What you might notice
- Main line clogs that come back, often every year or so
- Several drains slow at the same time, especially after heavy use
- Gurgling toilets and drains
- Large trees or shrubs growing near the path of your sewer line
Likely causes
- Roots entering through joints in older clay or cast iron pipe
- Cracks or offsets in the pipe that give roots an opening
- Root growth that catches paper, wipes and grease until the line blocks
Safe things to try first
- There is not much to try yourself for roots inside a sewer line.
- Cut back on water use if drains are slow, and avoid flushing wipes.
- Avoid root-killer chemicals unless a pro recommends a specific product for your line. Some can harm pipes or plants, and some are restricted by local rules.
- Write down when your last main line clogs happened. That history helps us plan.
If water starts rising or you see sewage, stop and call. Don’t take apart anything you’re not comfortable putting back together.
When to call a pro
- You have had a second main line clog within about 12 months
- Several drains are slow or gurgling
- You are buying a home with big trees near the sewer line
What Rooter Champion does
Most common problems we find in La Habra, Fullerton, La Mirada and Whittier: tree roots in the sewer line, old or failing cast iron pipe, and broken sewer pipes. Many homes here still have their original lines, so a camera inspection is the quickest way to know which one you have.
We start with a sewer camera inspection so you can see exactly where the roots are and how heavy the growth is. Depending on what the camera shows, we can clear roots with a cutting head, hydro jetting or robotic cutters that work from inside the pipe. If roots keep finding their way back in through damaged joints, we can talk about trenchless pipe lining, which seals the inside of the old pipe without digging up your yard.
Roots usually get in where old clay or cast iron pipe has cracked; see broken sewer pipe and trenchless repair. Local to us? See sewer service in Whittier.
Our $55 drain cleaning includes a free camera inspection, so you can see the problem for yourself. Rooter Champion is family-owned, licensed and insured (CA Lic. #1063585).
Common questions
Will cutting the roots fix the problem for good?
Cutting clears the line, but roots usually grow back through the same openings over time. Regular maintenance or sealing the pipe with a liner are the longer-term options.
Should I remove the tree?
Not necessarily. The camera shows where roots are getting in, and many problems can be handled in the pipe without removing the tree.
Is hydro jetting good for roots?
Hydro jetting can cut fine roots and wash out the debris they trap. Heavier roots may need a mechanical or robotic cutter first. The camera helps decide.
What customers say
5.0 stars from 52 Google reviews on our La Habra profile.
“The young man who showed up was excellent. He explained and showed me via video scope exactly what the issue was and got it back to functional. Great service!”
“I was in a plumbing crisis with flooding from a sewer line. Another plumber’s quote would’ve required a second mortgage. I got a second opinion with Rooter Champion — David was excellent, professional, and gave me an honest assessment at a fair price. Look no further!”
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Local, family-owned, based in La Habra
Rooter Champion is a family-owned drain and sewer company at 1401 S Beach Blvd Unit A, La Habra, CA 90631. We serve homes and businesses in La Habra, Fullerton, La Mirada, Whittier and surrounding cities, including Brea, Placentia, Anaheim and Buena Park.
Open 7 days, 8am–5pm. We respond within 1 hour. Licensed & insured, CA Lic. #1063585.