Sewer Camera Inspection & Root Removal — Lothian, MD
A Lothian homeowner had recurring slow drains throughout the house. A sewer camera inspection revealed tree root intrusion at two joints in the main sewer line. We hydro-jetted the roots and applied root inhibitor — problem solved without excavation.
The Problem
A homeowner in Lothian had been dealing with slow drains throughout the house for over a year. They had the drains cleaned twice by another company, but the problem always returned within a few months. They called us for a second opinion.
Our Diagnosis
We ran a sewer camera through the main line from the cleanout to the street. At 28 feet, we found the first root intrusion — a cluster of fine roots entering through a joint in the clay pipe. At 47 feet, a second, larger intrusion where a tree root had pushed through a cracked joint and was partially blocking the pipe. The roots were the source of the recurring slow drains — they were catching toilet paper and debris, creating partial blockages that would clear temporarily with snaking but regrow within months.
The Repair Process
- 1Ran sewer camera from main cleanout — identified root intrusions at 28 ft and 47 ft
- 2Documented camera footage for homeowner review
- 3Set up hydro-jetter with root-cutting nozzle
- 4Hydro-jetted the full line at 4,000 PSI — cut and flushed all root material
- 5Re-ran camera after jetting — confirmed both intrusion points were clear
- 6Applied copper sulfate root inhibitor at both intrusion points
- 7Advised homeowner on root inhibitor maintenance schedule (annual application)
- 8Discussed long-term options: pipe lining vs. monitoring and annual treatment
The Outcome
The sewer line was fully cleared and flowing freely. The homeowner opted for annual hydro-jetting and root inhibitor treatment rather than pipe lining — a cost-effective approach given that the pipe is otherwise in good condition. We scheduled a follow-up camera inspection for 12 months out to monitor root regrowth.
Key Takeaway
Recurring slow drains that return after snaking are almost always caused by root intrusion or pipe damage — not simple clogs. A camera inspection is the only way to know for certain. Treating the symptom without diagnosing the cause wastes money and time.
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What Southern Maryland Homeowners Are Saying
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George Baker III
Annapolis, MD
May 2026
"We recently had Deep Dive Plumbing Maryland out to our home in Annapolis after we suddenly started noticing sewer flies throughout the house. They truly lived up to their name and performed a full "deep dive" diagnostic inspection instead of just treating the symptom. During their inspection they discovered our sewer pipe connected to the toilet had been leaking into the basement for quite some time. The team explained everything clearly, provided upfront pricing before starting any work, and even gave us a military discount which was greatly appreciated. They were professional, respectful, extremely knowledgeable, and took the time to make sure the repair was done correctly."
Angelis Reilly
Southern Maryland
June 2026
"TJ was great!! He answered our emergency call late evening hours. He was honest and gave us options to make a decision. Highly recommend!!"
Sally Ludwig
Dunkirk, MD
June 2026
"Great service with knowledgeable and neat professionals. Highly recommend! Deep Dive Plumbing helped with my bathroom project, including reinstalling a pedestal sink after new flooring was installed and addressing a toilet issue that had been causing constant clogs. The team was professional, courteous, and took the time to make sure everything was completed correctly. Their attention to detail and cleanliness really stood out. I am very happy with the results and would not hesitate to call them again."
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We diagnose first, then fix. No guesswork, no repeat service calls. Serving Calvert and Anne Arundel County, Maryland.