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Tree Roots in Your Drains? Why Pipe Relining May Be the Only Way to Fix It

ByThe Blocked Drain Guys

Pipe Relining by The Blocked Drain Guy’s, When Tree Roots Block Your Drains
The Blocked Drain Guy’s provide expert guidance on identifying tree root intrusions in drainage systems and implementing effective pipe relining solutions to resolve persistent blockages.

Your Trees Are Thriving But So Are the Roots in Your Pipes

Tree roots don’t care where they grow, only that there’s moisture. And when your old stormwater or sewer pipes start to leak (even slightly), they act like a watering system for every nearby fig, willow, or camphor laurel.

In Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, where many homes still rely on aging terracotta or earthenware pipes, root intrusion is not just likely, it’s inevitable.

And once they’re in, those roots won’t stop growing. Over time, they create dense blockages, fracture joints, and crush pipe walls from the inside.

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Signs That Roots Are Blocking Your Drainage

Before your system completely fails, it usually starts with subtle warning signs:

  • Toilets that bubble after a flush
  • Gurgling in the sink when the shower runs
  • Sluggish water flow down the drains
  • Overflowing stormwater pits during rain
  • Wet patches in lawns, even when it hasn’t rained

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, your tree might already be inside your pipes.

Can’t I Just Cut the Tree Roots?

Many property owners try a quick fix with drain snakes or root foaming treatments. But while those may provide short-term relief, they don’t fix the underlying problem: cracks and joints that keep letting roots back in.

Some Sydney plumbers offer to dig up and replace the pipe, but that’s often unnecessary and expensive, especially if the pipe runs under hardscaping, driveways, pools, or mature gardens.

This is where pipe relining becomes your best (and only realistic) solution.

→ Learn more about pipe relining in Sydney

Why Pipe Relining Is the Root-Proof Solution

Pipe relining creates a seamless new pipe inside your old one, sealing every crack and joint where roots can re-enter. The process is trenchless, meaning no major excavation is required.

Here’s how it works:

  1. A CCTV inspection maps the damage
  2. The pipe is cleared using high-pressure jet blasting
  3. A resin-soaked liner is fed into the pipe and expanded into place
  4. The liner cures to form a new, root-proof pipe wall

Once relined, the pipe becomes completely sealed, leaving nowhere for roots to grow even if the same trees remain in your yard.

The Hidden Cost of Waiting

Every month you delay fixing a root-invaded pipe, the damage spreads. We’ve seen cases where what started as a small intrusion cracked the pipe entirely, causing:

  • Sinkholes in lawns
  • Pool pavers to lift and shift
  • Bathroom floors to collapse into wet soil
  • Sewage to back up through shower drains

Had those systems been relined when the first symptoms appeared, the damage could have been contained, without disturbing a single tile.

Case Study: Tree Roots Under a Pool

We recently completed a job in Caringbah where tree roots had infiltrated a sewer pipe running beneath a concrete pool deck. The owner feared a full excavation that would destroy thousands of dollars in landscaping and hardscaping.

Instead, we used CCTV to pinpoint the intrusion, hydro-jetted the pipe clean, and relined the damaged section, all without lifting a single paver. The new lining sealed the pipe permanently, and the pool area remained untouched.

  • Pool Reline
  • Pool Pipes

Think It’s Your Neighbour’s Tree?

You’re not alone. Many root intrusion issues come from trees just over the fence. In NSW:

  • You’re responsible for the pipes on your side of the boundary
  • You may need documentation to make a legal claim
  • Sydney Water is only responsible for public mains

We can provide CCTV video and root identification reports that help support your case — or at least keep the peace with your neighbour while you sort it out.

Already Googled “Blocked Drain Near Me”?

You’re not alone. Thousands of Sydney residents face root-related drain failures every year. But many still think replacement is their only option.

If your pipes are still structurally intact, even with moderate damage, relining could save you thousands, especially if your plumbing runs under:

  • Paved driveways
  • Bathrooms
  • Kitchens
  • Pools
  • Outdoor entertaining areas

Related Reading

If you’re planning new trees, don’t miss our guide on safe landscaping choices:
The Best Trees to Plant to Avoid Blocked Drains in SydneyFor full blocked drain troubleshooting, see:
Blocked Drain Sydney – Service Page
Tree Roots Blocking Drains – Blog Article

Final Word

You can’t stop roots from growing, but you can stop them from growing into your drains. Pipe relining seals your system for good, protects your property from excavation, and eliminates the root problem without removing the tree.

We can inspect your system today and tell you if relining is the right fix.
Call us today on 0418 408 333

Tree Roots And Pipe Relining FAQS

How do tree roots get into my drains?

Tree roots seek moisture and nutrients. Cracked or old pipes leak small amounts of water into the surrounding soil, attracting nearby roots. These roots can penetrate through joints or cracks, eventually growing large enough to block or break the pipe.

Can pipe relining stop roots from coming back?

Yes. Pipe relining seals the entire internal surface of the damaged pipe, eliminating all cracks and joints where roots previously entered. Once cured, the new liner forms a continuous, root-resistant barrier.

What are the signs of tree root damage in drains?

Common signs include slow drainage, gurgling sounds, foul odours, recurring blockages, or overflowing stormwater pits during rain. In more severe cases, damp patches may appear in your garden or paving may shift.

Is pipe relining better than replacing the pipe?

In many cases, yes. Pipe relining avoids excavation, which saves your landscaping and hard surfaces from destruction. It’s also faster, less disruptive, and often more cost-effective than full pipe replacement.

How long does a relined pipe last?

Relined pipes can last over 50 years when installed correctly. The materials used are highly durable, corrosion-resistant, and structurally strong, often outlasting the original pipe.

Will pipe relining work if roots have already broken the pipe?

Yes, as long as the pipe maintains its general shape and alignment. We use CCTV to assess the condition. If suitable, we hydrojet the roots out and install a liner that bonds to the existing pipe, restoring full function without digging.

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