Tree roots might seem innocent enough – but tree roots in pipes can be an absolute disaster. Those roots are great for feeding that tree, but a silent menace when it comes to your plumbing. It starts as a tiny crack, or an ordinary joint, in a pipe – and quickly becomes an open invitation for thirsty and ambitious roots seeking moisture. Before you know it, your pipes, drains or sewer lines can become blocked, damaged – or even completely collapsed and destroyed. If left unchecked, the cost of repairs can spiral out of control.
Have you got roots in pipes? And, if you do, how do you even know? Even more importantly, what on earth do you do about it?
Today’s exclusive blog takes a deep dive into the sneaky signs of root invasions – and what to do next:
Why do tree roots invade pipes?
As we all know, tree roots naturally seek out water and nutrients to grow. But here’s the bad news – your underground plumbing lines are like an all-you-can-drink buffet! Even the smallest cracks, loose joints, or worn-out seals release tiny bits of moisture that roots can detect. Once they find a way in, they’ll continue to grow – filling the pipe, causing blockages, and eventually leading to serious damage.
While roots invading pipes might sound like something out of a nightmare, early detection can save you time, money, and hassle.
6 tell-tale signs of tree roots in your plumbing
Do you suspect roots in pipes or drains – but you’re not 100% sure? Well, never, EVER, ignore these warning signs. Because the sooner you act, the easier (and cheaper!) the solution will be.
1. Slow draining water
If your sinks, showers, or bathtubs are draining more slowly than usual, it could mean tree roots in drains are partially blocking the flow. Slow drainage that persists after doing basic drain unblocking tricks often indicates a deeper problem further down the line.
2. Gurgling sounds
Strange gurgling or bubbling noises coming from your drains or toilet could mean air is trapped in the pipes due to roots restricting water flow. This is one of the most common symptoms of tree roots in sewer line systems.
3. Frequent clogs & backups
Recurring blockages, especially in multiple drains around the house, can certainly indicate that root invasions are afoot. If water backs up into the shower when you flush the toilet, or if toilets overflow or won’t flush for no clear reason, there could be roots in sewer pipes creating problematic obstructions.
4. Lush green patches in the garden
Tree roots that have breached your plumbing lines can then leak water and nutrients into the surrounding soil. Are you noticing unusually green, lush patches of grass or plant growth in specific areas of your yard? This could indicate a leak caused by roots in drain pipe systems.
5. Bad smells
A foul odour – especially around drains, toilets, or in the garden – is another symptom of tree roots in sewer line systems. As those roots block sewage flow, waste can stagnate and emit strong (and particularly unpleasant) smells.
6. Sinkholes or soft spots in the garden
If tree roots in pipes cause a severe leak or collapse, the soil above can erode – resulting in soft patches, dips, or even sinkholes in your yard. This is a serious problem that requires immediate attention.
What to do about tree roots in your pipes
Once you suspect that it’s tree roots causing your plumbing headache, it’s important to take the right steps – and fast! Here’s how to address the issue, from quick fixes to professional solutions.
1. Inspect your plumbing with CCTV drain cameras
The first step in dealing with tree roots in drains is to confirm that it’s actually happening. Professional plumbers use CCTV drain cameras to visually inspect the inside of your pipes. This technology identifies where roots are invading and assesses the extent of the problem.
2. Clear the blockage with drain snakes or hydro jetting
To remove root blockages, plumbers often use two main methods:
- Drain snakes: These mechanical augers break apart roots, clearing partial blockages.
- Hydro jetting: A high-pressure water jet blasts through roots in sewer pipes or drains, removing roots and debris while cleaning pipe walls.
But remember – hydro-jetting may be highly effective but it requires professional handling to avoid damaging older pipes.
3. Use chemical root killers
If you’re wondering how to kill tree roots in pipes, chemical root treatments can be a temporary solution. These solutions contain herbicides that stop roots from growing further without damaging the tree itself.
- Products containing copper sulphate or foaming root killers are popular options
- For homeowners asking what dissolves tree roots in sewer lines, these products can help clear small roots but are not a permanent fix.
Remember, always use chemical solutions carefully, as improper use can harm your pipes or surrounding vegetation.
4. Repair or replace damaged pipes
If the roots have caused significant pipe damage, the next step is repair or replacement. Solutions include:
- Pipe relining: A non-invasive method where a resin lining is installed inside the damaged pipe, sealing cracks and preventing root intrusion.
- Pipe repairs and replacement: For severely damaged pipes, excavation, repairs, or replacement may be necessary.
The modern pipe materials that are used are specifically designed to resist root penetration, making this a long-term solution.
5. Prevent future root problems
Once the current root issue is resolved, the keyword after that is – PREVENTION.
- Plant trees and shrubs away from plumbing lines
- Use root barriers to prevent roots from growing near pipes
- Schedule regular inspections to catch issues early.
When to call a plumber
While minor clogs can be managed with basic tools, serious tree root invasions almost always require professional intervention. Here’s when you need to call in a plumber for blocked drains:
- You notice multiple symptoms like slow drains, bad smells, or gurgling sounds
- DIY fixes like plunging or chemicals have failed
- You suspect a blocked sewage drain outside the house is causing backups
- Structural damage, such as soft spots or sinkholes, appears in your yard.
Here at S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting, we absolutely specialise in diagnosing and resolving roots in pipes efficiently, and affordably. With advanced drain clearing tools like CCTV drain cameras, hydro jetting, pipe relining technology, and so much more, we can eliminate the issue and help prevent it from happening again in the future.
The smartest solution for tree root headaches
Tree roots invading your household plumbing can be a serious problem – but catching the signs early can save you time, a lot of disruption, and an even bigger amount of money! Are you noticing:
- Slow drains
- Bad smells
- Lush patches in your garden?
Don’t wait for a little problem to escalate into a massive one. From inspections and root removal to pipe repairs and beyond, the friendly team right here at S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting in Brisbane has the expertise and passion to restore your plumbing system to perfect working order.
Want to get professional help, chat some more about potential solutions, or schedule an inspection and solution today? Give our happy team a shout today.