Tree Roots Blocking Drains: Understanding the Issue

Tree roots often find their way into sewer and drainage systems, searching for food and water, which leads to tree roots blocking drains. Should you neglect to address this immediately, this normal tendency can lead to major plumbing problems, including foul smells, clogged drains, and even significant pipe damage. More enormous trees make their roots challenging to see and deep into the ground. Those living close to trees must be aware of the possible risks they create.

Signs of Tree Roots in Drains

Knowing if tree roots are stopping your drains is essential for quickly fixing the problem. Some common signs of tree roots blocking drains are:

Slow-Draining Fixtures

This can make water pool in your lines and is often a sign of bigger plumbing issues to come. When people use the drain in their homes, they should notice if the speed changes. Even a small delay can mean the problem is getting worse.

Gurgling Noises

If your sinks make strange sounds like gurgling or bubbling, it could be because roots are blocking the flow of water. This sound is made when water is trying hard to get through the blockage. If you hear these sounds often, you should look into it further because they could mean a big blockage that gets worse over time.

Foul Odours

It's possible that there is a big blockage if your drains or plumbing system leaks. Bad smells can spread through your home when water pools and organic matter breaks down. It's important to fix any smells that remind you of sewage or must right away to avoid the health risks that come with them.

Wet Spots in the Yard

Roots can damage lines and make them leak, leaving your yard with strangely wet spots. Things might be wrong with the lines if you see spots of grass that are greener and thicker than the rest. Water pools in your yard after it rains could also mean that tree roots are blocking your drainage system.

DIY Methods to Remove Tree Roots from Drains

For serious blockages, you should usually get professional help, but there are some things that homeowners can do on their own to fix minor root intrusions. It's important to keep in mind, though, that these solutions might not last, so they should only use them with care:

Rock Salt

Pouring rock salt and water down the drain can dry out the roots and kill them. This method is simple and doesn't cost much, but be careful because if you use it for a long time, metal lines may rust, which can make things worse. For this method to work, you should pour about a cup of rock salt mixed with a gallon of hot water down the drain. Every few months, do this repeatedly to keep the roots from returning.

Copper Sulphate

If you flush copper sulphate down the toilet over time, it can kill the roots, causing clogs. This method can hurt the good germs in your septic system, so don't use it too often. After putting a few tablespoons of copper sulphate, just flush the toilet to use it. It is important to check back every so often to make sure the roots are taking less damage.

Foaming Root Killers

These kinder choices are made to stop root growth without hurting pipes. They might work to keep roots from returning to the pipes after a professional removes them. Root killers that foam up in the pipes cover the walls and kill roots while still letting water flow easily. For the best results, follow the directions on how often to use it and how much to take.

Plumbing Snake

This tool can help you clear out small clogs if you know how to use it. An auger, which is sometimes called a "plumbing snake," can get deep into lines to get rid of roots and other junk. Simply insert the pipe snake's end into the sink and turn the handle to make room. When pipes are old or made of materials that break quickly, they can break if they are not used correctly.

However, these do-it-yourself methods may fix small issues but not the real problem, especially if the roots have significantly damaged your lines.

Cost of Tree Root Removal Compared to Other Plumbing Issues

Tree roots can be addressed in drains in several ways, each of which will cost a different price. Having a specialist remove roots runs from $150 to $500.

Extent of the Blockage

More giant blocks that need a lot of work will cost more. Roots that have grown deep into the pipes or roots that have spread to more than one place will increase the cost.

Method of Removal

As for prices, they change for different methods like hydro jetting and mechanical root cutting. Because of the tools and skill needed, hydro jetting is usually more expensive.

Simple plumbing problems like a non-running sink or toilet cost between $100 and $300. Ignoring tree root issues could cause them to worsen and ultimately cost more to repair. If you act quickly to address tree root issues, you may save a lot of money over time when compared to waiting to address them.

Types of Pipes Most Susceptible to Tree Roots Blocking Drains

Homeowners should be aware of their plumbing materials since some kinds of pipes are more prone to root infiltration.

Clay Pipes

Common in older homes, these pipes are often targeted for tree roots since they can gradually develop tiny breaks. Because clay is permeable, roots can pass through and flourish inside the pipe, causing major obstructions and perhaps pipe collapse.

Cast Iron Pipes

Although cast iron is more robust, it can develop cracks that let roots in. Rust and degradation over time can cause weak areas in the piping system that would let root intrusion through. Regular inspections help homeowners with cast iron plumbing to find any wear before it causes major problems.

PVC Pipes

Though less prone to root penetration, incorrectly placed or broken PVC pipes can also be compromised by roots. Roots can find their path in improperly sealed joints between PVC pipes. Frequent maintenance and inspections will assist find any possible weaknesses in your plumbing system.

Knowing the kind of pipes in your house will enable you to decide on appropriate remedies and implement preventative actions should you find problems with tree roots.

Removing Tree Roots from Drains

Clearing tree roots from clogged drains requires plumbers to remove roots and restore drainage carefully using specialist methods. Some of the most often used techniques consist of:

Chemical Treatments

These treatments are meant to poison and kill the roots without damaging the surrounding flora or soil. Although efficient, for total eradication they could need repeated applications. Select a product that is safe for your plumbing system and closely follow manufacturer directions.

High-Pressure Hydro Jetting

This approach blasts trash and blockages—including tree roots—using high-pressure water jets. Highly successful and able to remove even the toughest clogs is hydro jetting. This method eliminates roots and cleans the pipe walls, avoiding possible problems.

Mechanical Root Cutting

This calls for physically removing the troublesome roots using specialist instruments. When there are severe obstructions where roots have seriously compromised the pipes, this approach is quite helpful. To break off and remove the roots from the pipes, a plumber might employ an auger or root cutter.

Severe situations may call for either replacement or repairing portions of damaged pipe to stop blockages. To decide the most suitable line of action for your particular circumstances, always speak with a qualified plumber.

Preventing Tree Root Intrusion

It's better to prevent the trouble and cost of tree roots obstructing drains by acting early.

Plant Trees Wisely

To lower the likelihood of root incursion, make sure trees are positioned at least 10 feet apart from buried pipelines. Plant considering the tree's mature size and root system to prevent future problems.

Here are some tree species you may want to check out:

1. Pincushion Hakea (Hakea laurina)

2. Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora)

3. Knife-leaf Wattle (Acacia cultriformis)

4. Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

5. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)

6. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

7. Olive Tree (Olea europaea)

8. Black She-oak (Allocasuarina littoralis)

9. Sydney Red Gum (Angophora costata)

Choose Non-Invasive Species

Choose tree species whose less aggressive root systems are less likely to compromise plumbing. Making wise decisions might come from knowing about local plants and speaking with a landscaping expert.

Schedule Regular Inspections

Frequent drain inspections and maintenance might assist you spot any problems before they become major ones. Think about planning yearly plumbing inspections, particularly if trees surround you.

Consult an Arborist

If trees near your plumbing call for careful management of tree roots to avoid future problems, you might want to speak with an arborist. An arborist may suggest techniques to reduce root incursion and offer recommendations on tree care.

What if I need to avail services for tree roots blocking drains?

You have to act fast if tree roots are clogging your drains. All Needs Plumbing provides 24/7 same-day service and a $0 call-out fee to handle your plumbing crises. Our staff of seasoned experts is committed to quickly and successfully fixing your plumbing problems. Additionally available is a 15% seniors' discount and $150 off hot water systems. Don't let tree roots ruin your house. Call us now to have your drains free once again!