Storm drain root cutting removes the mass and seals the entry point permanently.

THE PROBLEM WITH ROOT CUTTING ALONE

Why root cutting without lining always fails.

Mechanical root cutting removes the root mass that's inside the pipe — restoring the pipe cross-section temporarily. But the joint opening that allowed root entry remains open after cutting. Roots begin re-entry immediately, regenerating to full blockage mass within months.

The permanent solution to storm drain root intrusion is to cut the existing root mass, then seal all root-entry joint openings with CIPP lining. Once the joints are sealed with a liner, root re-entry at treated locations is eliminated for the rated liner service life.

LiningWorks performs root cutting and CIPP lining in a single mobilization — camera documents the root locations, cutting removes the mass, and lining seals the entry points. Post-installation camera confirms complete treatment.

ROOT INTRUSION INDICATORS

How to identify root intrusion in storm drain systems.

Storm drain root intrusion shows specific indicators — some visible on camera, some visible at the surface during storm events.

• Debris accumulation at known joint locations in the pipe run

  Root masses in storm drain pipes catch leaves, sediment, and debris with every storm event — creating a growing restriction at joint locations that accelerates between maintenance intervals.
• Recurring inlet or manhole blockages in the same location

  If blockages recur after cleaning at the same point in the storm drain system, root intrusion at a nearby joint is the most common cause — camera inspection confirms the location.
• Surface depressions near tree root zones above pipe routes

  Trees growing near storm drain pipe routes indicate potential root intrusion risk. Surface depressions near these trees and above pipe routes suggest both root intrusion and void formation.
• Camera confirms root mass during routine inspection

  CCTV inspection during routine maintenance often identifies root intrusion before it causes surface symptoms — allowing proactive treatment before blockage occurs.

BEFORE & AFTER

Office park storm drain — three years of quarterly root clearing resolved with CIPP lining.

A Charlotte office park had been managing recurring storm drain blockages caused by root intrusion — clearing the system every 90 days to maintain adequate flow through peak storm events. Camera inspection found root masses at four joint locations in a 180-foot concrete storm drain run, with the largest mass at a joint directly beneath a mature oak tree.

LiningWorks cut all root masses, hydro-jetted the full run, and installed CIPP lining through all four root-entry joint locations. Post-installation camera confirmed root elimination and full liner bond at all four joints. The property has maintained zero blockage events through two full storm seasons since installation.