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

While summer in Fort Wayne often means cookouts, family fun, and lawn care, it can also bring an unexpected plumbing issue that many homeowners don’t see coming: tree roots growing into your sewer and drain lines.

At Korte Does It All, we’ve seen how hot and dry Indiana summers can increase the risk of root intrusion—especially in older homes with aging or cracked underground pipes. Left unchecked, these roots can lead to clogs, backups, and even major pipe damage.

Here’s how it happens, the signs to watch for, and what to do if roots are causing trouble in your drains.

How Tree Roots Invade Your Sewer Lines

Tree roots naturally grow toward moisture, and your sewer line is full of it. If your pipes have even a small crack or loose joint—common in older clay or cast iron lines—roots will find their way in. Once inside, they expand rapidly, catching debris, slowing drainage, and eventually causing blockages or pipe collapse.

This is a common issue in Fort Wayne neighborhoods with mature trees and older infrastructure, where underground pipes may already be vulnerable.

Why Dry Summers in Fort Wayne Make It Worse

Contrary to what you might expect, dry weather actually makes root problems more likely. Here’s why:

• Soil dries out and shifts, putting pressure on old pipes and causing small cracks.
• Thirsty roots become aggressive, seeking moisture in sewer lines when rainfall is scarce.
• Watering your lawn or landscaping during a drought can attract roots even closer to your plumbing system.

All of these factors create the perfect environment for tree roots to invade and clog your pipes.

Signs You Might Have Roots in Your Pipes

If you live in Fort Wayne or nearby areas like New Haven, Huntertown, or Leo-Cedarville, keep an eye out for these common signs:

• Slow-draining tubs, sinks, or toilets
• Gurgling noises from your plumbing
• Frequent or recurring clogs
• Unpleasant sewage odors inside or outside your home
• Lush, green patches in your yard (even during dry weather)

These signs are early warnings of a bigger problem brewing underground.

What to Do If You Suspect Root Intrusion

If you’re noticing any of these issues, don’t wait for a complete backup or major plumbing failure. At Korte Does It All, we offer video sewer camera inspections so we can identify root growth and pipe damage—without digging up your yard.

Depending on the severity, our solutions may include:

• Hydro jetting to blast away root blockages
• Mechanical root cutting tools
• Trenchless pipe lining or full replacement if your line is severely damaged

How to Prevent Future Drain and Sewer Problems

Avoiding future root issues is possible with some smart prevention strategies:

• Schedule regular drain inspections, especially in older homes
• Avoid planting trees directly over or near your sewer line
• Use low-flow fixtures to reduce strain on your plumbing
• Water your lawn strategically during dry periods
• Know the layout of your underground pipes and utilities before landscaping

Don’t Let Tree Roots Disrupt Your Summer

Fort Wayne’s hot and dry summers may be great for outdoor fun—but they can be tough on your plumbing. If you suspect roots are clogging your drains or damaging your sewer line, call the trusted local experts at Korte Does It All.

📞 Call us today at (260) 493-2596 or schedule a camera inspection online to get ahead of costly drain problems caused by tree roots.