidden risks. An aging sewer infrastructure and deep-rooted trees can wreak havoc on underground plumbing. For many homeowners, problems with the sewer line go unnoticed until it’s too late. That’s why regular sewer line inspection in Salt Lake City is more than just a good idea; it’s an investment in keeping your home in great shape for years to come.

If you live in an older home or have large trees on your property, here’s why a sewer inspection should be on your maintenance checklist.

Salt Lake City's Older Neighborhoods Mean Older Pipes

Many Salt Lake City homes, especially in areas like Sugar House, The Avenues, and Liberty Wells, were built before modern plumbing standards were in place. These houses often rely on clay or cast-iron sewer lines that are decades past their expected life span. As these materials age, they become brittle, corrode, or collapse, especially when under the strain of shifting soil or seasonal freeze-thaw cycles.

Even homes built in the mid-20th century might have Orangeburg pipes, a fiber-based material that was popular during that era but is prone to deformation and failure over time. Without a proper inspection, these vulnerable pipes can fail, leading to backups, slow drains, and even foundation damage. A sewer line inspection in Salt Lake City is the only way to know the real condition of your underground system before expensive problems surface.

Tree Roots Are a Major Threat to Sewer Lines

Salt Lake City's beautiful trees may add curb appeal, but their roots can spell disaster for your sewer system. Trees naturally seek out moisture and nutrients. Unfortunately, that makes your sewer line a prime target. Tiny cracks or gaps in older pipes become entry points for roots, which then grow and expand inside the pipe.

This intrusion leads to:

•  Blockages and reduced flow
•  Cracked or collapsed pipes
•  Wastewater backups into your home or yard
  
  

Root-related damage is one of the most common causes of sewer line issues in Salt Lake City, particularly in neighborhoods with mature landscaping. A sewer inspection using a specialized camera allows plumbers to spot root intrusion early. That way, we can recommend solutions before a full replacement is needed.

Warning Signs You May Need a Sewer Inspection

In many cases, sewer issues develop slowly and without obvious symptoms until they reach a critical point. Look out for these signs that something could be wrong underground:

• Gurgling toilets or drains: When air or water tries to pass through clogged or damaged areas, you may hear gurgling sounds.
• Frequent clogs in multiple fixtures: A single slow drain doesn’t always indicate problems with your sewer line. However, if you have frequent clogs and slow drainage in multiple parts of your home, there’s probably a bigger issue.
• Foul odors coming from drains: When water gets stagnant or debris begins to rot, you’ll notice foul odors coming from your drains.
• Soggy spots or lush patches in your yard: Since some of your sewer lines are outside your home, standing water and patches of abnormally lush grass are signs of damaged sewer lines.

These symptoms often point to a deeper problem in your main sewer line. If your home is more than 30 years old or you’re experiencing any of the above issues, scheduling a sewer line inspection in Salt Lake City is a smart preventative step.

What to Expect From a Sewer Line Inspection

Modern sewer inspections are quick, noninvasive, and surprisingly informative. Using a high-resolution, waterproof camera, a plumbing technician will feed a flexible cable through the pipes to visually assess their interior condition.

This allows us to:

•  Locate blockages, cracks, or root intrusion
•  Assess the material and age of the pipe
•  Identify sagging or collapsed sections
•  Create a digital record of your sewer system’s condition

You’ll receive a clear explanation of any issues found, along with honest recommendations on repair options, if needed. In many cases, early detection means you can avoid excavation or full pipe replacement.

Trust Roto-Rooter’s Local Expertise

Not all plumbing companies understand the unique conditions beneath Salt Lake City homes. At Roto-Rooter, our experienced plumbing technicians have inspected thousands of sewer lines across the Wasatch Front. We know the telltale signs of aging clay pipes, tree root damage, and shifting soil conditions in the area.

Whether you're dealing with frequent clogs or buying a home and you want peace of mind, our team is equipped with the tools and expertise to perform thorough, professional inspections. If repairs are needed, we offer both trenchless and traditional solutions to restore your system with minimal disruption.

Don't wait until you have a sewer emergency on your hands. Call Roto-Rooter today at 800-768-6911 to schedule your sewer line inspection in Salt Lake City. We’re available 24/7, 365 days a year.