Tree Roots Blocking Drains
A good majority of our drain unblocking work is due to tree roots.
Tree roots can cause blocked and damaged pipes, especially in older homes where terracotta pipes were originally laid.
The Sutherland Shire has an abundance of trees and an abundance of older homes with terracotta plumbing. We are kept busy unblocking drains!
Tree roots can be as fine as a hair and these delicate roots are seeking moisture and nutrients. Your plumbing pipes are the perfect water source and there are nutrients as well!
These fine roots can penetrate into small cracks in pipes and they eventually cause blockages or even cause the pipes to crack.
Dealing With Tree Roots In Your Drains
Why you have tree roots in your drain and what that means for your property
Tree roots can enter your drain through some break or displacement in your drainage pipe work. This is generally caused by ground movement.
The pipework shifts under the ground allowing tree roots to enter through the breakage and expand in size until complete obstruction has occurred, causing blockages.
People think the best solution is to cut down the tree to eliminate the roots.
However, that is the worst possible thing you can do.
While cutting down the tree and removing it you’re risking the entire structural Integrity of the pipe work.
Only a tiny percentage of the tree’s root system will enter your line, causing the obstruction. And it is only 1 or 2% of the tree’s root system causing the problem.
The remaining root systems are outside the pipes, creating a network of roots in the soil and helping to support the lines.
The roots are sucking up the surrounding moisture outside of the pipes and if these roots are removed it will cause the spread of saturated effluent contaminated soil that creates unstable ground on which the pipes are laid on.
This is where we see the collapse of pipework and a break in the drain or sewer line.
The most efficient solution is to repair or re-line these pipes.
Each time you have to clear the drain and cut the roots you one step up closer to a complete collapse of the pipes.
Once tree roots have blocked your drains, they can be dealt with to clear the blockage – BUT you will require ongoing maintenance until the pipes are replaced or relined .
When dealing with a blocked drain, we will use a CCTV camera to see where the blockage is and how extensive it is.
We can then use our Hydro Jetter to blast out the blockage and with an added attachment – cut away all the roots within the pipe.
This is really effective but as we mentioned, those tree roots will be trying to gain access to that water and food source!
Pipe Relining
If the pipes are in still good condition and small cracks are what is letting the roots in, then pipe relining may be the answer to help keep your pipes clear.
Pipe relining technology is an effective way to repair pipes that tree roots have damaged. A new, durable lining inside the old pipe prevents tree roots from penetrating the new lining material.
Pipe relining technology is suitable for repairing many pipes, including sewer lines, storm water drains, and water supply pipes.
It is particularly cost effective to avoid excavating the old pipes and relaying new pipes. Additionally, pipe relining is environmentally friendly, as it reduces the amount of waste material generated from pipe replacement.
It’s important to note that preventing tree roots from damaging pipes is an ongoing process.
Regular maintenance and drain monitoring are necessary to ensure that trees are not causing damage to your plumbing system.
Minimising Blocked Drains With Trees
There are several steps that homeowners can take to prevent tree roots from damaging their pipes:
- Choose the right location for planting trees: It’s essential to choose the right spot to ensure they do not interfere with pipes. Trees should be planted at least 10 feet away from pipes to avoid root intrusion.
- Choose suitable trees: Some tree species are more likely to cause damage to pipes than others. Trees with aggressive root systems, like willows, poplars, and silver maples, should be avoided near lines.
- Regular maintenance: Regular plumbing inspections and pipe cleaning can help prevent tree roots from causing damage. Regular maintenance can identify potential issues before they become serious, and cleaning can help remove any debris or material blocking pipes.
- Physical barriers: Physical barriers can be installed around pipes to prevent tree roots from penetrating them. These barriers can be made from materials like plastic or metal and are installed around the pipe before it is buried underground.
- Install a root barrier: A root barrier can be installed between trees and pipes to prevent roots from growing towards the pipes. Root barriers are typically made of a material like heavy-duty plastic and can be installed by a professional landscaper.
Preventing tree roots from damaging pipes requires ongoing maintenance and monitoring. Homeowners should know the potential risks of planting trees near pipes and take appropriate steps to avoid damage.
If you suspect that tree roots have already caused damage to your pipes, it’s essential to contact a professional plumber for repairs as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
What Trees To Plant To Avoid Blocked Drains
When planting trees in a small yard, choosing species with non-invasive root systems is important to prevent damage to pipes and other underground infrastructure.
Here are some tree species that are suitable for small yards in Australia and are less likely to cause damage to pipes:
- Lemon Mrytle: It’s a small growing native tree with leaves that release a strong lemon scent when crushed or after rain. Features abundant clusters of creamy white flowers in Spring. Non-invasive root system. Matures in 3-4 years an can be grown in a pot.
- Tulipwood Trees: Many councils consider it an excellent street tree as it does not have invasive roots, has a dense crown and does not grow high enough to get into the electricity wires.
- Japanese Maple: Japanese Maple is a small tree prized for its beautiful foliage and attractive bark. It has a shallow root system that does not cause damage to pipes, making it an ideal choice for small yards.
- Magnolia: Magnolias are beautiful small trees with fragrant flowers and attractive foliage. They have a shallow root system that is not aggressive, making them an excellent choice for planting near pipes.
- Dwarf Citrus Trees: Dwarf citrus trees are an excellent option for small yards as they do not grow very tall and have a shallow root system. They produce delicious fruit and can be grown in pots or on the ground.
- Frangipani: Frangipani is a small tree known for its beautiful, fragrant flowers. It has a non-invasive root system and can be grown in small spaces.
It’s important to note that even trees with non-invasive root systems can cause damage to pipes if they are planted too close.
Therefore, when planting trees, choose a location at least 3 metres away from pipes to prevent root intrusion.
When there are dry conditions, this will prompt tree roots to seek water and nutrients underground, making sewer pipes an easy target.
It’s also a good idea to have a professional plumber inspect your pipes before planting trees to ensure they are in good condition and not at risk of damage.
Whose responsibility is it if a neighbour’s tree is damaging your pipes?
In Australia, the responsibility for damage caused by a neighbour’s tree to pipes may depend on several factors, including the specific laws in the state or territory, the type of damage caused, and the particular circumstances of the case.
Generally, the law says that if a neighbour’s tree roots have caused damage to your pipes, you could have a right to claim compensation for the damage caused.
However, it is essential to note that the liability for tree root damage law can be complex and may vary from state to state.
In some cases, the responsibility for maintaining and repairing pipes may fall on the property owner whose land the pipes are on. For example, if the pipes are on your property, you may be responsible for repairing any damage caused by your neighbour’s tree roots.
In other cases, liability may depend on the circumstances surrounding the damage. For example, if the neighbour was aware of the risk posed by their tree but failed to take reasonable steps to prevent damage, they may be liable for the resulting damage.
If you are experiencing issues with a neighbour’s tree damaging your pipes, it is recommended that you seek legal advice to determine your rights and responsibilities. Discussing the problem with your neighbour politely and respectfully to find a solution together may also be a good idea.
“Dealing with tree roots in sewer pipes” by Sydney Water:
Trees you should avoid planting in a small garden.
Tree species vary significantly in their ability to enter the wastewater system and cause damage. The trees listed below are likely to cause problems with your wastewater pipes.
We recommend that you don’t plant these species within 6 metres of a wastewater pipe.
Common Name Of The Trees
- Maples
- Norfolk Island Pine
- Bamboo
- Illawarra Flame Tree
- Bottlebrush
- Casuarinas or She-Oaks (especially River Oak and Swamp Oak)
- Nettle-tree and Hackberry
- Cedar and Cypress
- Camphor Laurel
- Coral tree
- Eucalyptus / Gum trees
- Figs (Moreton Bay Fig, Weeping Fig, Rubber Tree)
- Ashes
- Jacaranda
- Liquidambar
- Brush Box
- Magnolias (large varieties)
- Melaleuca /Paperbarks
- New Zealand Christmas Tree
- Mulberry (especially Black Mulberry)
- Orange Jasmine
- Oleander
- Avocado trees
- Canary Island Date Palm
- Pine
- Plane trees
- Poplars
- Apricot, Cherry, Peach, and Plum trees
- Oaks
- Willows
- Chinese Tallow Tree
- Umbrella Tree
- Pepper Tree
- Lilly Pilly
- Elms (large varieties)
- Wisterias
Home owners should choose smaller shrubs rather than trees for small blocks.
Avoid planting trees near freshly laid pipes, and maintain a distance of at least three meters from the sewer pipes.
Regular Drain Maintenance To Keep Drains Clear
The Blocked Drain Guys work in the Sutherland Shire region and most of the blocked drains we deal with do involve tree roots.
The Sutherland Shire is a beautiful place to live due to the abundant trees and bush areas
Our advice is – Don’t avoid planting trees, just make wise choices of the trees to plant and use The Blocked Drain Guys to keep the drains cleared with regular hydro jetting to keep your drains clear with no damage to the pipes or the environment.
Leaving pipes to get blocked will result in pipes eventually cracking or the areas affected will need to be exposed to get a major blockage removed.
