How to Clear Tree Roots from Drains

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Lex Luthor and Superman. Bart Simpson and Krusty the Clown. Cinderella and her Evil Stepmother. All well-known enemies that rarely, if ever, play nicely with each other. Also in this illustrious group are tree roots and plumbing systems. Drain pipes and sewer drains alike often succumb to tree root damage, causing blocked drain pipes and water flow issues. This is why knowing how to clear tree roots from drains is so important.

Thankfully there are ways to go about destroying tree roots and preventing intrusion, from DIY copper sulphate to professional pipe relining. Eradicating all the roots ASAP is the best way to get your drain pipes flowing freely and your home free of hassles. Let’s find out how.

Why Do Tree Roots Enter Drain Pipes?

Before we look at how to clear tree roots from drains, let’s understand how they actually get there in the first place.

Tree roots penetrate drainage pipes because it’s an easily accessible source of water. They thrive on the nutrients and oxygen flowing through your pipes.

Damp or wet soil around a pipe, especially near clay pipes or older drainage systems, forms the ideal environment for a tree root system to thrive. Even tiny cracks in sewer pipes can release moisture and attract offending tree roots that force their way in and grow over time.

Once in, these roots can grow fast, blockages, restrict water flow and damage the plumbing system. Roots in drains don’t just cause immediate blockages but can cause costly repairs if ignored.

Knowing how to clear tree roots from drains can help prevent burst pipes

Common Signs of Root Blockages

Tree roots in pipes often give you warning signs before they cause big damage. Identifying these signs early can save you from costly repairs and disruption. Look out for:

  • Slow draining water: Tree root blockages can restrict water flow, so your sinks, showers or toilets start to drain slowly.
  • Gurgling noises: Air trapped by roots in your pipes can make strange sounds when water flows.
  • Unpleasant smells: Roots in your drains can trap debris and cause nasty odours to emerge from your plumbing system.
  • Recurring blockages: If you’re getting recurring clogs even after cleaning, it’s likely root intrusion in your sewer lines.

Identifying and getting on top of these signs as soon as possible gives you the best opportunity to deal with root damage before it worsens.

How Ignoring Root Damage Causes Long-Term Problems

Ignoring the need to remove tree roots – whether live or dead roots – from your plumbing system can have severe and costly consequences.

As tree roots grow, they can cause big blockages in your pipes that disrupt the flow of water and waste. Over time this can cause tree root damage like cracks, leaks or even collapsed pipes which are expensive to repair or replace.

Ignore it for too long, and root intrusion can lead to ongoing sewer backups and other health and environmental issues. Damaged pipes will also allow roots to grow deeper into your plumbing system making repairs harder.

The best solution? Regular maintenance and early intervention by a professional plumber are essential to avoiding these escalating problems. They’ll help to keep your sewer system running smoothly and protect your home’s plumbing infrastructure.

Effective DIY Ways to Clear Roots

If you have tree roots in your pipes, there are several DIY ways to tackle the problem before calling a professional. Here are some:

  • Copper Sulphate: Add half a cup of this to your sewer lines to kill roots and stop them from growing.
  • Rock salt: Flush into drains to dehydrate and kill tree roots.
  • Mechanical auger: Use this to cut through roots and clear blockages in existing pipes.
  • Boiling water: It probably won’t work for larger root systems but can soften up smaller blockages in your water lines.

These DIY methods will help with minor root intrusion. If you have persistent problems though, the best course of action to prevent long-term damage will be professional help from a licensed and experienced plumber.

Call a Licensed Plumber to Remove Tree Roots

While the above DIY drain cleaning methods can handle minor root intrusions, severe problems (e.g. severely cracked or collapsed pipes) demand the expertise of a licensed plumber.

As plumbing is a heavily regulated industry, you will need a licensed professional if you require any work that takes place between the sewer main connection points and the pipework in your home. They use advanced tools like CCTV drain cameras and mechanical augers to locate and remove roots effectively.

For stubborn blockages, they may draw on proven methods like hydro jetting or pipe relining. Hydro jetting is a technique that uses highly pressurised water to eradicate intrusive roots, while pipe relining restores damaged pipes with the aid of an epoxy resin-filled liner.

In extreme cases where sewer pipes might be beyond repair, partial or full pipe replacements might be necessary. Professionals can also apply safe chemical treatments to kill and remove tree roots without harming your plumbing system.

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Effective Prevention Methods for Root Intrusion

Preventing root intrusion is key to keeping your plumbing system free from damaged and blocked drains.

  • Make sure you plant trees away from utility lines, sewer pipes and drainage systems.
  • Install root barriers for an added layer of protection that will stop tree roots from getting to your pipes.
  • Replace old clay pipes with more durable materials like PVC to reduce the risk of cracks that roots can get into.
  • Arrange regular inspections with a CCTV camera for early detection of signs of root intrusion.
  • Schedule professional maintenance to keep your plumbing systems in top condition.

These proactive measures will prevent root damage and keep your drains healthy in the long term.

Keep Your Drains Clear and Problem-Free

Knowing how to clear tree roots from drains can certainly feel daunting. With the right approach, though, you can get the problem under control and prevent future issues.

It’s important to your plumbing, and home in general, to get your root intrusion problem under control as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the problem, that might involve DIY methods like copper sulphate or rock salt or professional solutions like hydrojetting or pipe relining.

Regardless of your chosen plan of attack, ignoring the issue will lead to tree root damage, costly repairs and ongoing disruption to your plumbing system.

Preventative measures like careful planting and regular inspections will keep roots at bay and protect your sewer system for years to come. For stubborn blockages or major damage trust a licensed plumber to get your drains working again and protect your home’s plumbing.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “How To Clear Tree Roots from Drains”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.

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