When it comes to commercial plumbing, few problems are as sneaky and destructive as invading tree roots. Unlike a simple clog, tree root intrusion happens underground and out of sight—until it causes serious problems like slow drains, sewage backups, or even burst pipes. At Lincoln Plumbing & Rooter, we’ve seen firsthand how fast root-related issues can escalate in commercial settings, and we’re here to help you stop them before they interrupt your operations.
If your business is located near mature trees or landscaped areas, here’s what you need to know about tree root damage—and how professional rooter services can protect your plumbing and your bottom line.
Why Tree Roots Are a Common Commercial Plumbing Issue
Tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture and nutrients—two things found in abundance inside sewer and drain lines. If there’s even the tiniest crack in your underground pipes, nearby tree roots will find it. Once inside, they grow rapidly, feeding off the water and waste flowing through the pipe.
This can result in:
- Severely restricted water flow
- Recurring drain backups
- Complete pipe collapse in extreme cases
In a commercial building—especially restaurants, apartment complexes, or medical facilities—this type of blockage can disrupt business hours, trigger costly repairs, and even lead to sanitation issues.
Signs Tree Roots May Be Affecting Your Plumbing
How do you know if your plumbing is being sabotaged by tree roots? Watch for these red flags:
- Multiple slow-draining sinks, toilets, or floor drains
- Gurgling sounds coming from toilets
- Frequent need for plunging or drain clearing
- Foul odors coming from drains or sewer lines
- Sewage backups, especially in lower levels of the building
These symptoms don’t always point to root intrusion, but they’re worth investigating—especially if they occur repeatedly or in multiple locations.
Rooter Services: Your First Line of Defense
At Lincoln Plumbing & Rooter, our commercial rooter services are specifically designed to detect and eliminate root-related issues before they become disasters. Here’s how we tackle the problem:
Step 1: Video Inspection
We begin with a camera inspection of your sewer lines. This allows us to identify the exact location and severity of root intrusion—without unnecessary digging or guesswork.
Step 2: Mechanical Root Removal
Using high-powered rooter machines, we mechanically break up and remove the invading roots. These specialized tools grind away the obstruction without damaging your pipes.
Step 3: Hydro Jetting
After root removal, we often recommend hydro jetting to flush away remaining debris and clean the inside of your pipes. This helps restore full flow capacity and prevents new clogs from forming.
Step 4: Ongoing Maintenance or Repairs
If roots have caused structural damage, we’ll advise you on next steps—whether it’s spot repair or a full pipe replacement. We can also schedule recurring maintenance to keep your system clear.
The Importance of Timely Rooter Service in Commercial Settings
In commercial environments, delays cost money. A blocked drain in a restaurant means unhappy customers. A sewer backup in an office or apartment building means angry tenants. Preventing these issues with proactive rooter service can help your business:
- Avoid emergency shutdowns or code violations
- Maintain health and safety standards
- Reduce long-term repair costs
- Extend the life of your plumbing system
Partner with Lincoln Plumbing & Rooter for Reliable Commercial Rooter Service
When tree roots threaten your plumbing, you need more than a quick fix—you need a team with the tools, experience, and responsiveness to get the job done right. At Lincoln Plumbing & Rooter, we’ve been helping commercial clients stay ahead of root problems with expert diagnostics, top-tier equipment, and dependable service.
Call us today at (909) 780-0887 to schedule a rooter service consultation or request an emergency visit. Don’t let underground roots derail your operations—let us help keep your drains clear and your business flowing.