Top Signs of Tree Roots in your pipes

Beyond the practical advantages they bring, most people would agree that having multiple trees surrounding your home enhances the aesthetic of the property. This can unfortunately be problematic and lead to issues more complex than fallen leaves all over your lawn…

Tree roots can break through the piping and effectively start growing within them, causing severe damage to your plumbing and sewer lines. Pesky roots can cause an obstruction of water flow, reduce pressure and undermine the entire plumbing infrastructure. 

The inside of plumbing pipes create the ideal environment for tree roots. The atmosphere is damp and there are plenty of minerals present - especially in sewerage pipes. Tree roots are more inclined to seek out pipes during Spring or Summer, as they require more water than they're receiving naturally from rainfall. 

This is why it’s paramount to identify problems early so you can take preventative action and protect your pipes. Read on for our top signs that you should be looking out for! 

Like a snail…

The first and primary sign of tree roots invasion or sewer pipes is slow, emptying drains - which may be apparent in various locations. For instance, a toilet that takes long to drain after flushing or makes a gurgling noise can indicate tree root obstruction. Similarly, you could be experiencing slow draining sinks in your kitchen or bathroom. 

Before jumping to conclusions however, tree roots aren’t the only cause of clogged sewers so it’s important to engage the services of a licensed plumber to perform a CCTV inspection of the sewage pipes, and identify the root of the problem - pardon the pun. 

Regularly blocked toilets 

If a tree’s root system has invaded your home, there will be regular occurrences of your toilet backing up. When tree roots infiltrate the sewer pipes, they can act as a magnet for other items like toilet paper and wet-wipes, exacerbating the blockage. Without professional help, this issue cannot be resolved and the debris will continue to accumulate until the root system will become deeper. 

The grass is greener

Another tell-tale sign that tree roots have entered your plumbing pipes is spotting random green patches on your lawn. If certain areas of the lawn are thriving for no specific reason, it could be due to cracked plumbing pipes. This is because trees and grass can grow quicker and lusher when they have direct access to extra nutrients - which in this case, is being provided by a cracked or collapsed pipe. 

Something smells

Invading tree roots can damage the sewer line, leading to a foul odour within and outside your home. Although seemingly obvious, this is a top sign you should be looking out for! (or smelling for ;)) 

If it’s severe, there’ll be sinkholes 

In severe cases of tree root intrusion, you may notice sinkholes around your lawns.

Why and how does this happen? 

Tree roots can grow until the entire length of pipe is blocked. Once the pipes are too full, the tree roots can crack the pipes allowing water to leak out into the surrounding soil. Over time these leaks can erode the soil surrounding the pipes, resulting in soft spots that prompt the soil to cave in. 

In some regions, sinkholes are quite common and thus, wouldn't be a call for concern. If they aren’t however, they could be an indication of damage caused by tree root incursion. If you do notice the formation of a sinkhole in the lawn, the first thing you should do is call a contractor and let them inspect the site. 

 

WHAT TO DO ABOUT TREE ROOTS IN THE DRAIN PIPES

A CCTV inspection is the fastest and least invasive method of determining the cause of your plumbing problems. If there are in fact tree roots in the pipes, a pipe inspection will provide video evidence of this. It will also show the extent of the invasion and any damage that has been caused.

As mentioned earlier, minor tree root intrusion can be successfully treated with jet blasting. It’s not a permanent solution and you will need to book an annual drain cleaning service to keep the tree roots out. For major tree root intrusion that has damaged your pipes you can either get the pipes relined or have them excavated and replaced. The right course of action will depend on the job at hand.

If you would like more information on how to deal with tree roots, or you would like to book a CCTV plumbing inspection call JAB Plumbing Solutions on 1800 225 552.