How to Find and Fix Tree Roots in Your Sewer and Stormwater Drain

If you have ever experienced a blocked drain, you know how frustrating and inconvenient it can be. Blocked drains can cause flooding, foul smells, health hazards, and damage to your property. One of the most common causes of blocked drains is tree roots. Tree roots can grow into your sewer and stormwater pipes, creating obstructions and cracks that affect the flow of water and waste.

In this blog post, we will explain how to find out if you have tree roots in your drain line, what are the symptoms of tree roots in a drain line, what are the damages that tree roots can cause to your pipes and property, and what are the solutions to clear and prevent tree roots from blocking your drains.

How to Find Out If You Have Tree Roots in Your Drain Line

Tree roots are attracted to areas of moisture and nutrients, such as cracks, joints, or damaged pipes. They can sense the water seeping out of the pipe and follow it to the source. Once they find an opening, they can enter the pipe and grow inside it, forming a network of roots that can block the entire section of pipe.

The most common entry point for tree roots is between the lateral connection point and the cleanout or T-fitting. The lateral connection point is where your sewer or stormwater pipe connects to the main line. The cleanout or T-fitting is a vertical pipe that allows access to the drain line for cleaning or inspection.

To find out if you have tree roots in your drain line, you can use a CCTV camera inspection. A CCTV camera inspection involves inserting a flexible cable with a camera attached to it into the drain line. The camera sends live images to a monitor, allowing you to see the condition of the pipe and identify any blockages or damages caused by tree roots.

A CCTV camera inspection can also help you locate the exact position and depth of the tree roots, which can help you plan the best course of action to remove them. A CCTV camera inspection is a non-invasive and accurate method to diagnose tree root problems in your drain line.

What Are the Symptoms of Tree Roots in a Drain Line

Tree roots in a drain line can cause various symptoms that indicate a blockage or damage in your pipe. Some of these symptoms are:

– Slow drains: If your sinks, showers, bathtubs, or toilets are draining slowly or not at all, it could be a sign that tree roots are obstructing the flow of water in your pipe.

– Gurgling toilets: If your toilets make gurgling noises when you flush them or when water drains from other fixtures, it could be a sign that air is trapped in your pipe due to tree root blockages.

– Fast tree growth: If you notice that some trees on your property are growing faster than others, it could be a sign that they are feeding on the water and nutrients from your sewer or stormwater pipe.

– Wet spots or sinkholes in the yard: If you notice wet spots or sinkholes in your yard, especially near where your sewer or stormwater pipe runs, it could be a sign that tree roots have cracked your pipe and caused leaks that erode the soil around it.

What Are the Damages That Tree Roots Can Cause to Your Pipes and Property

Tree roots in your drain line can cause serious damages to your pipes and property if left untreated. Some of these damages are:

– Cracked or broken pipes: Tree roots can exert pressure on your pipes, causing them to crack or break over time. Cracked or broken pipes can lead to leaks, corrosion, and further blockages.

– Sewage backups: Tree root blockages can prevent sewage from flowing out of your property, causing it to back up into your fixtures or overflow onto your yard. Sewage backups can pose health risks, foul odours, and property damage.

– Flooding: Tree root leaks can cause flooding in your basement, crawl space, or yard. Flooding can damage your foundation, walls, floors, furniture, appliances, and electrical systems.

– Increased water bills: Tree root leaks can cause water loss from your pipes, resulting in higher water bills. You may also need to use more water to flush out the blockages caused by tree roots.

What Are the Solutions to Clear and Prevent Tree Roots from Blocking Your Drains

There are several solutions to clear and prevent tree roots from blocking your drains. Some of these solutions are:

– High-pressure drain cleaners: High-pressure drain cleaners use jets of water at high pressure to cut through tree roots and clear blockages in your pipes. High-pressure drain cleaners are effective for removing small to medium-sized root masses without damaging your pipes.

– Root cutters: Root cutters are mechanical devices that attach to a drain snake or a hydro jetter and use blades or saws to cut through tree roots and clear blockages in your pipes. Root cutters are effective for removing large and dense root masses that high-pressure drain cleaners cannot handle.

– Chemical root killers: Chemical root killers are products that contain herbicides that kill tree roots on contact. Chemical root killers are poured into the drain line or applied directly to the roots using a foam applicator. Chemical root killers are effective for preventing tree roots from regrowing in your pipes, but they may also harm the environment and other plants.

– Pipe relining: Pipe relining is a process that involves inserting a new pipe inside your existing pipe, creating a seamless and durable lining that seals any cracks or openings. Pipe relining is effective for repairing damaged pipes and preventing tree roots from entering your pipes again.

– Pipe replacement: Pipe replacement is a process that involves digging up and replacing your old pipe with a new one. Pipe replacement is effective for removing all tree roots and blockages from your pipe and installing a more resistant pipe material. However, pipe replacement is also the most invasive and expensive solution.

Why You Should Call a Licensed and Insured Emergency Plumber

Tree roots in your drain line are a serious problem that requires professional help. Trying to clear or prevent tree roots from blocking your drains by yourself can be dangerous, ineffective, or illegal. You may end up damaging your pipes and injuring yourself.

That’s why you should call a licensed and insured emergency plumber like Get Unblocked to help you solve the issue. Get Unblocked is a trusted and reliable plumbing company that offers 24/7 service, fast response, affordable prices, and quality workmanship.

Get Unblocked has the experience, equipment, and expertise to handle any tree root problem in your drain line. Whether you need a CCTV camera inspection, a high-pressure drain cleaner, a root cutter, a chemical root killer, a pipe relining, or a pipe replacement, www.getunblocked.com.au can do it for you.

Don’t let tree roots ruin your drains and your property. Call www.getunblocked.com.au today and get your drains unblocked fast!