What To Do About Tree Roots Affecting Plumbing

How Tree Roots Can Damage Plumbing Systems

Tree roots challenging sewer lines pose a significant threat to underground pipes causing issues within your plumbing system as they grow and spread. When tree roots pierce the pipe interiors, they hamper the waste flow, setting the stage for plumbing issues and full obstructions in your sewer line. The sheer force exerted by these invaders pushes pipes off kilter and disrupts the flow water needs to move unobstructedly.

They are drawn to tree roots your sewer line because of the ready availability of water and can infiltrate through even tiny cracks and joints in old terracotta or clay pipes.

Beyond physical damage, as roots grow, they open pathways for contaminants to enter your damaged water pipe system, potentially affecting drinking water supplies. They also compromise your water supply, leading to the wastage of thousands of litres of water through unseen leaks and your pipe bursts. Timely deterrence and eradication caused by tree root ingress is crucial for ensuring your water sewer system’s vitality and steering clear of costly future repairs.

Ignoring tree root invasion can have disastrous effects, particularly for the main sewer line, crippling the efficiency of your blocked plumbing system.

Why Tree Roots Are Attracted to Pipes

Naturally driven to pursue moisture and nourishment, tree roots your sewer may soon encounter are formidable foes against sewer stability. Underground, your sewer lines provide an environment with favorable conditions, making them a target for a root system that can lead to issues, as tiny cracks and leaks saturate surrounding soil. Roots probe this damp earth, steadily burrowing into your pipes drains, causing them to clog.

They then penetrate joints or breaks in the walls, as tree roots get into your formerly secure areas of sewer piping.

PVC pipes and other modern materials are less likely to succumb, but older clay or terracotta pipes provide abundant entry points for tenacious tree roots your pipes.

Once inside your plumbing, tree root concerns become tangible as a sprawl of roots obstructs the flow, feeding off wastewater nutrients and exacerbating pipe blockages. Outside, condensation on cooler pipe walls near your pipes essentially acts as an invitation, making them attractive to neighbouring root systems and potentially leading to blocked drains. Your trees’ placement, pipe age, and monthly rainfall can significantly impact the potential for a blocked drain over time.

Early Signs of Tree Root Damage

Some of the most common signs of blocked pipes caused by tree roots include:

• Frequent clogging or a tree roots drains blockage, especially after heavy rain
• Backed up drain pipes and slow-draining sinks/showers
• Sewage odours inside or around your home
• Gurgling sounds from toilet bowls or sink/shower drains
• Low water pressure
• Leaking or burst pipes, or water pooling near your home’s foundations
• Uneven patches or cracks in pathways/driveways where your yard meets the pipes

Originally insignificant, these issues escalate and become more intricate; what seemed trivial was very likely to evolve into a significant concern within your pipe network. It’s sensible to undertake an annual CCTV pipe inspection to uncover any complications in your sewer pipe that may precipitate blockages.

The earlier tree root damage to sewer pipes is identified, the easier and less expensive it is to remedy. Our technicians can also detect signs of blocked root damage your plumbing might have and advise on removal options before major repairs are needed.

Professional Root Removal and Repair Options

Securing professional assistance is pivotal in effectively mitigating root infiltration concerns and repairing any destruction they’ve enacted – this is how we can alleviate your worries. At Quakers Hill Plumbing, we use advanced tools like mechanical augers for tree root removal, cutting through tough, woody masses clogging pipes.

High-pressure hydro jetting is another effective technique we employ, shooting water forcefully down your pipes, removing tree roots as it goes. With mighty force, these water jets traverse the entire diameter of a pipe, functioning as a reliable method to clear tree roots and accumulated debris.

For a permanent solution, we can also reline pipes using impenetrable PVC barriers. This seals cracks and joints vulnerable to future root incursion. For a permanent solution, we can also reline pipes using impenetrable PVC barriers.

It negates pipes tree roots issues, preventing extensive repairs down the track.

We provide full diagnostics on the extent of tree root damage your plumbing has sustained and can offer expert advice tailored to your unique situation. Get in touch by email or phone 1300 349 338 to learn about the most suitable options for rectifying tree root damage.

DIY Methods to Remove Roots

For minor tree root intrusion scenarios, there are some DIY methods you can try before calling a professional:

• Pour rock salt or copper sulphate crystals down your drain, acting as a root killer to help dry out small root growths
• Pour hot water down the line to help soften and remove ropey roots clogging a drain line
• Pour boiling water down sinks showers to neutralize roots in the trap

However, make sure caution remains paramount when attempting DIY root removal, as this process can impact your drain pipes with tree roots growing your system immensely. Indiscriminately killing roots may exacerbate your root plumbing problems and the surrounding ecology these pipes can sustain. Aggressive mechanical removal risks scratching or breaking your pipes can endure if roots growing inside have fully invaded the interior walls.

The experts have a suite of specialised tools to address severe blockages or pipe damage, which can result in ensuring the solution doesn’t become part of the problem.

They can also assess the full extent of the problem and provide long-term solutions. DIY methods offer temporary relief but roots often just grow back without addressing their entry points. Preventative lining or replacing vulnerable pipes is the best way to stop tree roots growing undeterred.

Preventing Future Root Damage

There are several effective preventive measures you can take to stop tree roots from damaging pipes in the future:

• Carefully consider where to plant near your home, ensuring trees are positioned at least 3 metres from your drainage system or foundations
• Install root barriers - vertical or horizontal panels that block and divert roots away from infrastructure
• Use pipe materials like PVC that prevent tree roots from finding entry points
• Conduct annual CCTV drain inspections to check for root intrusions
• Hire an arborist to prune problem surface roots trees your landscape and advise on tree species less prone to aggressive root systems
• Have pipes routinely cleaned and consider protective pipe relining in vulnerable areas

Root barriers can, when well-placed, help prevent the daunting frustrations and heavy costs associated with root invasion of pipelines. Minor issues, like roots growing your pipes, are much simpler to rectify before extensive damage occurs. Acting with swiftness is vital to keep your plumbing healthy and to fend off escalating difficulties.

If root issues trouble you, call us at Quakers Hill Plumbing, servicing the Gold Coast, on 1300 349 338 for professional assistance.

Maintaining Pipes After Root Removal

After professional root removal, ongoing pipe maintenance is crucial to prevent recurrence. We recommend the following practical tips:

• Conduct regular CCTV inspections to check for new root growth
• Listen and look for early signs tree roots may be causing issues like gurgling drains
• Consider protective pipe relining with impenetrable PVC
• Keep large trees properly pruned and planted away from plumbing
• Have an ongoing relationship with a trusted plumber for annual servicing

Staying vigilant and addressing minor issues from new trees promptly drifts the odds away your plumbing will suffer recurring invasions. New roots exploit the tiniest gaps, so sealing all possible entry points makes your pipes far less vulnerable.

We specialise in sustainable solutions to protect your pipes and stop invasive root problems for good. Contact Quakers Hill Plumbing on 1300 349 338 to discuss permanent pipe protection options suitable for your property.