Clogged Drains? Summer Is Tree Root Removal Season in Reno, NV

After this past long, wet winter, if you’re dealing with slow drains, recurring backups, or strange gurgling sounds, it may not just be leftover winter debris—it could be tree roots.

Yes, even in Nevada’s arid climate, tree roots are a leading cause of clogged sewer lines and drain issues. With the heavy precipitation months behind us and the soil starting to dry, now is the ideal time to perform a camera inspection and schedule any necessary root maintenance. Why? Because a little proactive care today can save expensive repairs tomorrow.

Why Summer Matters for Drain and Sewer Health

Reno’s winters bring snow and rain, particularly in the foothills and higher elevations. That moisture saturates the soil, and as it recedes in spring, roots go searching for new water sources. Leaky, aging pipes unfortunately provide a reliable source. By summer, those roots have grown considerably, and may start to get out of control this time of year.

Tree and shrub roots are naturally drawn to the warm, moist conditions around sewer lines. Once they detect even a small crack or seam in your pipes, they infiltrate, grow rapidly, and cause blockages, backups, or even full-on pipe collapses. If you’ve got mature landscaping near your sewer lines or even just a thirsty tree near the front yard, you’re at risk.

Warning Signs of Tree Root Infiltration

Tree root problems often develop slowly. You might not notice a full blockage right away, but signs of trouble ahead include:

• Slow-draining sinks, showers, or tubs

• Recurring clogs in toilets or drains, especially after heavy use

• Gurgling sounds in plumbing fixtures

• Unpleasant odors coming from drains

• Soggy or greener-than-usual patches in your lawn

Camera Inspections Are a Must

Traditional snaking methods only go so far. If you want to know what’s really going on in your pipes, a professional sewer camera inspection is the way to go. Using a high-definition waterproof camera mounted on a flexible cable, our pro team at Nevada Heating can navigate your entire sewer line and pinpoint any issues, such as:

• Root intrusions
• Cracked, offset, or collapsed pipes
• Grease or sediment buildup
• Pipe material type and pipe condition

In Reno, where older neighborhoods may still have clay or cast-iron pipes that are vulnerable to cracking, these inspections are especially valuable.

And, camera inspections are quick, non-invasive, and can help you to make informed decisions about any situation, instead of reacting to an emergency.

Root Removal: What to Expect

If a camera inspection uncovers roots near your drains, the next step is removal.

Our team of pros at Nevada Heating can handle roots in a number of ways:

Hydro Jetting

High-pressure water blasts can clear the pipe and flush out remaining debris, which is an excellent idea whenever root growth is accompanied by grease, sludge, or mineral buildup.

Mechanical Root Cutting

Cuts through intruding roots, clearing blockages, although this process alone won’t prevent regrowth.

Chemical Root Inhibitors

Once roots are removed, a foaming herbicide can be applied to kill any leftover roots and stop them from growing back without damaging trees.

Pipe Lining or Replacement

If your pipe integrity is compromised, trenchless repair or full pipe replacement may be needed. Spring and early summer are the best seasons for this kind of work, when the ground is easier to reach, and overall dry conditions reduce any delays.

Prevention: Protecting Your Plumbing Long-Term

Once roots have infiltrated a pipe, they tend to return. But there’s good news: with regular monitoring and maintenance, you can stay ahead of any potential problems.

Our team of experts can schedule annual camera inspections, which are especially important if your home is more than 30 years old, or if you have large trees near your sewer line. We can also assist you with upgrading aging pipes before they become a liability.

While Nevada isn’t known for dense vegetation, Reno’s unique mix of high desert climate and seasonal precipitation creates a surprising problem with aggressive roots. Because moisture is limited most of the year, plants and trees become especially aggressive in seeking out reliable sources of hydration, such as your sewer and drain lines.  Add in our area’s freeze and thaw cycles, which can shift pipes and create entry points, and you may find you have a recipe for root invasions.

Don’t Wait for a Backup

Now is the best time to deal with root-related drain issues: the ground is stable and the worst precipitation is behind us. Scheduling a simple camera inspection now can save you from a nightmare backup or an emergency excavation down the line.

Our experienced team can thoroughly inspect your drain and plumbing systems efficiently and professionally. Having an inspection is a smart, timely investment in your home’s health as well as your peace of mind! In short, preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your drains unclogged. At Nevada Heating, we make maintaining your plumbing system – including tree root removal – convenient and easy, and our team is available 24/7. Give us a call, any time.