How Tree Roots Block Drains

How Tree Roots Invade and Damage Pipes

Tree root systems can invade your pipes and damage them through the following process:

1. Tree roots are lured into pipes by moisture and nutrients found within your sewer system.
2. Roots penetrate tiny cracks and openings, eventually infiltrating your drainage system.
3. Once inside, the entwining roots can encircle and constrict your pipes instead of being flushed out.
4. As tree roots establish within pipes, they expand, creating blockages and potentially causing breaks.

Minor drainage issues from root infiltration can escalate into significant problems when ignored, hence the need for immediate action to prevent extensive damage.

Lacking preventive action, root blockages can escalate, compromising entire plumbing systems.

Identifying a Drain Blockage Caused by Tree Roots

Slow or Backed up Drains

A primary indication of a tree-root sewer line obstruction is when drains empty sluggishly or not at all. You may discover slow draining sinks, tubs, or showers, which take an age to empty and are a clear sign of tree roots invading drain pipes. Slow drains are signs of the beginnings of tree root damage to your pipes, culminating in progressively worsening blocked drain situations as more roots infiltrate.

Gurgling Sounds

Strange gurgling noises from your water passages can be a sign of tree roots sewer line infiltration, hinting at potential trouble. As water attempts to pass through a severely blocked sewer pipe system, it creates bubbles, trickles slowly and makes odd glugging or swishing sounds.

Sewage Backups

Concerning obstructions about tree roots in your sewer pipes can cause constriction, leading to wastewater backups through drain outlets on your property. Foul water surging upwards in your home signals roots in pipes causing tree roots sewer blockages within sewer lines, demanding an urgent response.

Unusual Odours

If offensive odours permeate through your drains and pipes, root overgrowth could be responsible, so don’t hesitate; call us. Upon noticing any of these signs, arrange a thorough inspection and drain cleaning services immediately.

As roots shift and push away your accumulated debris inside pipes, increased bacteria growth from roots sewer line can damage your indoor air quality with pungent gas release. The longer a severe root blockage persists, call us if you witness the greater risk it can cause leaks, fractures or sewage flooding in pipe seams, leading to expensive emergency repairs.

Preventing Tree Roots from Entering Your Pipes

There are several effective preventative measures to stop tree roots from invading your pipes:

• Carefully choosing pipe-friendly trees that complement your landscape with less invasive roots can help maintain its harmony without compromising your plumbing. When you plant trees and shrubs, consider your yard space and avoid invasive species like willows, elms, and poplars when you plant near your sewer lines.
• Install root barriers that act like fortifications, keeping your pipe system free from invasive tree roots. these barriers impede root growth, ensuring that roots find their way impeded more effectively than with simple pipe wraps.
• Treat pipes annually with hot water or rock salt, which can also help protect your sewer from roots breaching. This process cauterises roots and can do much to deter further infiltration.
• Ensure regular pipe inspections and maintenance to remove blockages before they cause significant damage.
• For both clay and PVC pipes, consider trenchless pipe relining using epoxy barriers to seal cracks and prevent root entry.

Acting proactively with your plumber to safeguard against potential tree root encounters is the best approach. Annual inspections utilising a drain camera swiftly let you know when tree roots are blocking your drains, acting to prevent further tree root infiltration. Catching it promptly can ensure your blocked drains are swiftly tackled, thereby reducing the need for expensive excavation and replacement.

Removing Established Tree Roots Causing Blockages

Established tree roots causing blockages necessitate decisive removal methods:

Hydrojetting

Hydrojetting employs high-pressure water streams to remove roots and debris, cleaning and unclogging pipes with minimal invasion.

Mechanical Drain Cleaning

A rotating metal snake equipped with a root-cutting nozzle can effectively shred and remove root bundles from within pipes. CCTV drain inspections pinpoint exactly where any blockage your pipes might be suffering from first.

Excavation

Excavation may be necessary for complex blockages, allowing the removal and replacement of sections to mitigate future root intrusion.

Attempting to deal with plumbing blockages caused by roots yourself could lead to further complications and pipe damage; thus, it’s wise to call us for skilled assistance. Call us for our professional high pressure jet hydrojetting and mechanical drain cleaning equipment, with our decades of experience, we ensure tree roots are safely cleared without pipe damage.

Contact us for expert root removal - we will inspect your pipes, locate the blockage, and carefully extract invasive roots to restore flow and prevent future issues without causing harm.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Enlisting professional plumbing services is essential in these scenarios:

Major Drain Blockages

Immediate professional assistance is critical if you experience a complete main sewer line clog, suggested by sewage overflows in sinks or toilets. Our team of experts are equipped to promptly clear major blockages and make sure to prevent catastrophic damage.

Localised Pipe or Fixture Leaks

While minor household leaks might be manageable, incidents like gas lines breaks or substantial water discharges from a burst sewer line necessitate immediate attention from our team. At such critical junctures, enlisting the support of our team to handle the repairs could be the prudent choice.

Comprehensive Inspections and Maintenance

Annual drain inspections with camera equipment detect root incursions early, preventing minor issues from becoming expensive repairs.

Significant Root Growth

Extensive root infiltrations in your sewer line require professional attention to remove them with specialized techniques, avoiding further damage.

For professional assistance with suspected tree root plumbing issues, contact Hurstville Plumbing on 1300 349 338 or via email at jobs@hurstvilleplumbingservices.com.au. Our fully licenced and insured teams service underground pipes in all suburbs in Hurstville, the Gold Coast, and surrounding regions. We provide free, no-obligation quotes.