Main Drain Backing Up in Burlington – Tree Roots in Sewer Line

When your main drain backs up, the disruption can bring daily life to a halt. Toilets stop flushing, sinks won’t drain, and sometimes sewage even makes its way into your basement. For homeowners in Burlington, this nightmare scenario is often caused by an invisible enemy: tree roots invading the sewer line.

At 17 Plumbing & Construction Design Ltd., our licensed plumbers see this problem every week. Recently, we were called to a Burlington property where the homeowners were struggling with recurring drain backups. What we found was a textbook case of tree root intrusion — and a perfect example of how fast action and professional drain cleaning can save a home from costly damage.

What Causes a Main Drain Backup in Burlington Homes?

There are several possible causes of a main drain backup, but in older Burlington neighborhoods with mature trees, root intrusion is one of the top culprits.

Tree Roots Seeking Water

Tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture. If your sewer line has even the smallest crack or loose joint, roots will grow toward it in search of water and nutrients. Over time, they penetrate the pipe and spread inside, forming a thick root mass.

Debris Getting Caught

Once roots are inside the pipe, they act like a net. Grease, toilet paper, wipes, and other debris collect around the roots, quickly building a complete blockage.

Pipe Age and Material

Many Burlington homes built before the 1980s have clay or cast iron sewer pipes. These materials are especially vulnerable to cracking, shifting, and joint separation — all of which make them prime targets for tree root invasion.

Lack of Regular Maintenance

Homeowners often don’t think about their sewer lines until it’s too late. Without regular inspections or cleaning, root problems can build for years before showing obvious symptoms.

Burlington Home With Tree Root Blockage

Our plumbers were called to a Burlington home after the owners experienced multiple backups in their basement drain and toilets. They had tried plunging and store-bought drain cleaners, but the problem kept coming back.

When we opened the cleanout, it was immediately clear what was wrong. Our auger snaking machine pulled out a large mass of tangled tree roots that had completely blocked the main sewer line.

The blockage explained why every fixture in the house was draining slowly. Once the main line is blocked, water has nowhere to go — leading to backups in tubs, sinks, and basement drains.

Common Signs of Tree Roots in Drains

If you live in Burlington or Oakville, here are the warning signs that your sewer line may be under attack from tree roots:

• Frequent Toilet Backups – Especially when more than one toilet is affected.
• Slow Drains Throughout the House – When sinks, tubs, and showers are all draining poorly at the same time.
• Gurgling Noises – Toilets bubbling when other fixtures are used.
• Sewage Odours – Strong smells coming from floor drains or outside near your sewer connection.
• Water Backing Up in the Basement – The clearest and most urgent red flag.
• Unexplained Wet Spots in the Yard – Could indicate a broken sewer pipe leaking underground.

How 17 Plumbing Solved the Problem

At this Burlington property, our licensed plumbers used a heavy-duty drain auger to cut through the root blockage and restore flow to the sewer line. Once the main section of roots was cleared, we flushed the line and inspected it for further damage.

The results were immediate:

• Toilets flushed normally again.
• Basement floor drains stopped overflowing.
• The homeowner no longer had to worry about sewage backups ruining their basement.

This case highlights why professional intervention is critical. DIY solutions like plungers or chemical cleaners cannot remove tree roots from a main sewer line.

Preventing Future Sewer Line Clogs

Tree roots are persistent, but there are ways to prevent them from taking over your drains:

Sewer Camera Inspections

A professional camera inspection allows us to see inside your pipes and catch problems early. At 17 Plumbing, we recommend Burlington homeowners schedule an inspection every 1–2 years.

Power Flushing

Unlike a regular snaking, power flushing uses high-pressure water to scour the inside of the pipe, removing grease, buildup, and small root fragments before they become large blockages.

Preventive Root Treatment

Specialized root-killing treatments can slow down regrowth inside pipes, reducing the need for frequent cleanings.

Pipe Replacement or Lining

If the pipe is severely damaged or collapsing, the best long-term solution is to replace it with new PVC piping or use trenchless lining methods to seal cracks.

Why Choose 17 Plumbing for Drain Cleaning in Burlington?

• Licensed & Insured Plumbers – Your home is protected, and the work is done to professional standards.
• Specialists in Tree Root Removal – We have the equipment to clear even the toughest blockages.
• Emergency Service Available – Sewage backups can’t wait, and neither do we.
• Serving Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Milton & GTA – Local plumbers who know local plumbing challenges.
• Community Trusted – Active members of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce and local events.

The Cost of Ignoring Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line

Homeowners sometimes delay calling a plumber, hoping the problem will resolve itself. Unfortunately, ignoring a main drain blockage almost always leads to:

• Sewage Damage – Costly cleanups from basement flooding.
• Structural Risks – Water seeping into foundations can cause cracks.
• Higher Repair Costs – Replacing a collapsed sewer line is far more expensive than preventive cleaning.

By addressing the issue quickly, you save money, protect your property, and ensure peace of mind.

Service Areas: Burlington & Surrounding Communities

If you’re searching for “drain cleaning Burlington”, “emergency plumber Burlington”, or “tree root removal plumber Burlington”, our team is here to help. We proudly serve:

• Burlington
• Oakville
• Mississauga
• Milton
• GTA residential and commercial properties
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Main drain backups are stressful, but with the right plumber, they don’t have to become disasters. At 17 Plumbing & Construction Design Ltd., we help Burlington homeowners tackle one of the most common and destructive plumbing issues: tree roots in sewer lines.

From professional inspections to complete drain cleaning and emergency services, our team has the tools, experience, and dedication to restore your home’s plumbing quickly and effectively.

📞 Call 17 Plumbing today at 647-862-1317 for expert drain cleaning in Burlington.