How Tree Roots Cause Blocked Drains

How Tree Roots Seek Out and Penetrate Underground Pipes

Tree roots instinctively seek out moisture and nutrients, which often leads them to sewer pipes. Tree roots infiltrate sewer lines through weak spots like faulty joints, leading to compromised pipe integrity and water flow obstruction.

Older clay pipes are quite vulnerable, readily allowing roots spread and infiltration, thus weakening your piping over time. Their ageing joints tend to shift over time, creating small gaps, which can result in roots compromising your pipe integrity. Modern PVC pipes are less susceptible, but still at risk if they become cracked or damaged.

After infiltrating a pipe, roots thicken, causing progressive damage to your plumbing. A dense network of roots, especially those causing blockage when they invade your drainage system, can lead to backups and cause pipe breakages. Shrubs and trees planted near your property or sewer line can be troublesome due to their aggressive roots, threatening your infrastructure.

Routine drain camera inspections are critical to detect and remove root blockages in your plumbing before they worsen. And modern mechanical cutters can clear even severe root infestations from trees your plumbing has contended with, without the major expense of full pipe replacement.

Warning Signs That Tree Roots are Causing Drain Blockages

Several indicators suggest that tree roots are causing blockages in your drains:

• Water down the sinks, tubs, or toilets draining slowly
• Gurgling noises coming from drain pipes
• Your water backs up into the tub or sinks when you run appliances like the washing machine or dishwasher
• Toilets that are hard to flush or slow to refill
• Unpleasant sewage smells near your home, particularly where roots disrupt your sewer line

Unchecked, these issues can become significant, highlighting the need for a professional plumber to address tree root intrusions. While any drain blockage can cause similar problems, one most common cause is tree roots pipes encounters, leading more often to gradual, intermittent symptoms rather than sudden, complete clogs.

If root invasion is suspected, it’s wise to quickly contact plumbing specialists for an assessment.

They can assist by inspecting pipes with a drain camera to check for root overgrowth and determine the best way to resolve it.

Methods for Preventing and Removing Tree Root Drain Blockages

There are several methods for managing tree roots blocking your drains:

• Plan your landscaping strategically to ensure new trees are planted at least 3 metres away from sewer lines to prevent root invasion.
• Install root barriers around drainage pipes. These impede root growth and prevent infiltration.
• Have pipes regularly inspected using CCTV drain cameras; roots then are more likely to be cleared before causing major blockages.
• Consider natural root treatments such as rock salt to desiccate roots within pipes, avoiding harm to above-ground vegetation.

Plumbers often use a mix of mechanical cutting and high-pressure jetting to effectively remove tree roots affecting your drainage. Professional drain technicians employ truck-mounted systems effective at clearing serious root blockages to ensure your pipes regain optimal flow.

In severe situations, complete pipe relining or replacement may be necessary if roots pervade your pipes fully. But modern removal methods are better than full-scale excavation, which can often be avoided.

Ongoing maintenance is crucial to protect your sewer from root damage due to invasive growth. Ignoring a blocked drain is ill-advised, as roots will continue to grow and extend their reach inside pipes if not promptly addressed.

The Role of Root Barriers, Pipe Maintenance, and Proper Tree Planting

Installing root barriers around drainage pipes is one of the most effective ways to prevent tree root infiltration. These durable plastic barriers serve as strongholds against root expansion, facilitating root removal and protecting your sewer from invasive growth. Properly installed, they can protect pipes for decades.

Regular inspections can detect early-stage root intrusion, presenting initially as minor blockages. Annual or biannual examinations are recommended, enabling early intervention to clear any roots before they inflict root damage your infrastructure.

Strategically plan your landscape, mindful of where you plant trees and shrubs. These should be situated at least 3 metres away from drainage pipes to avoid conflicts with the sewer main infrastructure. Their aggressive root systems can wreak havoc if given direct access.

Likewise, for the health of your yard, avoid planting small shrubs with spreading root structures right next to your home. Leave sufficient space between plantings and pipe networks.

Maintaining pipe vigilance through CCTV inspections, strategic tree planting, and the use of root barriers can keep your sewer lines free from clogs caused by tree roots.

Professional Camera Inspections to Identify Blockages

A professional CCTV drain camera enables plumbers to conduct thorough inspections of pipes and accurately identify blockages caused by intrusive tree roots. The camera, fed through the line on a flexible cable, precisely indicates where high-resolution imaging is required.

This creates a detailed map of the interior pipe environment, pinpointing root masses and highlighting damaged sections. Since drain cameras operate non-invasively and require no excavation, they are an excellent initial diagnostic tool.

The camera also identifies any penetrations or cracks through which tree roots have gained entry. From this inspection, plumbers can determine the optimal solution - Whether minor snaking and jetting can clear obstructions from your drain, or more involved pipe repairs are required.

Our Gold Coast camera inspections offer early detection of potential problems, preventing serious plumbing emergencies. They are the most precise method for locating root infiltrations and assessing necessary treatment. Gold Coast-based outfits like Penrith Plumbing have the latest equipment and expertise to accurately diagnose your drains.

Cutting and Removing Established Roots Using Augers and Jets

Specialised mechanical cutters, known as augers, are used by professional plumbers to clear stubborn tree root masses deep within pipes. As the cable spins, the cutting head slices through roots, ensuring they end up broken into easily removable pieces.

High-pressure jetting, combined with augering, is an effective method for drain cleaning. Powerful jets of water forcefully remove obstructive root debris. This one-two punch can clear even dense root clusters clogging down your drain.

Augering and high-pressure jetting can be performed via cleanouts, circumventing garden excavation. The equipment can access pipe networks extending out over 30 metres from the access point. This allows plumbers to efficiently eliminate root overgrowth through small openings, with precision targeting.

For severely damaged sections where pipes have cracked due to extensive root penetration, full replacement of the broken areas may be necessary. However, in some cases, contemporary removal techniques can reinstate proper flow without necessitating the upheaval of entire piping systems.

Regular drain maintenance and the installation of root barriers are crucial preventive measures against root re-invasion. But when roots do overrun your pipes, augers and jetting give the best chance of elimination without resorting to full system replacement.

Vigilance and Care Needed for Persistent Underground Roots

Due to tree roots’ persistent search for moisture, continual vigilance is vital for your plumbing system. Even after removal, roots may regrow and find their way back into your sewer pipes if preventative measures are not taken.

It is crucial to have regular drain inspections using a CCTV camera in order to catch any new root growth early. Annual or biannual checks are recommended. If minor penetrations are spotted, they can be cleared before turning into major blockages.

Additionally, installing root barriers proactively can impede future root infiltrations into your drainage system. Paired with strategic planting nowhere near your sewer line, this helps minimise the risk of roots growing inside your infrastructure.

Unwavering vigilance is imperative in managing tenacious tree root incursions. Just one small crack or gap in your plumbing can eventually result in a full-blown clog if not addressed. Make sure to engage a professional plumber at the first signs of potential root regrowth.

Attentive maintenance, including regular drain checks, installation of root barriers, and mindful landscaping, offers the best defence against extensive root blockages. But roots may still find ways to persist, making timely response essential when issues emerge.