Best ways to clear drains blocked by tree roots

If you are experiencing recurring blocked drain issues it could be that you have tree roots entering your pipes outside your home. While strong pipes, especially PVC piping, will be able to keep tree roots out, your underground pipes can be exposed to tree roots if they are damaged, worn or leaking. Older clay pipes are especially susceptible to softening and damage.

It’s important to get the help of an experienced pipe specialist if you have concerns about blocked drains or notice that you are using excess water on your property.

Why do tree roots block sewers?

Trees send out tiny, thin roots to look for water and help them grow. These roots are fine enough to slip through hairline cracks in pipes where they can access water and nutrients easily. Once inside they can thicken and grow creating a larger hole for more roots to enter. In a matter of months your pipes can be completely blocked, damaged or crushed as more and more stringy thirsty roots dip into the water supply.

Signs of roots in drain pipes

Early tree root intrusion is likely to go unnoticed, as the congestion progresses you will see signs that indicate you have a blockage. If you have tried home remedies for internal drain clearing and still have an issue, it’s important to call a professional for assistance as they can pinpoint the trouble spot and offer solutions.

Signs you may have roots inside your sewage drains include:

• Foul odours around your drains

• Slow draining or gurgling drains

• Toilet backing up frequently

• Sinkholes appearing outside

• A tree that grows rapidly

DIY solutions

As well as stopping existing tree roots from invading further, these DIY remedies also work as a preventative method to deter trees from entering your pipelines, to stop any damage before it gets started.

Copper Sulphate

Garden supply stores will stock copper sulphate as it is a natural and safe herbicide and will kill off roots in your pipelines while not harming the tree. Just note that this solution is not suitable for septic style tanks. Simply pour 1 to 2 cups of the blue cycles into your toilet and flush. They will make their way to the tree roots and kill them off.

Salt

Sodium Chloride can be purchased as rock salt from hardware stores as well as your supermarket. Suitable for all toilet types the salt will deter young roots as well as rot them off the tree, leaving your pipes clear. Dissolve a kilo or so in a large bucket of water and tip into your toilet. Your plumbing will be able to give you instructions for how to go about DIY treatments if you are unsure of your blockage location.

Professional methods

Because every drain and blockage is different you’ll need an assessment to really know what’s going on. For professional advice on clearing tree roots, contact a plumber who will be able to offer you more information on your blockage using cameras to pinpoint the congressional points. From there they can clean the pipes using any number of specialised equipment that can include:

Cutting roots mechanically

Suitable for most types of pipes and tree blockages a mechanical auger will saw through any root congestion.

High pressure jets

Hydro Jetting is more expensive but fast and efficient. It usually involves some chemical treatment as well to help soften larger roots and slice through them with a powerful pressure blast of water.

Repair or replacement

If your pipes are damaged but not broken you can have a professional plumber reline them with fast acting and strong resin lining that will keep tree roots out and stop leaks. If your pipes are too badly damaged you will need to have your pipes dug up and completely replaced with new PCV.

Even if your DIY salt treatment is successful it won’t repair broken or leaking pipes so you can expect more tree roots to search again in a few months time so you’ll need to notify a plumber and book a time for them to assess your pipes.

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