Roots in Your Pipes? How a Hot and Dry Summer Can Lead to Drain Problems in Muncie, IN

During the hot and dry summers in Muncie, Indiana, many homeowners are focused on lawn care and staying cool—but few are thinking about what’s happening underneath their homes. One of the most common (and often hidden) summer plumbing issues is tree roots growing into your sewer or drain lines.

At Northern Comfort Systems, we’ve seen how quickly a small root intrusion can turn into a major plumbing problem. If left unaddressed, it can lead to clogs, sewer backups, and costly pipe damage—especially during extended dry spells.

Here’s what you need to know to protect your home and plumbing this summer.

Why Tree Roots Grow Into Sewer Lines

Roots naturally grow toward sources of moisture—and your sewer line is full of it. If your pipes have even a small crack or weak joint, nearby tree roots can push through and start growing inside. Once they enter your pipes, roots can:

• Block or slow down drainage
• Trap waste and debris
• Cause clogs and overflows
• Damage or collapse aging pipes

This is especially common in Muncie homes with older clay or cast iron sewer lines, which are more prone to cracking and shifting.

How Dry Summers in Muncie Make the Problem Worse

While it might sound like wet weather would be the culprit, dry conditions actually increase the risk of root problems. Here’s why:

• Dry, shrinking soil causes pipes to shift and crack.
• Thirsty roots become more aggressive in searching for water.
• Watering your lawn during a drought can draw roots closer to sewer lines.

These dry summer conditions create the perfect environment for roots to infiltrate your pipes—and many homeowners don’t realize it’s happening until there’s a full-blown backup.

Signs You May Have Roots in Your Pipes

If you’re in Muncie, Yorktown, or nearby areas, and you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, roots might be to blame:

• Slow-draining toilets, sinks, or bathtubs
• Gurgling sounds from your drains
• Frequent or recurring clogs
• Sewage smells indoors or in the yard
• Wet spots or greener patches in your lawn

These are common signs of root intrusion and should be addressed before the problem worsens.

What to Do If You Suspect Root Intrusion

If you think you have roots in your sewer line, don’t wait. At Northern Comfort Systems, we offer video camera sewer inspections that let us see exactly what’s going on inside your pipes—without digging up your yard.

Depending on what we find, our solutions may include:

• Hydro jetting to blast roots and clear blockages
• Mechanical root cutting tools
• Safe root treatments to prevent regrowth
• Trenchless sewer repair or replacement for major damage

How to Prevent Future Root Problems

To keep your plumbing in good shape, consider the following preventative tips:

• Schedule annual drain inspections—especially for older homes
• Avoid planting large trees near sewer lines
• Use water-efficient plumbing fixtures
• Spread out lawn watering during dry spells
• Know where your underground pipes are located before digging or planting

Don’t Let Tree Roots Wreck Your Summer

Summers in Muncie can be tough on your plumbing—especially if you have older pipes and mature trees nearby. If you’re experiencing signs of a clogged or damaged drain, or just want peace of mind, the experts at Northern Comfort Systems are here to help.

We proudly serve Muncie and the surrounding areas with reliable, affordable sewer and drain services.

📞 Call us today or schedule your camera inspection online to protect your home from root-related drain damage.