Tree and shrub roots are drawn to the warm, nutrient-rich environment inside sewer pipes, entering through joints, cracks, and connection points and growing until they block flow entirely. TrenchX removes root masses using a combination of high-pressure hydro-jetting and mechanical cutting tools, clearing the full pipe bore without damaging the host pipe. For fine root intrusions ahead of a lining project, hydro-jetting alone is typically sufficient.

For mature root masses that have established inside the pipe wall, robotic mechanical cutters shred and extract the root system before jetting flushes the debris downstream. Following removal, we assess whether the entry points require sealing via CIPP lining or spot repair to prevent re-establishment — because root removal without addressing the entry point is only a temporary fix.