Tree roots are remarkably persistent. While they’re a sign of a healthy landscape above ground, they can quietly wreak havoc beneath the surface, especially when they find their way into your drainage system.
For property owners, tree root ingress is a hidden menace that can lead to costly repairs, recurring blockages, and serious disruption if they’re not handled professionally. Here we’ll explore how roots get into drains, how to spot the signs early, and how professionals like the team at Grey-Water Drainage Solutions remove roots safely and efficiently.
Why Do Tree Roots Invade Drain Systems?
Drain pipes have, by design, allowed for the perfect environment for roots to thrive due to moisture, nutrients, and warmth. Tiny hair-like roots naturally seek out water and can penetrate even the smallest cracks or joints in a pipe. Once inside, they grow rapidly, forming dense root balls that restrict or completely block the flow of water.
Over time, this not only causes blockages and backups but can damage the structural integrity of the drainage system itself, which can further affect the property. The solution of clearing roots from drains may seem simple enough, but first you need to establish what’s going on in there.
How to Spot Early Signs of Root Ingress
Detecting root ingress in the early stages can save time, money, and disruption. Here are some common indicators you might find:
- Slow-draining water (even after traditional methods of unblocking have been tried)
- Gurgling noises from pipes
- Rank odours from drain outlets
- Lush patches of grass over underground pipework (an indication of excess moisture)
If you find any of these signs around your property, consider contacting a drainage professional.
DIY or Professional Root Removal?
DIY Methods: A Temporary Fix
Homeowners may be tempted to use chemical root dissolvers; these are products designed to kill and shrink roots inside drain pipes. While these can be part of a longer-term maintenance plan, they’re not a standalone solution.
Chemical treatments tend to be more effective after the mechanical removal of roots, preventing regrowth but without clearing a pipe that’s already blocked. Without the proper equipment to inspect the inside of a drain system, you won’t really know if the problem has been solved, nor what the extent of the damage was in the first place.
Professional Methods: Efficient, Long-Term Solutions
At Grey-Water, we use a combination of mechanical and chemical techniques when ascertaining how to remove tree roots from drains to prevent any return.
Drain Surveys: Drain CCTV surveys using specialised cameras will be conducted first in order to identify the location and extent of the root intrusion, if indeed this is the cause of your drain problems. This informs the next steps for targeted, effective action.
Jetting: With a high-powered stream of water, we jet clean drains to break up and flush away bulky masses that have lodged in the pipes. Not only is this fast and efficient, it’s non-invasive, making it he preferred solution off the bat.
Drain Relining: If roots have torn through the pipe structure, a trenchless repair can be carried out. We use drain pipe relining to fit drains with a durable resin sleeve that inserts through the existing drain and then expands, sealing cracks and preventing roots from re-entering, all without needing to dig up your property.
Excavation: In some, severe cases – and particularly where the damage is extensive, or old materials have collapsed – excavation for drainage may be necessary to replace the affected sections of pipework.
Chemical Root Treatment: After mechanical removal, we would use a root-killing agent to halt further growth. When this is used in combination with a regular drainage maintenance plan, this step can be crucial in preventing reoccurrence.
Why is Ongoing Maintenance Important for Drains?
Tree roots don’t give up without a fight, which is why – even after professional intervention – it’s important to stay on top of the health of your drain system. Regular inspections and follow-up treatments are the best defence against future ingress.
Why wait for the blockage to return? If you suspect your drains are being affected by tree roots, act quick! Left unchecked, the problem will only get worse and costlier. At Grey-Water Drainage Solutions, our team combines reliable, powerful equipment and years of industry experience to deal with root ingress and deliver the best drain tree root remover service. If your drains need professional intervention, call us now.
