Why you should be wary of tree roots in drains

You may not ordinarily associate slow or clogged drains with tree roots from your yard. But tree roots in drains can directly cause several issues in your plumbing system. Indeed, foul sewer odours from your sewer pipes caused by tree root blockages are not the only reason to be wary of tree roots in drains.

This article explains why Adelaide residents should be wary of tree roots in drains.

You can learn how tree roots affect South Australia's plumbing systems, why you should prevent tree root intrusions and signs of tree root invasion in sewer drains.

This post also discusses how Adelaide residents can control tree roots in drains, tips to prevent tree roots in drains, corrective measures for tree roots in sewer pipes, and the services of a plumbing company. Let's dive in!

How tree roots affect South Australia's plumbing

Sewer and drain pipes often contain water, minerals, and organic waste, naturally becoming a significant target for trees. As such, trees that grow near your underground sewer lines or drain pipes tend to extend their long feeder roots as they search for water and nutrients.

This activity can make your plumbing pipes vulnerable, especially if you live in an older home. Older plumbing systems that use clay pipes or vulnerable concrete pipes are often susceptible to tree root damage.

The same is true for pipes that have mortar-filled joints. Ultimately, the tree roots penetrate these piping systems and cause potential damage, such as blocked and damaged pipes.

Tree roots can cause SA water and plumbing problems

Eucalyptus trees and Oaks can cause significant damage to building foundations, driveways, and sewage lines in Adelaide Hills. This is because these trees often need enough space to grow. You certainly do not want an incident like the "Tree roots turn Modbury sewers upside down" discovery that revealed giant tree roots as the cause of sewer blockages.

The "Tea Tree Gully Sewer" project also factors in the possible presence of tree roots in its execution.  You should also know that tree roots love water sources, which can threaten SA water systems.

Why you should prevent tree root intrusions

Tree root intrusions can quickly become invasions that overtake underground pipes and drains, causing seams, holes, and leaks in them. The obstructions can also lead to the formation of clogs as debris gets stuck on the roots. This, in turn, can cause backups in sewer lines.

Expensive sewer line backflow repairs

This is a significant reason Adelaide residents must be wary and promptly deal with tree roots in drains. It can be pretty expensive for you to manage sewer backflows into your house.

Costly blocked drain and pipe repairs

After tree roots cause leaks in your sewer line, they grow, penetrate, and expand through the leaks as they seek water. You could have a lot of plumbing headaches from faulty pipes caused by the resulting blockages from the tree roots. Often, you may have to foot hefty repair bills for effective blocked drain solutions such as pipe relining.

Damage to your property

If you do not quickly invite a blocked drain plumber to inspect and repair tree roots in drains, it can lead to more significant sewer problems. Sewer blockages may cause flooding, and there may be devastating damage to your property. Besides, keeping our sewers healthy helps prevent infections due to bacteria and other microorganisms that may exist in stagnant water.

Signs of tree root invasion in sewer drain

You need to recognise warning signs of potential damage in sewer lines that may occur due to tree root intrusions. Here are some signs that indicate that you have tree roots that are clogging your drains:

• Slow drains may be a significant sign of tree roots in sewer lines.
• You may hear gurgling sounds after you flush your toilet.
• Blocked or collapsed pipes that occur due to tree roots in drains may cause drain or toilet backups.
• Collapsed pipes that are caused by tree roots may result in sinkholes. Signs of potential damages such as this may pose severe risks to building foundations.
• Foul odours and smells – like rotten eggs or sulphur - may come up from sewer lines penetrated by tree roots.
• Burst pipes are a sign of pressure build-ups when tree roots block water flow in blocked drains or pipes.

How to control tree roots in drains

The best control measure for tree roots in drains is to take preventative steps. These include the following:

• Ensure that you thoroughly plan your landscaping projects from the beginning. This way, you can avoid costly landscaping mishaps like invasive tree roots.
• Implement the 'Call Before You Dig' precaution to locate underground utilities and sewer lines connections to city lines. A local plumber can be of help here.
• Maintain a minimum distance of ten feet between planted trees and your sewer line.
• Do your research to plant the right tree rather than plant species with aggressive tree root systems that can invade sewer lines even from 100 feet away.
• Installing root barriers such as root screens and traps can help prevent tree roots from penetrating through pipes.
• You can replace older or vulnerable pipes. For example, you can replace clay sewer lines with seamless high-density polyethene pipes or do pipe relining for them.
• Regular pipe drain inspections can help prevent blocked drains because expert plumbers can quickly spot issues such as leaking pipes.
• Regular drain cleaning and regular maintenance are effective preventive measures against root growth in pipes.

Corrective measures for tree roots in sewer pipes

If you suspect that your sewer pipes are clogged, it is vital that you quickly invite your plumber. This can help prevent further damage to your sewer pipes.

Video inspections

Your plumber may first use a video inspection to trace the cause of slow drains and other problems.

Using sewer cleaning hydro jetting machine

A preliminary step is to use modern CCTV or video equipment to perform drain inspections. Your plumber can then use a sewer cleaning hydro jetting machine to remove stubborn blockages.

Many Adelaide plumbers use hydro jetting or high-pressure cleaning to resolve blocked drains because it is pretty effective and fast. It removes tree roots and leaves so that your sewer pipes can become clear.

Cutting off the tree roots

A possible solution your plumber may implement is using special blades to cut through the tree roots.

Pipe relining, repair, or replacements

Your plumber may alternatively replace or repipe the sewer pipes if they have been seriously compromised. Adelaide plumbers can first use CCTV to trace blockages in damaged pipes and remove tree roots.

After that, they can cover cracks and holes in the pipes with an epoxy liner. This effectively prevents tree roots from penetrating the pipes and simultaneously creates a new pipe.

Licenced Adelaide plumbers also remove tree roots and repair sewer lines using advanced trenchless pipe repair techniques. This can involve the replacement of sewer pipes in driveways or backyards without much disturbance.

DIY steps to fix tree roots in drains

You may use the following DIY steps after noticing potential signs of tree root damage to your property.

• You may possibly use a toilet auger to pull back tree roots that cause blockages if the auger can reach them.
• Otherwise, you may have to excavate near suspected trees to locate tree root blockages.
• You can, after that, cut located tree roots from the pipes.
• Use a drain machine to remove tree roots that have grown into pipes.
• You may have to replace damaged pipe sections.
• Take steps to prevent future root infestations. This could be by placing root killer or rock salt near affected areas.
• However, the best fix for tree roots in drains is to invite a professional plumber.

Services of a plumbing company

A plumbing company can offer services that range from helping you resolve specific issues, such as taking water meter readings or fixing hot water problems, to performing general plumbing inspections.

Emergency plumbing

Adelaide plumbers can provide emergency plumbing services on roofs, beneath roofs, within houses, beneath floors, and underground. You can invite them to quickly fix burst pipes and perform hot water system repairs or replacements. These Adelaide blocked drain experts can also promptly fix leaking showers.

General plumbing and sewer system repairs

Local Adelaide plumbing and gas fitting experts can perform general commercial and residential plumbing repairs. These repairs in Adelaide services often include leak detection services. Your Adelaide plumber can also fix common clogs in sewer pipes and drains. They can furthermore provide a specialist pipe relining service.

PVC pipe installations

You may simply opt for plastic pipes since the ones without splits or cracks tend to be more resistant to tree roots. However, your plumbing company has to seal all joints and connections and glue pipe sections together.

Contractors can help fix tree root problems

This post explains why Adelaide residents should be wary of tree roots in drains. It also provides information about signs of tree root invasion in sewer drains, corrective measures for tree roots in sewer pipes, and DIY steps to fix tree roots in drains.

However, instead of attempting DIY drain repairs that may lead to further damage, you may invite a professional residential or commercial plumbing contractor. They have the tools and experience to quickly and efficiently fix tree roots in drains and other plumbing problems.