When was the last time you blamed a tree for your problems? While it might sound strange to consider it, trees – or, more specifically, their far-reaching and always-thirsty roots – are actually one of the leading causes of pipe, drain and sewer blockages and breakages. So whether there are plenty of grand and sprawling trees on your property or not, it might be time to wonder if tree roots in pipes are behind your current problems.
Even very good plumbers, of course, are not exactly tree experts. But they are the expert you’ll be looking to if tiny cracks or leaks have invited tiny, hair-like roots to creep into those critical plumbing pipes. The inside of a dark, damp, nutrient-rich pipe or drain is particularly delicious for tree roots seeking nourishment – and it doesn’t take too long before it becomes a tangled, thick and destructive mess.
Think you have a tree root pipe problem?
Not quite sure if a tree root in pipe and drain infrastructure at your place is the cause of your current issues? Apart from the usual bad drain smells, soaring bills and backed-up sinks, here are 3 classic signs of tree roots in pipes and drains to definitely watch out for:
1. Gurgling
Sure, you know something’s wrong if your sinks aren’t draining properly anymore. But if it’s combined with an unmistakable gurgling sound when you pull the plug, that could well be the usually-heard noise of water having to find its way past a big tangled mess of tree roots.
2. Slow Draining Water
A gradual slowdown in your drains could indicate a partial blockage caused by tree roots. As roots grow inside the pipe, they restrict the water flow, leading to sluggish drainage in sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. If you notice your drains taking longer than usual to clear, it might be time to investigate further.
2. Sinkholes
Is your lawn … sinking? Actually, your pre-sinkhole situation might currently just look like a few conspicuous-looking spongy, muddy or soft spots in the lawn. What has caused them? Particularly if the problem is happening under your grass, that’s a sure sign that tree roots have damaged or even destroyed your pipes, leading to the saturation and collapse of the surrounding soil.
Frequent Blockages
If you’re dealing with persistent clogs despite regular plunging or DIY drain cleaning, tree roots could be the underlying cause. While minor blockages from grease or debris are common, a drain that keeps backing up without explanation may indicate a deeper issue within the stormwater drainage system or sewer line.
3. Green patches
On the other hand, your lawn might actually be suddenly looking quite a bit healthier! Before sinkholes or muddy patches are wreaking havoc on your grass, your lawn might actually have some lovely and luscious-looking green patches – which will look particularly odd amid dry and hot weather. That’s because those tree roots in drain pipes may have caused a significant plumbing leak that is now happily fertilising the soil under your feet.
How to Prevent Tree Roots from Damaging Pipes
While tree roots can wreak havoc on plumbing, there are ways to prevent them from becoming a problem. Taking the right precautions can save you from expensive repairs down the track.
Plant Trees Away from Pipes
When planting new trees, consider their distance from sewer and drainage lines. Large trees with aggressive root systems should be placed at least 10 metres away from underground pipes to prevent future intrusion.
Install Root Barriers
Root barriers act as a physical shield between tree roots and your plumbing. These barriers, made of metal or thick plastic, are installed underground to redirect roots away from sewer lines. This is a proactive solution that can help protect your pipes from root damage.
Choose Tree Species with Non-Invasive Roots
If you’re planning to landscape your yard, opt for trees with slow-growing, non-invasive roots. Some species are less likely to seek out sewer pipes, reducing the risk of intrusion.
Regularly Inspect and Maintain Your Pipes
Routine plumbing inspections using a drain camera can help detect early signs of tree root invasion. If caught early, minor root intrusions can be cleared before they cause major damage. Hydro jetting or professional root cutting can remove small root blockages before they escalate.
Remove Any Trees If Necessary
In cases where tree roots have already caused significant damage or continue to invade your pipes despite preventative measures, it may be necessary to remove any trees that pose a threat to your plumbing system. A professional plumber or arborist can assess the situation and advise whether tree removal is the best course of action.
How to fix tree roots in drain pipes? Here’s what to do next
Convinced your tree root pipe problem needs some urgent attention? Unfortunately, you’re probably – and almost certainly – going to need a professional blocked drain plumber to pay you a visit so they can deal with it. Sure, you could get rid of the offending tree, or try some other drain clearing tools and methods like tree root killer chemicals – such as copper sulphate.
In most cases, however, you’ll need the professional big guns to use their powerful mechanical augers – or an ultra high-pressure water jetter that is great for blasting through just about anything, including tree roots. As for the damage, however, the affected pipe section will need to be repaired or replaced – or ‘re-lined’ with an innovative modern plumbing method called pipe relining, which doesn’t require any destructive digging.
So how do you find the best plumbers possible for a local and affordable solution? With Best Plumbers Club, of course! Our exclusive network and service are populated by only the best local plumbers Australia-wide, all of which are fully vetted, reviewed, verified and recommended by our resident experts and even a Level 5 Google Local Guide. Every plumber we send your way is guaranteed to tick every box, offering things such as:
- Upfront pricing
- Workmanship guarantees
- Fully-verified online reviews
- Reputations for quality & customer service excellence.
Tree roots in sewer, drain and other plumbing pipes getting you down? All you need to do is drop us a message or give us a call – and we’ll get the Best Plumbers near to do the rest! Get in touch with Best Plumbers Club today.
